Family Friendly Schools Presented by Margaret Shandorf Federal and State Programs

What does the research say? Family involvement helps student achievement Trust and strong relationships build strong family involvement Partnerships will look different at each school

Engagement When school staff engage in caring and trustful relationships with families, the families are more apt to participate in their children’s educational development. Research noted from (Karen Mapp, 2002, “A New Wave of Evidence”)

Relationships Think of a time when you had a positive interaction with someone at a school center. What made the interaction positive? What did it feel like?

Forming Family Friendly Schools Provide a safe physical environment that is accessible and welcoming. Beautiful campus Handicap accessible Clean interior and exterior of buildings Office comfortable and inviting Colorful signs posted in various languages for welcome and directions to buildings

Forming Family Friendly Schools School Climate should be positive and inviting to all parents Visitors are welcomed in office Translators are provided to have effective communication Staff members attend parent events and engage with parents Resource materials are provided in resource room in various languages Written communication is provided to parents in a language they understand School provides trainings to parents and translators are available for translation of information School pride is reflected in the school celebrating diversity Parents are directed to department websites where materials such as activities in literacy, math, science and FCAT are written in a language the parent can understand

Forming Family Friendly Schools Parents and school have continuous two-way communication Parent-teacher conferences are held with translators to provide translation Communication is sent home in a language the parent understands and edline are means to communicate immediately with parents Parents receive student progress in a timely fashion in a language they understand

Forming Family Friendly Schools The school welcomes parents as decision makers, advocates, and supporters of all children School staff uses a variety of ways to recruit all parents School events and activities are scheduled at flexible times Parents are asked to volunteer at school and participate in school activities Parents receive information and strategies to assist their child at home in a language they understand The school utilizes parent liaisons, and school support staff to help make connections with families Parents are part of the decision making process at their school in the areas of policy, curriculum, budget, school reform, and safety Parents are encouraged to take on leadership roles on school based and district committees such as Parent Leadership Council and Title I District Advisory Council The school welcomes community volunteers as mentors to promote student achievement.

How Do We Measure Up? Consider all the factors that you have seen that help formulate a Family Friendly School. How does your school measure up? What can you do to help ensure success in forming a Family Friendly School?

Contact For More Information Contact: Margaret Shandorf, NCLB/Federal Grants Telephone (561) or PX 43843