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Family Partnership

2018

Sullivan Gardens K-8

PTA National Standards for Family-School Partnerships

Sullivan Gardens K-8 School

2018-2019

I. Mission and Beliefs of Sullivan Gardens K-8 School

In order to understand our plan for family engagement, it is first necessary to review our school mission statement and beliefs. These were created by a panel of staff, parents, and community members while keeping our students in the forefront of our mission.

Mission Statement: The mission of Sullivan Gardens K-8 School is to prepare each student academically and socially for the future.

Vision Statement: We envision Sullivan Gardens K-8 School as a model school.

Beliefs:

❖ Students must be taught how to learn and understand the reason for learning.

❖ Teachers, staff, administrators, parents, students, and community members share in developing skills necessary to become responsible community members.

❖ All children can learn when they are taught at their developmentally appropriate level and when opportunities are available for them to discover, explore, and improve their own gifts and talents.

❖ Teachers must be excited about teaching and willing to increase their own learning in order to motivate students to reach their potential.

❖ A school should be a safe and physically comfortable environment, which is stimulating and inviting to promote student learning.

❖ Children learn when mutual trust and respect exists between students, parents, and teachers.

II. We believe:

Teachers, families, students, and community must commit to a shared and articulated plan that focuses on high expectations, academic excellence, and lifelong learning for children. The following are our policies reflected through the PTA’s Standards that ensure a positive partnership between the administration, faculty, and parents:

Standard 1: Welcoming All Families into the School Community

Goal 1: Creating a Welcoming Climate: Sullivan Gardens strives to welcome all families into our school community. Families are encouraged to become active participants in the school by creating a welcoming atmosphere where they feel a valued part of our school community. Furthermore, efforts are made to foster a sense of connectedness between parents and school staff by actively recruiting parent volunteers to assist in various school functions. The following outline the policies and practices of Sullivan Gardens K-8:

a. Policy is developed with parental input and is distributed to parents: The Student Right’s and Responsibility Handbook information is shared with parents every year. Any input or suggestions regarding policies are forwarded to a representative of Sullivan County Department of Education. Parent surveys are also sent home to gather opinions in a variety of areas. Also, parents have an opportunity to provide input toward the school environment by being members of the PTA, EPlan, Title I or SWPB committees.

b. Meetings are held at various times of the day to accommodate parents’ schedules: Sullivan Gardens K-8 creates opportunities for parents to participate in as many meetings as possible by scheduling them at various times. Examples of after school meetings are Open House, PTA, chorus programs, Fall Festival, and our Book Fair. Teachers are available before and after school as well as team planning during the school day. Teachers are also available through emails and phone calls. IEP meetings are scheduled 10 days in advance.

c. Parents are involved in the planning, reviewing, and improving parent involvement programs, school parental involvement policy, and the joint development of the school-wide program plan – EPlan: Parent representatives are members of the School Improvement Team, Title I steering committee, and PTA board.

d. Reasonable support is given for parental involvement activities per parental request: Sullivan Gardens K-8 will honor requests to speak with teachers or staff and make suggestions to improve the educational process for all students. Parents are encouraged to participate and/or observe in grade level activities and tutoring,

Goal 2: Building a Respectful, Inclusive School Community: Sullivan Gardens K-8 school policies and programs reflect an atmosphere of respect and value of the diversity among the families in the community as evidenced by the following:

a. Sullivan Gardens K-8 stakeholders’ will educate teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contributions of parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents, and the school: Teachers, students, and parents are part of the SWPB steering committee regarding respectful culture. The committee will be responsible for assessing and implementing ideas to improve our climate.

b. We encourage and support the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports in a language understandable to parents: Each student is required to complete an English Language Survey which is then screened for possible ESL services. Spanish version forms such as lunch applications and the student’s rights and responsibilities handbook are made available for ESL students and parents. An interpreter is also available to assist with translations during meetings if requested for non English speaking parents as well as parents who are hearing impaired.

c. We indentify McKinney-Vento students through the registration process: The student information sheet completed by the parent at registration is utilized to identify students as McKinney-Vento. Students identified are offered services such as free lunch, free school supplies, and free admission to extra-curricular activities. The school system’s social worker is also utilized as a resource for the families.

