Parent and Family Engagement Policy
J.T. Barber Elementary School Parent and Family Engagement Policy 2024-2025
Definition of Parent and Family Engagement
Family engagement refers to the active participation of parents and families in their children's education. It is a collaborative process where schools and families work together to support student learning and development. Effective family engagement creates strong partnerships that empower families to contribute meaningfully to their children’s education, leading to improved academic outcomes, enhanced school climate, and stronger relationships between home and school.
What is the Title I Program?
The Title I Program is a federally supported program that offers assistance to economically disadvantaged schools. Funds allocated to schools ensure all students an equitable, high quality, well-rounded education. Parent and family engagement is a strategy required by the Title I program that has been found to directly improve student achievement.
Annual Public Meetings
J.T. Barber Elementary annual Title I meetings are held in the Fall and Spring. At these meetings, parents are made aware of their rights under Title I, including their right to know the qualifications of their child’s teacher and to be actively involved in decision-making processes. The meeting highlights various opportunities for parents to engage in their child’s education, such as volunteering, participating in parent-teacher organizations, and serving on school committees. An overview of the school’s curriculum and instructional methods, explaining how they align with state standards are provided. This helps parents understand the academic expectations for their children and the knowledge and skills they are expected to acquire at each grade level. We also discuss the support systems in place, such as tutoring, interventions, and other resources available to help students succeed. All assessment data is shared. Parents are informed about how their children are performing academically, including results from state and local assessments. This allows parents to see how their children are progressing and where additional support might be needed. Parents are provided information about how they can support their children’s learning at home, fostering a strong partnership between home and school.
Engaging Parents and Families
Surveys are taken periodically to determine parent needs/interests for upcoming workshops. Additionally, a survey is provided to all parents in the spring of each year for evaluation of the parent and family engagement plan. A Parent Representative is included on the School Improvement Team. The participation of parents in the program strengthens community and school relations. It helps to build an understanding of the school environment which results in increased community involvement to benefit students and their needs. Involved parents become extra pairs of hands to assist in the many demands within the classroom.
Flexible Meetings
Offering flexible meetings at least quarterly at various times of the day as well as via Zoom is a standard consideration at JTB. Parent and family meetings provide continued information, support and resources for parents and families. Parents and families are encouraged and welcomed to volunteer and attend all school activities.
Family Compact Brochure
The Student/Parent and Family /Teacher Compact is a federally mandated agreement between the home and school. The agreement defines goals, expectations and shared responsibilities of JTB, parents and families as equal partners for student success. The teacher keeps a copy compact on file in the classroom and uses it when necessary during parent and family conferences to remind students as well as parents and families of their commitment to the expectations for success.
Parent Assistance
Parental assistance is a cornerstone of J.T. Barber’s Title I program, designed to empower families to actively participate in their child's education. J.T. Barber provides various resources and support to help parents effectively engage in their child's learning journey. This includes offering workshops and training sessions on topics such as understanding curriculum standards, navigating educational technology, and supporting homework completion. J.T. Barber also provides materials and guidance for parents to reinforce learning at home, such as reading strategies, math games, and tips for creating a positive study environment. Additionally, we maintain open lines of communication with parents through regular updates, parent-teacher conferences, and accessible staff who are available to address any questions or concerns. By equipping parents with the tools and knowledge they need, J.T. Barber fosters a collaborative environment where families and educators work together to ensure every child achieves academic success.
Parents with Limited English Proficiency, Disabilities, Migratory children
Parents of children with limited English proficiency or disabilities are afforded opportunities to participate fully and freely in all education activities at school. Once the need is identified, assistance shall be provided. Whenever possible, information is sent home in the families’ native language. Bilingual staff members, parents, ESL instructors and even students are assigned as a liaison between home and school. JTB does meet ADA requirements.
Communication - Information
Throughout the year, information is provided using several methods:
★ Croc Parent/Student Handbook - Sent home at the beginning of the year describing the Title 1 program, curriculum, expectations, assessments required, and other student academic and behavioral expectations.
★ Letters and brochures of explanation regarding curriculum and EOG expectations are supplied by the county and distributed to students.
★ School and Class Dojo contains information about upcoming events, weekly academic playlists, and prompt communication between home and school.
★ Quarterly Parent Conferences - Held quarterly to keep parents informed of students progress and/or strategies/supports needed.
★ Phone calls - Parents are encouraged to phone the school with concerns and may expect their questions to be answered.
★ Administration and/or teacher contacts parents if a child is considered to be at risk.
★ 4-week progress reports - contains detailed information about a student's academic performance midway through each grading period.
★ Report cards include thorough comments to further give the parent a complete view of their child's progress at the end of each nine weeks.
★ Green Folders contains important school information for parent review and/or signature
EPA REGULATIONS NOTICE
In accordance with EPA regulations, J.T. Barber Elementary School has been inspected for materials which contain asbestos. A periodic surveillance is conducted. A management plan is available in the school office and /or at the Craven County Board of Education.