Parent and Family Engagement Policy

GENERAL EXPECTATIONS

East Midvale Elementary is committed to implementing the following requirements:

• Parental Involvement Policy: Collaboratively develop and distribute a Parental Involvement Policy to parents of participating children, ensuring understanding and agreement.
• Notification: Inform parents about the Parental Involvement Policy in a clear, uniform format and, where possible, in the parents’ preferred language.
• Community Accessibility: Make the Parent Engagement Policy available to the local community.
• Periodic Updates: Regularly update the Parent Engagement Policy to address the evolving needs of parents and the school.
• School-Parent Compact: Adopt a school-parent compact as part of the Parent Engagement Policy.
• Definition of Parental Engagement: Adhere to the statutory definition of parental engagement, emphasizing:
  • A. Parents’ integral role in their child’s learning.
  • B. Encouragement for parents to actively participate in their child’s education.
  • C. Inclusion of parents in decision-making and advisory committees.
  • D. Execution of additional activities as described in section 1118 of the ESEA.

PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

1. Joint Development and Agreement:
   
   • Notify parents about the policy during the Back to School night in August.
   • Post the policy on the EME website.
   • Distribute the policy via ParentSquare to families.
   • Involve parent groups (PTA, SCC, Family Learning Center, Community Partnership Meetings) in ongoing policy updates.
   • Community School Facilitator to attend monthly PTA meetings.
2. Distribution of the Parental Involvement Policy:
   
   • Make the policy available on the EME website and via ParentSquare.
   • Provide printed copies in the front office and at Spring Parent Teacher Conferences.
   • Include the policy in new student orientation packets.
3. Periodic Updates:
   
   • Hold regular School Community Council Meetings with administration, teachers, and parents.
   • Community School Facilitator and administration to attend PTA monthly meetings.
   • Conduct parent focus groups for specific topic reviews.
   • Review CAYCI survey results every two years.
4. Annual Meeting:
   
   • Inform parents about East Midvale Elementary’s Title I status and community school resources.
   • Discuss parental rights as outlined in Title I Part A Non-Regulatory Guidance.
   • Invite parents to attend various committees and meetings.
5. Flexible Meetings:
   
   • Offer meetings at different times and provide transportation, childcare, and home visits funded by Title I.
   • Conduct school events that promote academic learning and positive family engagement through various communication methods.

RESPONSIBILITIES FOR HIGH STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT

1. Building Capacity for Engagement:
   
   • Organize school events that include academic learning and family engagement.
   • Offer Family Learning Center classes in English and Computer.
   • Host Parent Talks to empower parents in supporting their students.
   • Analyze CAYCI survey data to address parent needs.
   • Provide faculty training on including parents in classroom communities.
   • Partner with local organizations for additional support.
2. School-Parent Compact:
   
   • Include parents in reviewing and updating the School Parent Compact.
   • Present the compact at Spring Parent Teacher Conferences for signatures.
   • Post the School Parent Compact on the EME website.
3. Training for Parents:
   
   • Provide information on academic standards, assessments, and Title I requirements through various channels, including PTA meetings and newsletters.
4. Materials and Training:
   
   • Offer literacy training and technology assistance to help parents improve their children’s academic achievement.
   • Conduct Parent Talk classes and Open Houses.
5. Staff Training:
   
   • Provide ongoing professional development for faculty on effective parent engagement.
   • Facilitate monthly community partnership meetings focusing on parent collaboration.
6. Communication:
   
   • Ensure all communications are clear and accessible, including translations as necessary.
   • Provide bilingual staff and translators for school events and conferences.
   • Use multiple communication methods, including emails, flyers, and direct contacts to ensure timely updates for parents.