Standard 2: Communicating Effectively

Goal 1: Sharing Information between School and Families: Sullivan Gardens K-8 strives to keep all families informed about important issues and events. The staff makes every effort to make two-way communication both easy and meaningful for all types of families. The communication strategies utilized at Sullivan Gardens K-8 are as follows:

a. Parents are provided with information in a timely manner: Sullivan Gardens K-8 strives to provide timely information to keep parents informed of their student’s academic progress: TN Ready (TCAP) reports, 8th grade Explore test results, nine week report cards, four and ½ week progress report, and an in danger of failing report if necessary. Sullivan County Department of Education maintains a website, , that includes information on calendar, schedule changes, lunch information, student’s rights and responsibilities, curriculum and assessment links, teacher certification and Highly Qualified status, as well as each school’s Report Card. The website also has a link to Sullivan Gardens K-8 where parents can find faculty emails, grade level assignments and upcoming events. The School Messenger, a phone messaging service, was incorporated to allow parents to be informed of attendance and other timely announcements.

b. Communication between teachers and parents is vitally important. The following measures are taken to ensure families and the school is communicating regularly: Communication between parents and teachers is strongly encouraged as evidenced by teacher accessibility (emails, phone calls, app reminder, and opportunities to meet before, during and after school hours.) Another opportunity to meet is the annual parent teacher conference day. The school’s website, Facebook page, and newsletters also communicates assignments and upcoming events. Parents are encouraged to participate in volunteer opportunities within the school and the PTA.

c. Information about school and parents programs, meetings, and other activities in an understandable language: Information contained in the school’s newsletter, grade level policies and projects, student handbook, and any other parent letters are designed to be easy to understand with a contact number for any questions.

d. The process of parental input is as follows: Parental input is solicited through surveys, participation in variety of school-wide committees, parent-teacher conferences to ensure that policies and procedures continue to focus on academic excellence. The principal strives to have an open door policy as it relates to parental praises and concerns.

e. Information on current issues from the administration is provided by the following means: The principal addresses parents at the annual orientation, PTA meetings, annual state report card meeting, open house and many other events throughout the school year with current and relevant information surrounding their child’s education. The principal emphasizes the importance of open and frequent communication between the administration, teachers, parents, and students to ensure a successful school year for each child both academically and socially.

Standard 3: Supporting Student Success

Goal 1: Sharing Information about Student Progress: Sullivan Gardens K-8 School’s administration and staff continuously work together with families to support students’ learning; while creating opportunities for students to strengthen their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges of a changing world. Progress of students’ success is shared by the following means:

a. Meetings are held at different times of the day so that more parents can attend: Sullivan Gardens K-8 creates opportunities for parents to participate in as many meetings as possible by scheduling them at various times. Examples of after school meetings are Open House, parent-teacher conferences, and PTA meetings. Teachers are also available before and after school as well as team planning during the school day. Teachers are available through emails and phone calls. IEP meetings are scheduled 10 days in advance.

b. Parents are provided with information in a timely manner: Sullivan Gardens K-8 strives to provide timely information to keep parents informed of their student’s academic progress: TN Ready (TCAP) reports, AimsWebb, Success Maker, MCI, IXL, nine week report cards, four week progress report, and an in danger of failing report if necessary. Sullivan County Department of Education maintains a website that includes information on calendar, schedule changes, lunch information, student’s rights and responsibilities, curriculum and assessment links, teacher certification and Highly Qualified status, as well as each school’s Report Card. The website also has a link to Sullivan Gardens K-8 where parents can find faculty emails, grade level assignments, lunch schedules, and upcoming events. The School Messenger, a phone messaging service, was incorporated to allow parents to be informed of attendance and other timely announcements.

