J. E. MOSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PARENT INVOLVEMENT POLICY
2009/2010 SCHOOL YEAR

Parental involvement is critical to the educational success of children.  Parents are important influences in helping their children achieve high academic standards.  When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children are more successful and schools improve.  You, as parents, are partners in your child’s education and are encouraged to be actively involved.  Listed below are ways in which parental involvement is employed at J.E. Moss.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS:

• A letter is sent to each student’s home prior to the beginning of the school year welcoming him or her to J. E. Moss Elementary.
• The school newsletter, The Mane Connection, is sent home at the end of each grading period in English and Spanish.
• The Reading Connection, a brochure for parents, is sent home monthly in English and Spanish.
• During the year, parent surveys are used to gather suggestions on improving the school and the Title One Program.
• Parents are contacted by telephone, in their native language when applicable, regarding the positive and negative actions of their children.  Phone logs record these verbal communications.
• A Parent-School Compact is signed by parents, teachers, and students. The Compact outlines responsibilities to improve student achievement.
• Parents are informed of the school curriculum and expected proficiency levels by receiving copies of the Metro Academic Standards, progress reports, report cards, ThinkLink reports, and STAR reading reports. Standards and reports are discussed at meetings and conferences.
• Parent and teachers will partner with the community to help meet the needs of the students and the school.

MEETING WITH PARENTS:

• PTO board meetings are held on a regular basis.
• A Fall PTO/Title 1 Open House is held to welcome parents and students and to provide information about our school and the Title 1 Program.
• Title I funded parent workshops and meetings are scheduled monthly to train parents in reading, math, transitions to the next grade, and technology.  Title I funding, as well as, parent suggestions and concerns are also discussed and addressed as needed.  Times vary and child care is available to provide parent convenience.
• Parent Conferences are scheduled in October.  Conferences are also held as requested by parents or teachers.  Interpreters are available when needed.

ACTIVE PARENT PARTICIPATION:

• Parent Involvement programs will be advertised in a timely manner through the use of newsletters, flyers, and the outside marquee sign.
• Parents are invited to attend classroom activities, field trips, holiday parties and award assemblies, and to volunteer with activities such as Picture Day, the International Fair, and the Media Center Book Fair.
• Through meetings and surveys, parents have the opportunity to share individual ideas and are involved in writing and implementing parent involvement policies including the Parent Involvement Plan, the Parent-School Compact, and the School Improvement Plan.
• A suggestion box is available in the front lobby for parent concerns, questions, and comments.
• Parents are encouraged to join the Title 1 School Improvement Team and the PTO.

If you need an alternate format or other services please contact J. E. Moss at 333-5200.