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Parental Involvement Policy
Heber Springs Middle School
2015-2016
http://hssd.k12.ar.us/
PURPOSE OF THE POLICY:
The Parental Involvement Policy is intended to foster academic and social growth in students. This goal will be met by actively involving parents in a two-way dialogue and exchange of information and action with the school, teacher, teacher teams, and the larger community.
The Heber Springs School District fully supports and recognizes the positive outcomes that meaningful parental involvement brings to all stakeholders.
THE RESEARCH:
A 1992 study (Barton and Corey) showed that controllable factors such as absenteeism and tardiness, the amount of TV time, and the type of learning activities offered at home make a huge difference in student achievement.
Reading achievement is more dependent on learning activities in the home than is math or science achievement (College Board, 1994) and the single most important activity for building knowledge required for success is reading aloud to children (Anderson et al., 1985).
Dozens of studies point to one important conclusion: What the family does is more important than family background. Parents need to know how that they can influence learning.
POLICY DEVELOPMENT:
The development and execution of the Parent Involvement Policy will be a joint effort consisting of parents, teachers, and community leaders. The Parent Involvement Committee will meet annually to review, revise, and co-ordinate parent involvement activities. The Parent Involvement Committee will meet with the committees from the other buildings to coordinate the District Parent Involvement Policy.
An annual meeting will be held on August 20, 5:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. to inform parents of the school’s participation in the Title I program and to explain the requirements of the program and their right to be involved. A Parent Information Packet will be given to all parents. Included in the packet will be a letter informing parents of the school’s participation in the Title I program and to explain the requirements of the program and their right to be involved. Title I funds may be used to pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parent involvement activities as stated in the school improvement plan. The Parent Information Packet will also provide parents a description and explanation of the curriculum used, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet.
In addition, parent/teacher conferences and parent information meetings will be held at different times throughout the school year as needed.
THE PLAN:
The six key ingredients of the Plan are as follows:
1. Decision Making – Parents will be encouraged to set goals for their children. The goals will be listed in a compact to be mutually agreed upon and filed with the child’s teacher each September. The compact will list the school’s obligation to aid the child in reaching these established goals. Parents will be given access to information that will support sound decisions that relate to educational matters supporting success in the classroom.
2. Support – Parents will be aided by timely information from the school that relates to their child’s academic expectations and progress. A parent center has been established at HSMS that contains check-out and free material for parents that will bolster knowledge levels related to the adolescent learner.
3. Teaching – Parents will be encouraged to provide study time and a quiet place for reading and homework. Parents will be encouraged to work interactively with the child.
4. Learning – The parent will become actively involved in knowing what learning is expected of their child and how this learning will be measured. The school will make available on-line support for parents that consist of academic support sites and an informational site with two-way e-mail exchange capability.
5. Communication – There will be regular communication through parental memos and the school email system. The school will conduct regularly scheduled parent conferences.
6. Volunteers – Parents will be offered a chance to volunteer in numerous ways to get involved with their child’s education. Volunteer inventories will be sent home by the Parent Auxiliary and special talents will be made known to the entire school for use and consideration.
Heber Springs Middle School is, and has been, firmly committed to engaging the parent as a partner in education by providing meaningful roles in the school and providing and exchanging information that will promote academic growth in the student. There will be activities planned throughout the year to encourage parental involvement. These events will be well publicized in advance of the date of the event.
Mrs. Cornett is the Parent Involvement facilitator for HSMS, 501-362-2488, and the Parent Resource Center is located beside the counselor’s office, which is behind the front office area.
Parental Involvement Plan of Events
Heber Springs Middle School
2015-2016
Action Key Dates Where Persons Involved
6th Grade Open House, Title 1 Parent’s Night
7/8th Grade Open House, Title 1 Parent’s Night
(Transition to Middle School, A welcoming event for students and parents: review of Parent Information Plan, and Parent Information Packet, School’s Process for Resolving Parental Concerns, Parent Auxiliary and Volunteers, School/Parent Compact)
Title 1 Parent Night
August 4, 2015
August 6, 2015
August 20, 2015
Heber Springs Middle School Cafeteria
5:30-‐6:30 P.M.
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Handbook Committee
(School’s Process for Resolving Parental concerns, and school’s policies)
May 19, 2015
2016, TBD
Heber Springs Middle School Conference
Room
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Parent /Teacher Conferences
(Discussion topics may include but not limited to Interim Assessments, Curriculum/Common Core Standards used and progress/proficiency levels, developmentally appropriate learning
September 22, & March 17, 2015
Heber Springs Middle School
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
activities, questions/concers)
eSchool Home Access Center
http://HAC24.eschoolplus.k12.ar.us
(Parents can access for attendance and Grades. Please see Mrs. Anderson at the front desk for assistance.)