c. The school takes measures to describe the school curriculum, explain the types of assessments- what it measures, how to understand the results, and explain student proficiency levels: Grade level curriculum information is posted on the school website and is talked about at open house and orientation. Parents are also given a guide to assist in the interpretation of the test results. A summary of the school’s report card is also sent home to inform parents of the changes in the standards and the performance of SGK-8. In addition, student academic achievement is posted on our data wall outside the main offices of both campuses.

d. Meetings are arranged to give parents an opportunity to be a part of the decision making process in regards to their child’s academic success: Sullivan Gardens K-8 will honor requests to speak with teachers or staff and make suggestions to improve the educational process for all students. Parent surveys are also sent home to gather opinions and suggestions for improvements.

e. Communication between teachers and parents is vitally important. The following measures are taken to ensure families and the school are communicating regularly: Communication between parents and teachers is strongly encouraged as evidenced by teacher accessibility (emails, phone calls, and opportunities to meet before, during and after school hours.) Another opportunity to meet is the annual parent teacher conference day which extends to evening hours to accommodate parents’ schedules. The school’s website, PTA and School Facebook pages, school Twitter account, school messenger calling system, and newsletters also communicate assignments and upcoming events. Parents are encouraged to participate in numerous volunteer activities.

f. Build capacity for involvement by helping parents understand topics such as the state’s academic content standards, state student academic achievement standards, state and local academic assessments, the requirements of parent involvement, and how to monitor a child’s progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their child: Efforts are made to increase parents’ understanding of the Tennessee Curriculum Standards through online curriculum information. Parent information brochures are sent home after TN Ready (TCAP) and progress monitoring, tests. Explore test SCDE and SGK-8 websites’ provide valuable curricular and assessment information.

g. The school will provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their child’s achievement: Teachers communicate daily assignments and project information via the website and/or student assignment books in order for parents to help improve their child’s academic progress.

h. Sullivan Gardens K-8 School will foster a relationship between parents and staff: The relationship that has developed between the teachers and the parents is one characterized by respect and teamwork. Teacher membership in PTA is very high. The PTA supports teachers and provides needed items and manpower at the school.

i. The school will coordinate parent involvement programs and activities with community organizations: The school partners with various community organizations and churches to provide food and clothing items for students.

j. Information about school and parents programs, meetings, and other activities are stated in an understandable language: Information contained in the school’s newsletter, choral programs, grade level policies and projects, and any other parent letters are designed to be easy to understand with a contact number for any questions.

k. Reasonable support is given for parental involvement activities per parental request: Sullivan Gardens K-8 will honor requests to speak with teachers or staff and accept suggestions to improve the educational process for all students. Parents are encouraged to participate and/or observe in grade level activities, PTA volunteer opportunities, and programs.

Goal 2: Supporting Learning by Engaging Families: Sullivan Gardens K-8 School’s staff utilizes active participants outside the school community to further enhance student success. These strategies are outlined as follows:

a. The school offers several activities and training opportunities: Parents are encouraged to participate and/or observe in grade level activities, various special events, and choral programs. Parents are encouraged to join the PTA. Parents also serve on the EPlan and other various committees.

b. The school offers opportunities to be involved in various extracurricular activities: Students are encouraged to participate in the various clubs, sporting events, and programs at Sullivan Gardens K-8. Each student is given an opportunity to join programs such as SGK-8 Talent Show. Parents are also encouraged to be actively engaged with their child while participating as well.

c. PTA coordinated activities: The PTA Family Connections Committee sponsors a variety of informational sessions for students and their families such as tutorials on educational programs and social challenges. PTA has a coordinated a PALS reading program in which parents can volunteer to listen to students read on a weekly basis. Parents Assisting Teachers program has been initiated that involves parents either helping at school or taking projects home to assist teachers. PTA assists with background checks for volunteers.

