2003 PPP Pearl Award Winners
March 05, 2008
Dimension I. Providing Parenting Information
Through their parent resource center, Fredericktown’s Primary Elementary helps parent stay current on child development issues. The school’s monthly Home/School newsletter offers tips on communicating with kids as well as fun ideas for family learning. Parents also gather great parenting tips during family fun nights. And they must be fun – almost 90% of parents attend.
Dimension II. Planning and Providing Parent Involvement Opportunities at School
Mansfield High School involves parents through a new Freshman Orientation and a special study skills class. At the school’s Open House, they’ve incorporated a “Parent Involvement” Game. Working together, parents and their children answer questions regarding general school information. Mansfield’s parents enjoy learning more about school and being more involved. Parent participation in events such as the Open House has skyrocketed 27%.
Dimension III. Building School-Community Partnerships
When Perryville Elementary undertook a new reading program this year, they asked local businesses for help. Those businesses came through in a big way. One partner supplies new books each month. Another purchased a large banner with the words, “Working together for the future of Perry County – Come join us to make a difference together.” Still others provided food and materials at steep discounts. The school and local community are partners in promoting reading.
Dimension IV. Communicating with Parents about Performance and Assessment
Center Elementary wants parents to be informed about the tests their children take. So at PPP meetings in both the spring and fall, parents learn about the MAP tests. The school goes the extra mile in explaining individual student results on the MAP. Center staff also makes a point of talking with parents about the other standardized tests their children take, particularly reading assessments. The partnership between parents and staff at Center Elementary is vibrant, as witnessed by the fact that 100% of parents attend Parent/Student conferences.
Dimension V. Helping Parents Support Their Children’s Learning
The staff at Jefferson City’s Special Learning Center knows the vital role parents play. That’s why teachers make weekly phone calls to each family. Teachers also make home visits where they share ideas for instruction at home. The Center schedules pediatricians, behavior specialists, and special education coordinators as speakers at school events as yet another means of providing parents with solid information for supporting their child’s academic growth.
Dimension VI. Obtaining Parent Input on Curriculum and Instruction, Discipline, and School Climate
At Kingston K-14, they know the value of parent input. That’s why parents are part of the district’s CSIP team. Parents work alongside teachers and administrators on the At Risk Committee and Guidance Advisory Board. Parents are deeply involved in the annual meeting on school discipline. The parent/school bond is formed even before school starts. Through the Reach Out To Kingston Kids program, three busloads of staff visit families throughout the community.
Combining Strengths Across the Dimensions
The School of the Osage’s Mills Elementary goal is for all their families, regardless of circumstances, to be an important part of the school team. And myriad are the ways the Mills staff make that goal a reality. Bibs for Babies, Jumpstart Kindergarten, a Gingerbread Man Hunt and friendly home visits all occur even before the first day of kindergarten. Parents are there on that first day, helping children to their rooms and serving snacks. Parents are there on picture day combing and straightening. Parents are there as guest readers. Parents are there in droves on special family nights focused on reading, math, and science. Parents who can’t be there aren’t forgotten. Each teacher has a web page and the school videotapes many of their special activities. There are plenty to tape – from the annual Pumpkin Festival to Pancake Night to Critter Day. At Mills Elementary, no matter what time of year, the climate is always warm and inviting.