As Needed
2015-‐2016
Parent Resource Room and Home
Access
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Parent Center
(Parents are welcome to use the parent center to access students’ grades, visit with school personal, access informative materials, or research)
As Needed
2015-‐2016
Heber Springs Middle School Parent Resource Room
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Parent Involvement
(Parents, teachers and students will be involved in the developing and revising of the ACSIP and Parent Involvement Plans)
First Meeting-‐Sept. 8, 2015
Monthly/As Needed, 2015-‐
2016
Heber Springs Middle School Parent Resource Room
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
PTSO Meetings & Volunteers
http://ms.hssd.k12.ar.us/HSMS/Parent_Auxiliary.html
(The HSMS Parent Facilitator meets with the PTSO monthly to address any school concerns, and plan for future parental participation of events)
Board for 2015-2016
President – Carrie Willis Vice President – Penny Baker Secretary – Phyllis Mulliniks Treasurer – Colleen McKenzie
2nd Tuesday of each Month
2015-‐2016
Heber Springs Parent Resource Room
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Volunteers, and Administration
Public Relations/Volunteer Coordinator – Mandy Lumen Parent Facilitator - Amy Cornett
Title I, Annual District Meeting
(The principal Conducts the Report to the Public. All parents in the district are invited.)
October TBD, 2015
5:00 pm
Heber Springs School District Central Office
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration, and Community
Heber Springs Middle School Webpage
(Communication Links to: Technology, Information, ACSIP, and Parent Involvement Plans)
2015 School Website Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Apptegy, Telephone Notification System (Mass communication)
2015-‐2016 Phone System Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Testing System: ACT Aspire
TBD, 2016 Window for End
of Year Assessments
Online Classroom Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Parent Involvement, Needs Assessment @ Beginning of the year Title 1 Meeting
Evaluation (Effectiveness of the school’s Parent Involvement Plan and Student Services)
August 4, 6, 2015
Paper & Web Based Survey on Website
Parents, Teachers, Students,
Administration
Heber Springs
Middle School
A Guide for Parents of Adolescents
Parent Information Packet
2015-‐2016
“Middle level schools are the fork in the road. They really represent the times-‐the first time-‐kids are going to make a decision about the social world at the expense of the
academic world.” (Author Unknown)
INTRODUCTION
This booklet is designed especially for the parents and guardians of Heber Springs Middle School students because you are the ones with whom our students’ lives are most intertwined.
“Although they sometimes don’t show it by words or actions, young adolescents are devoted to their families and are very much affected by them. Family provides an opportunity to be oneself, to grow and
change in a safe environment, to show and receive love. The family in turn should be prepared to provide the support needed by a child undergoing some of the most dramatic changes in a lifetime.”
(NMSA)
It is the hope of Heber Springs Middle School that this Informational Packet will help you understand and deal with those changes. Get Ready!
Helpful Websites
http: www.parenting-‐ed.org/
http: www.arkedu.state.are.us/
http: www. //life.familyeducation.com/
? ? ?
“Have a Concern”
This year we anticipate a good experience. From time to time, however, it may be that parents or students have a concern or problem that needs to be addressed. If this situation presents itself, follow these simple steps:
First, define the problem in the best way possible and determine exactly who can provide the information needed to aid in finding a resolution of the concern.
Next, arrange a meeting with the individuals that can aid in the solution. Start with the person that can most likely help with the situation, this is usually the person closest to the problem. This person may be a teacher, bus transportation director, principal, counselor, to a name a few.
At the meeting, acknowledge the problem and attack the problem—not people. There should be no winner or loser, just a solution. Please ask direct questions about the concern or conflict. When the problem is defined, a constructive proposal to solve the problem is also in order. Always maintain a demeanor that will aid in finding a solution and not escalate the problem. Agree in the beginning to work toward a solution as all parties involved have similar needs to resolve conflict and maintain harmonious relationships.
Finally, if the concern is not successfully addressed at the initial contact, feel free to schedule another meeting or contact with the principal. If the concern still remains, ask the principal to schedule an appointment with the superintendent or person that has decision making authority in the concerned area.
Please remember to always start the process by scheduling or calling ahead and establishing a time to meet. Always report in at the principal’s office on any visit to the school. This is a safety issue. The school must know the presence of all visitors.