Standard 4: Speaking up for Every Child:

Goal 1: Understanding how the school system works: Evidence that all students are treated fairly with equal opportunities for success are as follows:

a. Policy is developed with parental input and is distributed to parents: The Student Right’s and Responsibility Handbook is provided on line to parents at the beginning of each school year. Any input or suggestions regarding policies are forwarded to a representative of Sullivan County Department of Education. Title I Family engagement materials are placed at the entrance of the elementary complex.

b. Meetings are held at various times of the day to accommodate parents’ schedules: Sullivan Gardens K-8 creates opportunities for parents to participate in as many meetings as possible by scheduling them at various times. Examples of after school meetings are Open House, annual parent-teacher conferences, and open house. Teachers are available before and after school as well as team planning during the school day. Teachers are also available through emails and phone calls. IEP meetings are scheduled 10 days in advance.

c. Parents are involved in the planning, reviewing, and improving the parent involvement programs and EPlan: Parent representatives on the School Improvement Team, and development of Parent Involvement Plan

d. Meetings are arranged to give parents an opportunity to be a part of the decision making process in regards to their child’s academic success: Sullivan Gardens K-8 will honor requests to speak with teachers or staff and accept suggestions to improve the educational process for all students.

e. We encourage and support the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports in a language understandable to parents: Each student is required to complete an English Language Survey which is then screened for possible ESL services. Spanish version forms such as lunch applications and the student’s rights and responsibilities handbook are made available for ESL students and parents. An interpreter is also available to assist with translations during meetings if requested.

f. McKinney-Vento students are identified through the registration process: The student information sheet completed by the parent at registration is utilized to identify students as McKinney-Vento. Students identified are offered services such as free lunch, free school supplies, and free admission to extra-curricular activities. The school system’s social worker is also utilized as a resource for the families.

g. Rights of parents are ensured by: Parents are made aware of their right to be involved in their child’s academic program. This is communicated through numerous letters sent home by the director of Sullivan County Schools and the principal of Sullivan Gardens K-8 School.

Goal 2: Empowering Families to Support Their Own and Other Children’s Success in School: Sullivan Gardens K-8 School staff works diligently to empower families to be an advocate for their children. The following strategies used to enhance parents’ sense of empowerment:

a. Parents are involved in the planning, reviewing, and improving parent involvement programs and EPlan: Parent representatives on the School Improvement Team, and the development of Parent Involvement Plan.

b. The school offers several activities and training opportunities: Parents are encouraged to participate and/or observe in grade level activities, and choral programs. Parents are also encouraged to join the PTSA meetings.

c. Information about school and parents programs, meetings, and other activities are provided in an understandable language: Information contained in the school’s newsletter, choral and band programs, grade level policies and projects, sports contracts, and any other parent letters are designed to be easy to understand with a contact number for any questions.

d. Reasonable support is given for parental involvement activities per parental request: Sullivan Gardens K-8 will honor requests to speak with teachers or staff and make suggestions to improve the educational process for all students. Parents are encouraged to participate and/or observe in grade level activities, PTSA, and choral programs.

e. We encourage and support the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports in a language understandable to parents: Each student is required to complete an English Language Survey which is then screened for possible ESL services. Spanish version forms such as lunch applications and the student’s rights and responsibilities handbook are made available for ESL students and parents. An interpreter is also available to assist with translations during meetings if requested.

f. The school will provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their child’s achievement, such as literacy training and using technology: Teachers communicate daily assignments and project information via the website and/or student assignment books in order for parents to help improve their child’s academic progress. Home connect portal of Renaissance Place his used to report Accelerated Reading and Accelerated Math status. IXL, Study Island, Accelerated Math, Accelerated Reader, and Reading Plus are just a few of the instructional technologies that are used to improve student’s academic achievement. “My Sidewalks” program is used to enhance reading skill in grades K-2. Special interventions with possible referral for further assessment through the School Support Team (SST) grades K-8 and with Response To Intervention (RTI) grades K-5 evaluations are provided to all qualifying students.

