Ideas From the Field: Family Nights

Small and Rural – 80 students K-12 STEM focused K-12 school GEAR-UP Culture K-12 (K-6 district supported) Embedded GEAR-UP curriculum & mandatory classes Impoverished – 100% free & reduced Stable and caring staff and school board 100% GEAR-UP “buy in” from all parties The school is “the only game in town” Highly collaborative “risk taking” culture Safe, fun, and caring environment for all

Four scheduled Family Nights per year Published on master school calendar & newsletter Phone Message reminders Always scheduled on Wednesday evenings 1 st Open House & Advisory Meeting #1 - second week of school (September 2, 2015) 2 nd Fall Conferences –second week of October (October 7, 2015) 3 rd FAFSA Night & Advisory Meeting #2– third week of January (January 20, 2016) 4 th Spring Conferences – first week of March (March 2, 2016)

For all K-12 families & community members Dinner provided for all Short GEAR-UP Orientation program Non-GEAR-UP costs covered by the district Stress the GEAR-UP goals & objectives “Get them early and cover it a lot” K-12 concept Vendors & Activities

Student lead parent/teacher conference Arena style conferences (gym) For all K-12 families & community members Dinner provided for all Short GEAR-UP Orientation program Non-GEAR-UP costs covered by the district Stress the GEAR-UP goals & objectives Vendors & Activities

For all 7-12 students & families Dinner provided for all Short GEAR-UP Orientation program Stress the GEAR-UP goals & objectives Three different work sessions 7 th & 8 th grades College Bound 9 th & 11 th grades FASFA predictor 12 th grade FASFA

Student lead parent/teacher conference Arena style conferences (gym) For all K-12 families & community members Dinner provided for all Short GEAR-UP Orientation program Non-GEAR-UP costs covered by the district Stress the GEAR-UP goals & objectives Vendors & Activities

Community Post Secondary Education Sign-Up Wall STEM K-12 Student Demonstrations: Entomology, Robotics VEX/LEGOS, 3-D Printing, Wind Turbines, Drones, Etc. Student Art Work & Student Projects Community Groups – PTO, Booster Club, Etc. Youth Groups – Girls Scouts, Little League, Etc. All Military Services Various County Services – Sheriffs, Health, PUD, & Officials Community Colleges & Universities Vocational Trade Schools Raffles & Prizes – one ticket per person per station

33 of students have participated in 20 or more GEAR-UP activities this year (2 new students) Average between 80% - 90% student and parent attendance at Family Night events. Food menu makes a difference….surveys K-12 focus students and parents already GEAR-UP goals and objectives prior to 7 th grade. Complete program support from all staff cert. & class. Better awareness of program in the community Large community turn out for events