Title One Parent Involvement Policy

2009-2010

Northwest Elementary School

Parent involvement is an essential element of the school environment at Northwest Elementary. Our school acknowledges that parents are a child’s first teacher and realizes the importance of parent involvement in a child’s educational experience. The school’s staff and parents are integral in setting a positive climate for parent involvement within the school. Northwest Elementary School understands that family friendly schools and positive classroom environments invite parent involvement. A family friendly school contributes to effective communication through building relationships, engagement in learning and parental leadership. We will actively engage our parents in decision making on a continuous basis. Parents are invited to attend our Annual Title I Meeting which is designed to inform parents of the programs and activities of the school’s Title I project. District and school personnel will review the rights and responsibilities of parents in the education of their child. Parents will be given the opportunity to offer comments and suggestions to help our school be more effective. Parents are encouraged to network and share experiences. Parent comments and suggestions are integral in developing the parent policy and parent compact at Northwest Elementary. Parents may offer suggestions or comments to any member of the school team.

Parents will be notified about scheduled parent meetings to be held at Northwest Elementary. Title I funds may be used, if needed, to cover the cost of parenting activities and assist parents that may need special assistance to attend. The local Channel 15 television station will also list meetings for parents. The monthly school newsletter and weekly teacher newsletter will be used to further update parents on school activities. Parents are encouraged to volunteer in their child’s classroom or at other school functions. Parents are encouraged to participate on the School Improvement Committee, PTO, Title One School Wide Plan Team or other school committees. The School Wide Plan is developed with parental input. Parents are invited to meet monthly and other times during the year to provide assistance, monitor and evaluate the School Wide Plan. Parent surveys are also used by our School Improvement Council giving every parent an opportunity to be heard. A Parent Resource Room or Area is provided with a variety of resources on school information, along with learning and family publications are available for parents to select as needed. Parents will be provided information about Adult Education classes and other learning opportunities in the community. Families are encouraged to participate in Family Literacy opportunities at the school or in the community. Parents can also find information on the school web-site. The District Parent Coordinator will be available to assist parents. The school marquee will display information concerning the school and the “Alert Now” telephone system will be used to relay information to families.

Information regarding school performance and performance evaluations will be disseminated to parents. Other information will be furnished upon request. Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled during each semester at various times of the day and evening. Parents are also strongly encouraged to make appointments with teachers in order to discuss the progress of their child. School and district personnel make home visits as necessary to encourage parent involvement and disseminate information.

Individual student performance reports will be explained and given to parents at the first of two parent conferences. Information may be given in the language a parent understands or an interpreter may be provided when possible. Proficiency levels that the child is expected to meet will be discussed at that time. State standards, MAP scores and other student assessment will be shared with parents. Arrangements for further assistance for your child will be granted as needed. If a parent is unable to attend the meeting, other attempts will be made to re-schedule the meeting. Individual student reports will be sent home with your child if a parent meeting is not scheduled. Plans are developed for all students needing extra assistance based on achievement test scores. Parents will be informed of parent trainings to target specific areas of need as requested.

Developed by parents 9/09