ROCK CRUSHER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Title I, Part A Parental Involvement Plan

I, John Weed , do hereby certify that all facts, figures, and representations made in this application are true, correct, and consistent with the statement of assurances for these waivers. Furthermore, all applicable statutes, regulations, and procedures; administrative and programmatic requirements; and procedures for fiscal control and maintenance of records will be implemented to ensure proper accountability for the expenditure of funds on this project. All records necessary to substantiate these requirements will be available for review by appropriate state and federal staff. I further certify that all expenditures will be obligated on or after the effective date and prior to the termination date of the project. Disbursements will be reported only as appropriate to this project, and will not be used for matching funds on this or any special project, where prohibited.

Assurances

  • The school will be governed by the statutory definition of parental involvement, and will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with the definition outlined in Section 9101(32), ESEA;
  • Involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A in decisions about how Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement are spent [Section 1118(b)(1) and (c)(3)];
  • Jointly develop/revise with parents the school parental involvement policy and distribute it to parents of participating children and make available the parental involvement plan to the local community [Section 1118 (b)(1)];
  • Involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under this part, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the schoolwide program plan under section 1114(b)(2) [Section 1118(c)(3)];
  • Use the findings of the parental involvement policy review to design strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise, if necessary, the school’s parental involvement policy [Section 1118(a)(E)];
  • Inform parents and parental organizations of the purpose and existence of the Parental Information and Resource Centers (PIRC) in Florida, i.e., PIRC of Family Network on Disabilities in Florida (FND) and PIRC at University of South Florida (USF) [Section 1118(g)];
  • If the plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will submit parent comments with the plan when the school submits the plan to the local educational agency [Section 1118(b)(4)];
  • Provide to each parent an individual student report about the performance of their child on the state assessment in at least mathematics, language arts, and reading [Section 1111(h)(6)(B)(i)];
  • Provide each parent timely notice when their child has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified within the meaning of the term in 34 CFR Section 200.56 [Section 1111(h)(6)(B)(ii)]; and
  • Provide each parent timely notice information regarding their right to request information on the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals [Section (h)(6)(A)].

 

Signature of Principal or Designee

Date Signed

 

Mission Statement

Parental Involvement Mission Statement (Optional)

Response: While educating the whole child, we at Rock Crusher Elementary School strive to assist the children in becoming life long learners, unique individuals, and people who make a difference.

Involvement of Parents

Describe how the school will involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely manner, in the planning, review, and improvement of Title I programs including involvement in the decisions regarding how funds for parental involvement will be used [Sections1118(c)(3), 1114(b)(2), and 1118(a)(2)(B)].

Response: At the end of the 2010/2011 school year Rock Crusher provided a parent survey to all parents in the school. This survey provided parents with the opportunity to express their likes as well as their concerns for Rock Crusher and its students. The following is a few of the survey questions asked on the Parent Survey:



1. I feel welcome at my child's school.



2. The school staff makes me feel like a partner in my child's education.



3. I am well informed about school activities and events.



4. I am informed about my child's progress.



5. The school has a good public image.

The survey rates each statement on a 1-5 scale (1 -strongly disagree, 5- strongly agree).



The results of this survey directly impacts Rock Crusher's Title 1 Parent Involvement Plan. It determines events and activities that Rock Crusher hosts to involve parents in their child's education. These results are documented and discussed with the administrative team to determine best practices for parent involvement.



Rock Crusher Elementary's SAEC is an essential component to the planning and involvement of Title 1 programs. SAEC members are voted on annually (open positions) and participate in 6 meetings throughout the school year. These meetings involve parents voting on SAEC budget funds, Title 1 compacts, and calendars. It also keeps parents knowledgeable of daily school functions.



Other venues Rock Crusher has in place to keep parents informed and involved include:

School website, monthly newsletter, Title 1 parent involvement activities (Bed Time Story, Storyteller, Gaye Martin (Motivational Speaker for parents), Grade Level Parent Nights, Open House, and Parent Conference Day.


Coordination and Integration

Describe how the school will coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs and activities that teach parents how to help their children at home, to the extent feasible and appropriate, including but not limited to, other federal programs such as: Head Start, Early Reading First, Even Start, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, the Parents as Teachers Program, public preschool, Title I, Part C, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and Title VI [Section 1118(e)(4)].

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Program

Coordination

1

Title 1

Title 1 staff members give an overview of Title 1 at the first SAEC meeting of the month. SAEC meetings are open to the entire school so all parents are invited. Every newsletter includes title 1 information to help parents with their children at home. This year we included a helpful grade level checklist for parents to know how their children should be doing academically. We are also utilizing School messenger to inform parents about events and activities taking place at school. The school website is updated monthly to keep parents aware of shool activities, as well as School Improvement Plan, and other resources.

