Title 1, Part A Parental Involvement Policy

2018 – 2019

PURPOSE

Hartsfield Elementary School has developed a written Title I parental involvement policy with input from Title I parents. We have distributed the policy to parents of Title I students. The policy was distributed at Open House, Parent University Kick-off/STEM Night, and posted on the website with parent notification. The policy describes the means for carrying out the following Title 1 parental involvement requirements [Section 1118, ESEA].

POLICY INVOLVEMENT POLICY

We invite our parents at the beginning of the year to participate in the Title 1 Part A requirements in implementing and revising a plan of action to increase parental involvement.  School encourages parents by sending flyers out, class monthly newsletters, and call outs. 

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The school convenes an annual meeting to inform parents of Title I students about Title I requirements and about the right of parents to be involved in the Title I program, which includes Open House / Annual Parent Engagement Night, Parent University Kick-off Night, and Math / Literacy Parent Nights

PROGRAM INVOLVEMENT

Our school communicates with parents on a timely manner concerning state curriculum, assessment expectations, and school-wide requirements in relation to instruction, techniques utilized to evaluate student work, and individual classroom routines to improve our student’s academic success.  Communication is done through grade level newsletters, marquee, Wednesday Parent Folders, call-outs, as well as phone calls from staff.  At our parental meetings, we continue to explain promotion guidelines, curriculum, student performances, Saturday STAAR Tutorials, STEM Night, Math/Literacy Night, Fall Festival, Spring Exhibition, History Fair, and how parents can support and participate in these events.

SCHOOL PARENT COMPACT

A school-parent compact was developed jointly with parents and participating Title 1 students.  It explains how parents, school staff and the students will all share responsibility for each student’s academic success.  This pledge is also used to motivate students and parents to become more involved in the educational process and equal partnership in our students.

BUILDING CAPACITY FOR INVOLVEMENT

It is part of Hartfield’s role to teach and strengthen parents on how to help their children learn.  One way this is done is by holding parental training to explain district, state and national educational guidelines.  Information provided will allow parents to better support their child’s learning such as understanding the importance of challenging academic standards, how to help children meet these standards, and how to monitor their child’s progress in academic skills relating to the standards.  In addition, Hartsfield has a partnership with Head Start, HISD Parent Engagement Center, and Community-In-Schools concerning community outreach on parental literacy training, parent education, and health assistance.

PARENT TRAINING AND INVOLVEMENT

Presentations are designed to help parents with decision-making skills regarding their child’s education.  Materials and training are provided to help parents assist their children in various programs present throughout the school year.  The programs consist of educational field trips and Family Math/Science Nights.  Ongoing training is provided to teachers and staff members on the importance of involving parents and building ties between home and school.  We encourage parents to set up a conference time with their child’s teacher(s) and communicate with parents about volunteering and school happenings.

COMMUNICATION

Participation and involvement of all parents is important regardless of English proficiency, mobility or disability.  We ensure that parents with disabilities have the opportunity to participate by providing handicapped access to all areas of our campus, including classrooms, meeting rooms, and conference areas.  All of our correspondence related to student achievement, school performance, school and parent programs, meetings and other opportunities for participation is sent home in Spanish and English.  All of our standard information is included in our Parental Involvement Policy, School-Parent Compact, report cards, and progress reports.