Jennifer Martin

Mission Statement Our mission is to increase parental and community involvement in the education of students. This will promote the cognitive, social, physical and emotional well- being of all students. This will also help unite us in our diverse and global community and classroom.

Start of the Year Meet the parents right away, Institute a Meet and Greet Program in your school. This can include: General information nights Welcome events for new parents Provide parents with opportunities to get involved Career Day Read to class Participate in Arts and Crafts Come to see child perform PTA Make yourself available Be sure to give parents your contact information: phone and Encourage them to contact you if they have any questions or needs

Parent Teacher Communication Parent Conferences - Respect the fact that not everyone follows the same traditional schedule Be available in evenings if needed Have a translator available Provide child care Tell of upcoming volunteer opportunities A weekly newsletter Details on the week’s upcoming lesson plans School related events Extension activities parents can do with their children. Provide a place where parents can send feedback or ask questions

Everyday Actions Always: Say “Hello” and greet parents when they drop off and pick up their child Invite them into the classroom Introduce them to other parents or teachers Have a welcoming, safe, stimulating environment Never: Avoid or Ignore parents Sling insults or incite an argument Participate in gossip

Monthly Actions Opportunities for Parents educational development Adult literacy programs Science and math workshops Informal progress reports Keeps parents up to date on students progress Can help with an early intervention to any problems “Breakfast with Buddies” Monthly breakfast social in your classroom Display student’s artwork Put out sign-ups for upcoming volunteer opportunities

Additional Actions Parent Contact List – take every opportunity to collect contact information, so that you can send reminders and updates. Class Website – this would be a great way to really let parents see what their child is learning at school. It is also a great tool that parents can use while helping their kids with homework. Kids can use this to pull their parents into the classroom at home by showing off projects that are posted. Know your community – be able to provide parents with a list of community resources or direct them to a person or agency that can help them.

Educators, parents and the community can accomplish great things when we all work together. “Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results”- Andrew Carnegie

Resources