2

Title 1

Kindergarten Round-Up is offered every spring for incoming kindergarten students. We give school tours, school bus tours, and help with registration, and medical paperwork

3

Title 111

TOSA and ESOL contact provide information to parents

4

Various Federal Funds/Grants

Health Screening and Dental Sealants provide much needed medical attention that enhances student wellness which promotes academic achievement

Annual Parent Meeting

Describe the specific steps the school will take to conduct an annual meeting designed to inform parents of participating children about the school’s Title I program, the nature of the Title I program (schoolwide or targeted assistance), Adequately Yearly Progress, school choice, supplemental educational services, and the rights of parents. Include timeline, persons responsible, and evidence the school will use to demonstrate the effectiveness of the activity [Section 1118(c)(1)].

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Activity/Tasks

Person Responsible

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

SAEC Meeting

Title 1 Staff

September

Attendance and Parent survey at end of year.

2

School Messenger utilized for school activities and absenteeism

Data Secretary/Guidance Secretary

Daily

Absentee reports and attendance at school functions

3

School Website

Asst Principal

Monthly

Website traffic logs

4

Read Me a Bedtime Story

Title 1 Staff

April

Parent Signature Sheets

5

Annual Meeting/FCAT Results, AYP, School Grade

Principal/Asst Principal

September

Parent Signature Sheets

Flexible Parent Meetings

Describe how the school will offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening, and may provide with Title I funds, transportation, child care, or home visits, as such services related to parental involvement [Section 1118(c)(2)].

Response: Rock Crusher Elementary will offer meetings to parents on a variety of nights. Parent School Survey Meeting indicated that meetings would be best held between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Parents also indicated that Tuesdays and Thursdays were the best evenings for activities. This information will be communicated to the staff to insure that we offer meetings to fit the needs of parents.

Parent Conferences are scheduled by classroom teachers on the Parent Conference Day, and parents are given multiple times to choose from when scheduling. Parents who cannot come on the appointed day are also accommodated on another day at a time convenient for them. Students are encouraged to come with their parents so they may have input in their academic success.



If parents are unable to find transportation to school for parent conference meetings, teachers will make home visits, as well as send out a social worker to help parents who are in need.


Building Capacity

Describe how the school will implement activities that will build the capacity for strong parental involvement, in order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement [Section 1118(e)]. Describe the actions the school will take to provide materials and training to help parents work with their child to improve their child’s academic achievement [Section 1118(e)(2)].Include information on how the school will provide other reasonable support for parental involvement activities under Section 1118 as parents may request [Section 1118(e)(14)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Person Responsible

Correlation to Student Achievement

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

Parent Conference Day

Classroom Teacher

Parents will learn how to improve academics through discussions about their children. Data will be provided for parents so they know exactly how their child is performing.

Sept. 2011

Increased student academic achievement

2

SAEC Meetings

Principal/Asst. Principal

Provides parents input into daily school activities and allows them to make suggestions for student’s educational needs.

6 Times per year

Parent attendance

3

Problem Solving Team Meetings

TOSA/Guidance Counselor

Parents now have the opportunity to be involved in the development of their child’s PMP (Progress Monitoring Plan).

At least Once per year depending on student progre

Student Performance

4

PTO Events

PTO Committee

Family involvement helps to foster strong school-parent relationships, which in turn promotes academic achievement.

Monthly Basis

Attendance at Activities and Parent Survey

5

Media Center Open in Summer

Media Specialist

Increased reading promotes student achievement

Weekly through out summer

Media Book Logs

6

Read Me a Bedtime Story

Ttile 1 Staff

Increasing reading interest

April 2012

Parent Signature Logs

Staff Training

Describe the training the school will provide to educate the teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and schools [Section 1118(e)(3)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Person Responsible

Correlation to Student Achievement

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

3rd Grade Parent Night

3rd Grade Teachers

Teachers and parents are able to discuss classroom expectations and well as academic expectations.

September

Student Achievement

2

Weekly Newsletter to Teachers

John Weed

Increase Staff knowledge on ways to build better teacher/parent relationships and help increase student achievement

Weekly

Parent/Teacher survey

3

Staff Meetings

Title 1

Increase Staff Knowledge on Parent Involvement

Monthly

Student Achievement

Other Activities

Describe the other activities, such as parent resource centers, the school will conduct to encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children [Section 1118 (e)(4)].

Response: PTO Events and Activities, Parents are invited to participate in various school activities throughout the year including: Fall Festival, Breakfast With Santa,Read Me a Bedtime Story, and Book Fair.



Volunteers, Recruit, Train by county, Assign to class.



Title 1 newsletters, Print newsletters, Distribute to teachers to send home to parents.



Problem Solving Team Meetings, Parents are given notice as to time and date of meeting. Parents are encouraged to attend.



School Website, Parent Links and information for parents to stay up-to-date on school activities and resources.

Communication

Describe how the school will provide parents of participating children the following [Section 1118(c)(4)]: 1118(c)(4)(A)];

  • Timely information about the Title I programs [Section 1118(c)(4)(A)];
  • Description and explanation of the curriculum at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet [Section 1118(c)(4)(B)];
  • If requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children[Section 1118(c)(4)(C)]; and
  • If the schoolwide program plan under Section 1114 (b)(2) is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will also submit the parents’ comments on the plan that will be available to the local education agency [Section 1118(c)(5)].

