APOLLO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parent Involvement Policy
2008-2009 School Year

PARENTS ARE PARTNERS AT APOLLO MIDDLE SCHOOL

Parental involvement is critical to the success of a child’s achievement in education. At Apollo Middle School we will strengthen our home-school-community partnership to ensure a safe-oriented learning environment such that student achievement and school climate will prosper. Parents are important influences in helping their children achieve high academic standards. When schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning, children are more successful and schools improve. You, as parents, are partners in your child’s education and are encouraged to be actively involved. Listed below are ways in which parental involvement is embossed at Apollo Middle.

Communication with Parents

• The school newsletter, The Astro News is sent home at the end of each grading period in English and Spanish.
• Each year the district level and school level parent surveys are sent home and used to gather suggestions on improving and strengthening the school and the Title One Program.
• Parents are contacted by telephone, in their native language when applicable, regarding the positive and negative actions of their children at school. Phone logs record these verbal communications.
• A Parent-School Compact is jointly developed and distributed to all parents, teachers, and students to be signed.
• Parents are informed of the school curriculum and expected proficiency levels by receiving copies of the Metro Academic Standards and through various assessment reports. (examples: report cards, Think Link, Grade Speed, TCAP analysis, progress reports, etc.)
• Parents receive information at the Parent Annual Open House meeting on the school improvement plan, parent involvement policy, the parent-school compact and how to participate in your child’s school and Title I program.

Meeting with Parents

• PTO board meetings are held on a regular basis established by the PTO Committee.
• A school Open House is held to welcome parents and students and to provide information about our school and the Title I Program in the first semester and in the second semester.
• Parent workshops and professional development opportunities are scheduled throughout the year to inform parents of reading and math objectives currently being taught in your child’s curriculum. Times are varied to provide parent convenience.
• Parent conferences are scheduled in October each year, in addition to monthly conferences held as requested by parents or teachers. Interpreters are available when needed.

Active Parent Participation

• Parent involvement programs will be advertised in a timely manner through the use of newsletters, flyers, website, connect ed callout system, and the outside marquee sign.
• Parents are invited to attend classroom activities, field trips, award assemblies, and to volunteer with all school wide announced activities.
• Parents are involved in writing and implementing parent involvement policies including the Parent Involvement Plan, the Parent-School Compact, and the School Improvement Plan.
• A suggestion box is available in the front lobby and in guidance for parent concerns, questions, and comments.
• Parents are encouraged to join the School-Wide Planning committee and the PTO.
• Parents may request the opportunity for regular meetings to offer suggestions and to participate in decisions relating to the education of their children.

Community Relations

• Apollo Middle School uses resources from community organizations, local businesses, and our Pencil Partners to promote the involvement of parents and increase student academic achievement.

Suggestions

Each year the parent involvement policy is revised according to the parent suggestions. After reviewing this draft please inform us of any changes you would like to see added or changed as we will consider your suggestions.