Communication
Heber Springs Middle School 1100 West Pine Street Heber Springs, AR 72543
Phone: 501-‐362-‐2488 Fax: 501-‐362-‐2193 http://hssd.k12.ar.us
Heber Springs, Arkansas Board of Education
Mr. Al Thomas Mr. Rick Garner Mr. Gary Redd
Mr. Richard Whybrew Mrs. Judy Crowder
Superintendent
Dr. Alan Stauffacher 501-‐362-‐6712
Middle School Principal
Mrs. Rita Watkins 501-‐362-‐2488
Middle School Assistant Principal
Mr. Marc Griffin 501-‐362-‐2488
School Resource Officer
Officer Jeff Hiltz 501-‐362-‐2488
Middle School Nurse Mrs. Leslie Williams
501-‐362-‐2488
Important Phone Numbers Superintendent’s Office………362-‐6712 Middle School Office……….362-‐2488 Middle School Fax……….362-‐2193
Transportation Director………362-‐7180 High School Office………362-‐3141 Elementary School Office………362-‐8155
* Contact the Middle School Office to get your password eSchool HAC to access your child’s grades. *
HSMS FACULTY AND STAFF 2104-2015
1. Lana Ables 6th Science [email protected] 2. Kim Anderson Office Secretary [email protected] 3. Whitney Ashby Computer 6th/Science 7th [email protected] 4. Karen Badders 8th Grade Language Arts/History [email protected] 5. Jeff Bise Physical Education/ Athletics [email protected] 6. Donna Bradke Office Secretary [email protected] 7. Nan Bykowski 7th & 8th Grade Math/Science [email protected] 8. Emily Carlton 7th Grade Reading [email protected] 9. Anita Cathey 7th & 8th Grade Lang. Arts [email protected] 10. Lee Childers 6th Grade Math [email protected] 11. Amy Cornett Instructional Facilitator [email protected] 12. Mecahel Cresswell 8th Grade History [email protected] 13. Letha Davis 7th Grade Language Arts [email protected] 14. Kristen Euton 6th Grade Language Arts [email protected] 15. Rachelle Evans 6th & 7th Grade TC/IBCT [email protected] 16. April Grace 7th Grade Science [email protected] 17. Elizabeth Roach Special Education [email protected] 18. Marc Griffin Assistance Principal [email protected] 19. Sheila Head 8th Grade Science [email protected] 20. Jeff Hiltz District School Resource Officer [email protected] 21. Patsy Hodges Aide [email protected] 22. Cyndi Hodges Special Education [email protected] 23. Shelby King FCSI/Pers. Fin./Ld. Serv. [email protected] 24. Kaleb Knight Band/Music [email protected] 25. Ricky Kyzer 7th & 8th Grade Math [email protected] 26. Rhonda Langster 6th & 8th Grade TC/CD [email protected] 27. Shannon Martin Counselor [email protected] 28. Kory Mullens 7th & 8th Grade Math/History [email protected] 29. Kenny Nations Special Education [email protected] 30. Bahar Pruitt 6th & 7th Grade Math/Science/Health/P.E. [email protected] 31. Jamey Riddle Physical Education/Athletics [email protected] 32. Dosky Russell Special Education [email protected] 33. Jamie Schroeder Art [email protected] 34. Bruce Shearer Special Education 35. Rob Sosh 7th & 8th Grade Math [email protected] 36. Sheila Stair 7th Grade Science, 8th Grade Lang. Arts [email protected] 37. Cynthia Thurman Special Education Aide [email protected] 38. Rita Watkins Principal [email protected] 39. Joyce West Librarian [email protected] 41. Amber Williams 6th Grade History [email protected] 42. Leslie Williams Nurse [email protected] Dr. Alan Stauffacher Superintendent [email protected]
Arkansas State PIRC/
Center for Effective Parenting
PARENTS MATTER!
Helping Your Child Do Well in School
What parents do at home can be very important in children’s school success. The purpose of this piece of writing is to discuss the importance of parents and the family in children’s school learning, and to discuss some things parents can do at home to help children do well in school.
PARENTS MATTER!
Researchers looked at the differences in the average performance of 8th graders’ mathematics scores among 37 states. They found three factors that accounted for almost all the difference:
• Students missing too much school • Variety of reading materials in the home • Too much TV watching.
In other words, most of the differences in learning across states can be explained by what goes on in the home.
What you do at home with your child is powerful! In fact, research studies have found that what you do to help your child is more important than how much money or education you have.
Parents who are more involved in their children’s education are able to get their children to do more homework. And research has shown that students who do more homework learn more.
FOUR STEPS PARENTS CAN TAKE TO HELP THEIR CHILD BE MORE SUCCESSFUL AT SCHOOL
1. Read Together
The first and perhaps most important activity you can do at home to help your child do well in school is to read with him. Reading out loud to children is the single most important activity you can do at home to help your child learn to read well. Reading to children and listening to them read is related to success in school. However, only one half of parents with children under age 9 say they read to them every day, and only 13% of parents read to their children during the ages of 9 to 15. Below are some reading activities you can do with your child. Studies have shown that when families are involved in their children’s education in positive ways the children have:
• Higher grades • Higher test scores • Better attendance at school • Complete more homework • Have more positive attitudes and behavior • Graduate at higher rates • Go to college more often Reading to children from ages 1 to 9 is one of the most important things you can do at
home to help your child learn
• Read out loud to your child every day. Spend about 15 minutes or more every day and read something interesting to your child. You can also spend time listening to her read to you.
