2002 PPP Pearl Award Winners
March 05, 2008
2002 PPP Pearls
Earlier this year, Practical Parenting Partnerships solicited applications for the fifth annual PPP Pearl competition. From the applications, the following districts were chosen. Each district receives a $200 coupon.
DimensionI. Providing Parenting Information—Houston R-I, Houston Elementary
Like many other schools, Houston Elementary features a parent resource center and sends home monthly newsletters. But that’s just for starters. Every month the Houston Herald runs a column focused on parenting tips. A daily radio program promotes upcoming parenting events such as the district’s more than 25 evening events.
Dimension II. Planning and Providing Parent Involvement Opportunities at School—Kingston K-14
Plenty of folks enjoy attending Kingston’s events. Whether it’s the “My Heart Reads for You” evening or the spring finale “Fireside Celebration”, parents come in droves. Perhaps that’s because parent volunteers help plan the events. Or it could be the food. For instance, at the “MAP Attack”, parents will not only learn all about the MAP tests, but they’ll also enjoy a menu of Meatloaf, Applecrisp, and Potatoes.
Dimension III. Building School-Community Partnerships—St. Louis Public Schools
St. Louis Public Schools teams up with the St. Louis Art Museum, providing families a lesson in culture and quilting. Art teachers, parents, students and museum staff work together. Families capture their cultural heritage in beautiful quilts. Parents for whom English is not a native language excel, and all parents learn things they can do at home to enhance their children artistic interests.
Dimension IV. Communicating with Parents about Performance and Assessment—South Iron R-I
South Iron R-I communicates to parents about the district’s performance by sending a copy of the school’s annual report card home with each student. Parents learn all about the MAP tests at special meetings. When parents receive their child’s MAP results, teachers and administrators take time to explain individual results and answer questions. The district uses PPP’s Guide to the new reading and retention law to help parents understand the district’s commitment to every child reading at grade level.
Dimension V. Helping Parents Support Their Children’s Learning—Springfield R-12
Springfield’s Elementary schools have enlisted a teaching partner – parents. At Watkin’s parents and children follow directions to make pizza together. Three other buildings have established a “Partners in Print” program where parents learn reading strategies to help their children. Robberson elementary features interactive math and reading lessons, while at Holland, families write ABC books together. The bottom line is that over 2,800 families are increasingly involved in their child’s education.
Dimension VI. Obtaining Parent Input on Curriculum and Instruction, Discipline, and School Climate—Center School District, Center Elementary
Center Elementary asks parents to rate school services across the board. Insights from parents help improve the total quality of the school, particularly in the areas of instruction, student outcomes, and school climate. Through workshops, parents explore discipline models that correlate with the schools’ discipline strategies. Parent volunteers work with the school librarian to select appropriate books for each grade level.
Combining Strengths Across the Dimensions—Willard R-II, Willard South Elementary
The problem when talking about parent involvement at Willard South Elementary is where to begin. There are MAP nights and parenting classes and home visits by teachers. They have parent volunteers, grandparent volunteers, community volunteers and Americorps volunteers who help kids with reading. Speaking of reading, Willard South goes the extra mile to keep parents updated on their child’s reading level. Did we mention the Outer Limits after-school club, the Math, Science and Beyond events, or that parents help with decisions on school climate, as well as issues related to reading and math instruction. And it’s not just parents who help out. The Greene County Bookmobile, the American Cancer Society, the Ronald McDonald House and many, many area businesses work cooperatively with Willard South.
