Family+Focus

This space has been created for ideas for family connections as well as to list current ways in which families can help in the classroom or school. Feb. 5, 2009 SH: I would like to submit this for the family page on the website. We can leave what's there or add pages to it like ways to become involved, family library, Family to Family Blog link (I had Jennifer set up a blog) But I think a general statement about our relationship with families is necesssary.


 * As a parent, we believe that you are your child's first teacher and the most prominent model in their life. We value that relationship and appreciate the opportunity to assist you in preparing your child to become a lifelong learner.

At S.C.O.P.E Academy, we will partner with you to understand your child's strengths, interests and new skills they are beginning to demonstrate. We utilize that information to design meaningful experiences in which your child will thrive.

We look forward to creating many lasting memories together during this exciting time in your child's life.

Welcome!

Family Involvement: We need to create a vision with goals about how we see parent involvement. We should make this a priority to complete before the end of the year so that next year when we have a plan in place.** Running list of ideas:
 * Have parents share with us hopes and goals for their child twice a year
 * Survey parents on how they want to be involved and what they would like to see as far as PI opportunities
 * Share with parents he daily schedule, provide a list of prompting questions to ask about each day
 * Communicate on a weekly basis about projects or big ideas their child focused on this week. Focusing more in depth on 1 or 2 things will provide them a nice connection b/t home and school. Also provide prompting questions regarding specific projects etc. or ways they can support the learning at home and at school. Understanding what children our learning and talking about it is a strong way to promote school success and we start setting the example early on. Upload video and pictures to support the communication.
 * Create a parent component for all staff development we do. It can be an inforamtional sheet, mini workshop, share the "book" for instance we could put a copy of approaches to learning in the library or highlight on the parent info table. it could even be a page on the website.
 * Recipe Book - I know we have talked about this but Michelle keep each recipe you make with the kids, Denise and Yu-ling's and the recipes the kids create in the cooking center. Combine in a spiral bound book, the inside cover could have a dedication and the cover a picture of the class.
 * Parent information table in the front hallway but warm and inviting with pictures, highlighted books from the library, etc.
 * Help with our environment: send the plans home with families, what can they do to support the ideas of the children? From coming in for an hour to donations of supplies for instance wall paper books to decorate the inside of a building. this will keep them informed of what we are doing. Pictures, video as well. Once it is done, invite families in for a "tour of the city"