Response: Rock Crusher Elementary will send home a tri-fold pamphlet as well as monthly newsletters to explain Title 1 programs, school curriculum, parent-student activities, academic tips, and assessments used to measure progress. Student Progression Plan booklets (provided by the district) will address proficiency levels. Conference Day in September will provide parents with opportunities for discussion, and strategies shared to provide parents with ideas to work with students at home. Parents are encouraged to schedule a conference with their child's teacher at any time for any concern they may have. The administrative staff often attends parent conferences to address any special need situations. Parents will be invited to attend IEP meetings, as well as PMP conferences.

Accessibility

Describe how the school will provide full opportunities for participation in parental involvement activities for all parents (including parents with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and migratory children). Include how the school plans to share information related to school and parent programs, meetings, school reports, and other activities in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practical, in a language parents can understand [Section 1118(e)(5) and 1118(f)].

Response: Our ESOL liaison will be invited to attend conferences of Spanish speaking students. To meet the needs of all parents (including those who may not be literate, those with disabilities, non- English speaking) communications will be sent through School Messenger telephone messages, as well as on our website, through emails and teacher communications sent home. Rock Crusher Elementary is Handicapped Accessible.

"Go Math" materials are translated into Spanish for those parents who need it.

If a parent has difficulty understanding information provided to them, Rock Crusher will make every effort to provide assistance in the translation of or understanding of any information sent home, unless clearly not feasible.

Discretionary Activities

Discretionary School Level Parental Involvement Policy Components Check if the school does not plan to implement discretionary parental involvement activities. Check all activities the school plans to implement:

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Activity

Description of Implementation Strategy

Person Responsible

Correlation to Student Achievement

Timeline

1

Training parents to enhance the involvement of other parents [Section 1118(e)(9)];

Volunteer and Mentor Trainings

Volunteer Coordinator

Increased parent involvement increases student’s emotional and academic achievement

As needed throughout the year

2

Maximizing parental involvement and participation in their children’s education by arranging school meetings at a variety of times, or conducting in-home conferences between teachers or other educators, who work directly with participating children, with parents who are unable to attend those conferences at school [Section 1118(e)(10)];

Parent participation is encouraged by scheduling meetings and activities when it is most convenient for the parents: phone conferences and in-home visits are made available if needed

Entire Staff

Increased parent involvement increases student achievement

As needed throughout the year

Upload Evidence of Input from Parents

Upload evidence of parent input in the development of the plan.

Upload Parent-School Compact

Note: As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy/plan, each school shall jointly develop, with parents for all children served under this part, a parent-school compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement Section 1118(d)].

Upload an electronic version of the Parent-School Compact.

Upload Evidence of Parent Involvement in Development of Parent-School Compact

Note: As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy/plan, each school shall jointly develop, with parents for all children served under this part, a parent-school compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement Section 1118(d)].

Upload evidence of parent input in the development of the compact.

Evaluation of the 2010-2011 Parental Involvement Plan

Building Capacity Summary

Provide a summary of activities provided during the 2010-2011 school year that were designed to build the capacity of parents to help their children [Section 1118 (e)(1-2)]. Include participation data on the Title I annual meeting.

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Content and Type of Activity

Number of Activities

Number of Participants

Correlation to Student Achievement

1

Parent Conference Day

1

650

Parents will learn how to improve academics through discussions about their children. Data will be provided for parents so they know exactly how their child is performing.

2

SAEC Meetings

6

50

Provides parents input into daily school activities and allows them to make suggestions for student’s educational needs.

3

Problem Solving Team Meetings

10

5

Parents now have the opportunity to be involved in the development of their child’s PMP (Progress Monitoring Plan).

4

PTO Events

2

1300

Family involvement helps to foster strong school-parent relationships, which in turn promotes academic achievement.

Staff Training Summary

Provide a summary of the professional development activities provided by the school during the 2010-2011 school year to educate staff on the value and utility of contributions of parents; how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners; the implementation and coordination of parent programs; and how to build ties between parents and the school [Section 1118 (e)(3)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Number of Activities

Number of Participants

Correlation to Student Achievement

1

3rd Grade Parent Night

1

50

Teachers and parents are able to discuss classroom expectations and well as academic expectations.

2

Weekly Newsletter to Teachers

36

100

Increase Staff knowledge on ways to build better teacher/parent relationships and help increase student achievement

3

“Time To Teach” Workshop

1

100

Help train teachers in modeling “perfect behavior” for students and realizing that all students do not have “perfect behavior” knowledge. A parent meeting in October will help parents reinforce these strategies at home.

Barriers

Describe the barriers that hindered participation by parents during the 2010-2011 school year in parental involvement activities. Include the steps the school will take during the 2011-2012 school year to overcome the barriers (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background) [Section 1118(a)(E)].

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Barrier (Including the Specific Subgroup)

Steps the School will Take to Overcome

1

Time for economically Disadvantaged Parents

Continue to make activity times convenient for working parents

2

Parents who have limited literacy feel uncomfortable in a school setting

Continue to provide student activities that include the entire family

Best Practices (Optional)

Describe the parental involvement activity/strategy the school implemented during the 2010-2011 schoool year that the school considers the most effective. This information may be shared with other LEAs and schools as a best practice. (Optional)

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Content/Purpose

Description of the Activity