Smith Junior High School Parental Involvement Policy

2016-2017 Smith Junior High recognizes, values and encourages the importance of parental involvement in supporting academic achievement and student success in school. Parents and staff must work as a team to contribute to the success of every child. We will provide the following to all parents:

● Schedule an annual meeting in the beginning of the school year, to explain the Title I program, including funding, and their right to be involved in the program.

● We will include parents in planning, reviewing and improving the site Title I program and provide opportunities for input through meetings or informal communication options.

● Make every effort to communicate and /or involve parents regarding their child’s academic achievement, including an explanation of curriculum, assessments used and proficiency levels students are expected to meet.

● Offer timely responses and flexible meetings (am and pm) to accommodate parents and families.

● Provide regular progress reports at a frequency that exceeds the district’s minimum requirements.

In the development of our Parental Involvement Policy we consulted the National Standards for Parental Involvement to guide our planning. Standard 1: Communication

● MPS Parent Portal gives parents access to attendance and grades ● Smith Junior High website and planner ● ConnectEd phone calls/emails and/or texts ● News feeds ● Progress reports and quarterly grades ● Family Information bulletin board in front office ● New Student Orientation (August) ● Open House (August/September) ● Curriculum Night (January/February) ● Newsletters (Title I and the Smith Sidewinders) ● Marquee ● Sidewinders Scoop ● SIAC-School Improvement Advisory Council and/or Title I Committee ● Surveys ● District Communications and Marketing website ● Superintendent’s Latino Parent Council

Standard 2: Parenting

● Assist parents with school related problems by clearly explaining options available to assist their student academically, emotionally and behaviorally

● Availability of counselors, teachers, administration and specialist

● Family Support Specialist (Mrs. Sue Bartow) will serve as a liaison to help families get the information and resources (academic, personal or financial) they need to support their children at home and in school. Also here to promote a welcoming environment between families, school and the community.

● Family Resource Room (Room 125) ● Parent University classes held at nearby sites ● Workshops for families ● Information on Smith website parent tab ● Resources available for check out

Standard 3: Student Learning

● Orientation for new students and families before school starts ● Open House (August/September) ● Curriculum Night (January/February) ● REACH, is an extended learning program created during the school day for the purpose

of improving academic achievement and creating enrichment opportunities for all students. 45 minutes two days (Thursday and Friday) a week

● ELT (Extended Learning Time) 20 minutes every Wednesday for school wide reading and writing

● Tutoring available with their teacher before/after school ● AVID classes in Math and English (Advancement Via Individual Determination) ● Alternative bell schedule that allows classroom instruction to expand on learning ● Clubs, activities and sports ● Concerts and plays ● Student Council ● Summer School ● Homework Assistance on Smith’s website under student tab (Slick Sidewinders and Do

your Homework Arizona) ● ELL (English Language Learner) and IEP (Individual Education Plan) programs ● Student Awards and Recognition ● Plan and facilitate parent academic evenings to review their student’s data and provide

information for improvement Standard 4: Volunteering

● Parent volunteer forms and opportunities are available through the Family Support Specialist, Smith’s website and/or on the district website

● SIAC-School Improvement Advisory Council and/or Title I Committee ● Clubs, activities, sports, concerts and plays ● VIPERS (Very Involved Parents Expanding Resources for Students) Booster Club ● Opportunities for Community Members to volunteer on Smith’s campus ● Service Learning ● National Junior Honor Society ● Opportunities for Skyline and Mesa Community College students to volunteer at Smith ● Superintendent’s Latino Parent Council

Standard 5: School Decision Making and Advocacy

● SIAC-School Improvement Advisory Council/Title I Committee ● VIPERS (Very Involved Parents Expanding Resources for Students) Booster Club ● Title I Meetings ● Family Support Specialist ● Superintendent’s Latino Parent Council ● Surveys

Standard 6: Collaboration with the Community

● SIAC-School Improvement Advisory Council ● VIPERS (Very Involved Parents Expanding Resources for Students) Booster Club ● Superintendent’s Latino Parent Council ● Students will participate in service learning projects and community employment

partnerships ● Work with local businesses to provide incentives for students ● Local businesses and community groups also provide resources to enrich

curriculum and instruction ● Community use of facilities ● University intern assistants