Sometimes Education can look like this!!
Marcellus Community Schools Parent Involvement Policy
The Marcellus Community Schools Board recognizes that parental involvement is key to academic achievement. The term “parent” refers to any caregiver/guardian who assumes responsibility for nurturing and caring for their children. When parents are involved in their children's education, the attitudes, behaviors, and achievement of students are positively enhanced.
Parents and families provide the primary educational environment for children; consequently, parents are vital and necessary partners with the educational communities throughout their children's school career. Although parents come to the schools with diverse cultural backgrounds, and needs, universally all parents want what is best for their children. Marcellus Community Schools, in collaboration with parents, teachers, students, and administrators, shall develop and promote strategies that enhance parental involvement and reflect the needs of students, parents and families.
In order to enhance parental involvement, six essential elements shall be promoted:
1. Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful: Effective communication requires school-initiated contact with the parent and parent-initiated contact with the school where both parties provide communicate effectively, both parties must be aware of and address issues such as cultural diversity, language differences and special needs. Appropriate steps shall be taken to allow clear communication between participants.
2. Responsible parenting is promoted and supported: The family plays a key role in a child's educational environment. School personnel and program staff shall support positive parenting by respecting and affirming the strengths and skills needed by parents to fulfill their role. Parents shall be linked to programs and resources within the community that provide needed support services.
3. Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning: Student achievement increases when parents are actively involved in the learning process. Schools shall therefore provide opportunities for parents to learn effective ways to support their child's educational needs including information about how parents can support student behaviors such as punctuality and regular attendance that are closely tied to student success in school.
4. Parents are welcomed as volunteers in schools: Parent volunteers are essential for advancing student achievement. Therefore, parents shall be welcome and invited to volunteer at all educational levels. Volunteer opportunities shall capitalize on the expertise, interests and skills of the parents, and have a direct connection to school and district goals.
5. Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect their children and families: Parents and educators have a mutual responsibility to make informed decisions related to all aspects of the education provided to our students. Schools shall actively enlist parent participation in decision-making. Further, efforts shall be made to recruit and support participation by parents representing diverse student groups such as: special needs, gifted and talented, and homeless. The role of parents in decision-making shall be continually evaluated, refined, and expanded at the district and school levels.
6. Parents, school and community collaborate in order to enhance student learning, strengthen families and improve schools: Parents, educators and community members will work together in order to promote and effectively increase educational opportunities for children. When schools and communities form partnerships, both make gains that outpace what either entity could accomplish on its own. Providing all students with equal access to quality education is a primary goal. It is vital that all partners (parents, educators, businesses and communities) have the opportunity to provide input and offer resources to meet this goal. Developing cooperative efforts and providing access to resources will ensure improved academic achievement for all students, as well as quality schools.