• You can take your child to the library and help him get a library card.
• Help your child find interesting things to read. Help your child find books related to her interests and hobbies. Your child needs to learn that reading can be enjoyable. In school, she has to read what is assigned, but she also can read for her own pleasure. So, help her find books that will be of interest to her.
2. Use TV Wisely
If your child is spending too much time watching TV, he will not have time to do other important activities, like reading, playing, talking, doing homework, or doing a hobby. Your child needs to spend time doing these things in order to learn and grow as a person.
Surveys of parents show that most parents want to limit their children’s TV viewing. This is hard to do if you work or are not at home.
Research has also shown that children, who watch more than 10 hours of TV a week, or more than 2 hours per day, learn less than children who watch less TV. This means that the more TV children watch over 10 hours, the less they are likely to learn.
Below are some things you can do with your child and TV.
• Limit the amount of TV your child watches. Moderate amounts of viewing are okay, but try to limit your child to no more than about 2 hours of TV per day. If your child is watching more than 10 hours per week, or an average to 2 hours each day, it can interfere with schoolwork and learning.
• Help your child select programs to watch. Many television programs show scenes of violence and sex that will not be right for children. Also, some shows may promote morals and values that are different from your own. Help your child select more educational programs.
• Watch programs with your child. The program will give you chances to talk with your child about important topics.
American children spend an average of 4 hours each day in front of the television--that’s 28 hours per week
At this rate, they will have watched 22,000 hours of TV by age 18--more time than they will spend in the classroom Research has shown that having reading materials available in the home, whether it is owned or borrowed from the library is directly related with children’s success in reading.
Routines usually include regular time for doing homework, doing chores, eating meals together, and going to bed at certain time. Sitting down and eating a meal as a family is a great time to talk with your child about the events of the day. Also, tucking your child into bed every night is a great chance to communicate with your child.
3. Create and Maintain Family Routines
Another thing parents can do to help their children do well in school is to set up daily family routines. Studies have shown that students who do well in school have parents who create and maintain family routines. Routines help children by making their life more predictable and enjoyable.
An important part of the family routine should be making time for homework and studying each day. You can help your child to plan this time.
Your child can improve her grades and learning by doing enough homework. Research studies have shown that the more homework students do, the more they learn. Students with less mental ability who do enough homework get grades as good as students with more mental ability that does no homework.
When should you start teaching your child to do homework and study for tests regularly? The earlier you start the better. You should be working with your child
by the 3rd
or 4th
grade to help her learn to spend time each day doing homework and studying. About 10 minutes per day per grade is a good rule of thumb. For example, a child in the 5th grade should be spending up to 50 minutes per day in homework.
Another thing you can do to help your child study at home is to provide a quiet place to study. This place should be well lit and have few distractions from phone calls, radio, TV, and other interruptions.
You can encourage your child’s efforts to learn by being available for questions and spending time discussing what was learned. You do not need to know all the answers. It is more important that you show interest. If you do not know the answers, your child can call on other family members, teachers, or librarians for help.
4. Have High Standards for Your Child’s Schoolwork
Another important step you can take at home is to set high standards for your child’s schoolwork. You can help your child set goals for school, such as what kinds of grades to work for. You will need to set these goals so that they are realistic. That is, try to make the goals so that your child can meet the goal with some effort.
Encourage your child to work hard to reach his goals. Children like to play rather than work; however, they need to learn to work hard when it is time to work. Most teachers start assigning homework by the third or fourth grade.
Be sure to show your interest and concern by asking your child about his schoolwork and how he is doing in school. This will communicate to him that schoolwork is important.
Also be sure to reward your child for the effort he makes in doing his schoolwork and homework. You can do this by praising his effort. For example, “I really appreciate the hard work you put into your studies. You sure are trying hard!” You can also use physical and social rewards for reaching goals.
AR State PIRC/Center for Effective Parenting
Little Rock Center: (501) 364-7580 NW Arkansas Center: (479) 751-6166
For additional resources, visit our website:
www.parenting-ed.org
The Center for Effective Parenting is a collaborative project of the Jones Center for Families, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences/Department of Pediatrics, and Arkansas Children’s Hospital. The Center for Effective Parenting serves as the Arkansas State Parental
Information & Resource Center (PIRC), which is supported by the U.S. Department of Education (Grant #84.310A) This publication was produced and/or distributed in whole or in part with funds from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Innovation and
Improvement, Parental Information and Resource Center program, under Grant # 84.310A. The content herein does not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Education, any other agency of the U.S. government, or any other source.
Parents Matter!