Standard 5: Sharing Power

Goal 1: Strengthening the Family’s voice in Shared Decision Making: Sullivan Gardens K-8 firmly believes in creating an equal partnership between staff and families in regards to decisions about policies, practices, and programs. This partnership is evident through the following practices:

a. Parents are involved in the planning, reviewing, and improving parent involvement programs and EPlan: Parent representatives on the School Improvement Team, and the development of Parent Involvement Plan.

b. Meetings are arranged to give parents an opportunity to be a part of the decision making process in regards to their child’s academic success: Sullivan Gardens K-8 will honor requests to speak with teachers or staff and make suggestions to improve the educational process for all students. Parent surveys are also sent home to gather input and suggestions for improvements. PTA’s Family Connection Committee conducts additional surveys of homeroom parents at the beginning of the year to aid in planning activities.

c Policy is developed with parental input and is distributed to parents: The Student Right’s and Responsibility Handbook as well as the SGK-8 Student Handbook is discussed and an internet link provided to parents at the beginning of each school year. Any input or suggestions regarding policies are forwarded to a representative of Sullivan County Department of Education or Sullivan Gardens K-8 School.

d Meetings are held at different times of the day so that more parents can attend: Sullivan Gardens K-8 creates opportunities for parents to participate in as many meetings as possible by scheduling them at various times. Examples of after school meetings are Open House, PTA, annual parent-teacher conferences, grade level programs and the Book Fair. Teachers are available before and after school as well as team planning during the school day. Teachers are also available through emails and phone calls. IEP meetings are scheduled 10 days in advance.

e The process of parental input is as follows: Parental input is solicited participation in variety of school-wide committees, and parent-teacher conferences to ensure that policies and procedures continue to focus on academic excellence.

Standard 6: Collaborating with Community

Goal 1: Connecting the School with Community Resources: Sullivan Gardens K-8 School promotes collaboration between staff, families, and community members. This collaboration expands learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation. Evidence of this collaboration is outlined in the following services:

a. The school will provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s achievement, such as literacy training and using technology: Teachers communicate daily assignment and project information via the website and/or student assignment books in order for parents to help improve their child’s academic progress.

b. We encourage and support the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports in a language understandable to parents: Each student is required to complete an English Language Survey which is then screened for possible ESL services. Spanish version forms such as lunch applications and the student’s rights and responsibilities handbook are made available for ESL students and parents. An interpreter is also available to assist with translations during meetings if requested.

c. McKinney-Vento students are identified through the registration process: The student information sheet completed by the parent at registration is utilized to identify students as McKinney-Vento. Students identified are offered services such as free lunch, free school supplies, and free admission to extra-curricular activities. The school system’s social worker is also utilized as a resource for the families.

d. Sullivan Gardens K-8 provides opportunities for service projects and community involvement: Students, parents, and staff are encouraged to participate in a variety of service projects such as recycling of can tabs for Ronald McDonald house, maintaining a clothes closet, food drives and/or distribution of donated food items to needy families, and the donation of items to nursing homes or veterans. The school social worker assists with referrals to community services, obtaining shoes and coats for students, offers assistance to families in need, makes home visits. Community businesses provide incentives for reward celebrations, items for Fall Festival silent auctions, food for special events, and funding for special projects. The school gyms are used by the community for basketball and other community events as approved through the facility utilization request forms. With community support in fundraising through Boxtops collections, selling promotional items, a walkathon, and Fall Festival, PTA has paid for school improvements such a covering for the walkway to the cafeteria. Smart boards for classrooms, the window divider for the front office, and school supplies for those in need, and projectors for the classrooms.

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