Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Welcome to the 2012-2013 School Year
The Family Engagement Office supports efforts to better connect with families The Wichita Public Schools Family Engagement Office’s mission is to strengthen relationships between schools, families and the community to support student success. Our primary services include: • Conducting Family Engagement trainings for District, school-based and community audiences. Christina M. Long, • Offering coaching support for educators and Family and Community Network families. Specialist • Creating research-based resources for schools 316-973-5131 and families to easily use and/or customize. clong4@usd259.net
BRAND-NEW Family Engagement Site Contacts ONLY Wednesday, August 29 4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Room 200 South Childcare available upon request
Joseph Bowen, Family Engagement Technical Assistant 316-973-5104 jbowen@usd259.net
Connect with us
Office location: Joyce Focht Instructional Support Center, 412 S. Main, first floor Online: familyengagement.wpsportal.usd259.org Email: familyengagement@usd259.net | Fax: 316-973-5166
Parent University returns; collaborators wanted Parent University returns this school year, and the Family Engagement Office is looking for workshop facilitators and vendors. CLICK HERE for details.
Did You Know?: 50 schools jump-started their Family Engagement Planning over the summer
Kudos to the 50 schools that took advantage of a voluntary summer planning session where they worked on their Family Engagement Action Plan for the 2012-2013 school year. The Family Engagement Action Plan outlines ways schools will connect with families. The plan also tracks successes as strategies are completed.
Promising Practices: Casting a vision for all families
The Parent Involvement Compact and Parent Involvement Policy helps schools cast a vision and outline expectations for how they will partner with families in ways that are aligned with the School Improvement Plan. These documents are mandated by Title I law, but 17 local Non-Title schools voluntarily adopted the practice in the 2011-2012 school year – up from three Non-Title schools the previous school year. For samples, please visit the WPS Family Engagement Portal’s “Family Engagement Documentation” section.
FE Orientation:
September Family Engagement Site Contact Training Required for ALL Family Engagement Site Contacts
Wednesday, September 5 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Childcare Available
Common Core Standards and Parents
Help is here for educators looking to share information with families about the Common Core Standards and how parents can reinforce learning from home. Council of the Great City Schools has released Parent Roadmaps to the Common Core Standards for grades K through 8 in Language Arts and Math. The roadmaps are available for free download. Versions in Spanish are slated to be released in the coming weeks. CLICK HERE to visit the site, and access the Roadmaps.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
RSVPs now accepted for Parent University
A stellar line-up of District and community speakers will kick off Parent University on Saturday, October 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the WSU Metroplex , 5015 E. 29th Street North. Families of students at all grade levels and educators may RSVP to the FE Office, 973-5131 or 973-5104.
Saturday, October 6, 2012 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | WSU Metroplex, 5015 E. 29th St. North (29th and Oliver)
Helping parents reach their personal best to help their children reach their ultimate best. Presentations will focus on employment, education and leadership. Free admission, food, childcare and giveaways Interpreters will be available RSVP: 316-973-5131 or 316-973-5104
Keynote presenter: Sheril Logan,
longtime educator and Wichita Board of Education Member
Family Engagement Site Contact Training October 3, 2012 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Childcare Available familyengagement@usd259.net
Domino’s Pizza treats FE Site Contacts at September training Domino’s District manager, Julius Elder, addresses FE Site Contacts.
Featured workshop presenters : TRIO Educational Opportunity Centers Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas
Wesley Medical Center United Way of the Plains Credit Union of America Kansas Kids @ GEAR UP Wichita Public Schools Safety Services and Special Education offices Plus informational resource booths!!!
Partner Power: Engaging the Community in Schools
Numerous volunteers helped students cross busy intersections and offered walkers healthy snacks and school supplies on their trek to Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Elementary as part of the Safe Steps to School initiative earlier this school year. Schools’ biggest allies often live steps away, so it’s ideal for schools to reach out and connect in collaborative, ongoing, and mutually-beneficial ways. Here are three ideas to help your school tap into partner power: • Determine who your neighbors are – Take note of surrounding organizations, businesses and residents. Identify how their partnership can assist the school. • Share information – Share school brochures, newsletters, school-wide event flyers, etc. with those organizations and, when appropriate, invite them to participate. Inform the District’s Volunteer/Partner support office of any volunteering, mentoring or tutoring partnerships that emerge. • Say thanks – Honor contributions and show appreciation by sending student artwork or thank you cards with staff and student signatures.
Domino’s Pizza helped open the September Family Engagement Site Contact training by treating participants to free pizza. More than 110 Site Contacts lead school-based teams that work to create impactful linked-to-learning school events, deliver compelling Family Engagement professional development and implement best practices to help schools meaningfully partner with families.
Community Calendar
Parents are also welcome to attend these upcoming events at Century II, 225 W. Douglas: • Futures Fair Financial Aid workshops: 6:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Monday, October 1. To learn more: www.futuresfair.org.
• Wichita Career Day: Wednesday, October 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Presented by the W.G. Williams Community Foundation.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Parent University inspires many
Nearly 350 people participated in the Parent University kick-off, Saturday October 6 at the WSU Metroplex. The four-hour session featured workshops on topics ranging from education to employment to health. Workshop presentations were high-energy and interactive. Keynote speaker Sheril Logan drew tears during her speech on “The Power of Parental Involvement.” The Wichita Public Schools Family Engagement Office coordinated Parent University in collaboration with a host of District departments and community agencies. Future Parent Universities are planned for January and April 2013. Parent University, one parent wrote, was “worth every minute.” Another wrote that she will “give enough support to my child’s teacher and ensure my availability in school activities, including volunteering, that involve parents.” Special thanks to the Parent University Planning Team, Multilingual Education Services, Learning Services and every school that helped spread the word to generate attendance. For more information about Parent University, contact the Family Engagement Office.
Family Engagement Site Contact Training November 7, 2012 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Childcare Available familyengagement@usd259.net
Did You Know: South High’s Porch Visits a Success
Workshop session participants.
South High School staff members took advantage of cooler temperatures in September and conducted Porch Visits to nearly all of their freshmen families. The visits resulted with staff making face-to-face contact with 71 percent of families on the visits. The Family Engagement Office has a new Porch Visit training video to help schools prepare to make such positive contact. CLICK HERE to access the video.
Sheril Logan presents to a packed house.
Community Calendar: Events for families
Interpreting services and translated documents helped prevent language from being a barrier.
Local storyteller Tasleem Muqtasid entertains some of the children in childcare.
Promising Practices: Popular DJ helps Marshall Middle School improve student attendance
Greg “The Hitman” Williams of KDGS Power 93.9 recently recorded a personal wake up call to help encourage students to get to school on time. School staff will send the call to students identified as chronically absent. Attendance and achievement go hand in hand. CLICK HERE to listen to the message.
• Say No to Bullying: Parent Education Workshop- Tuesday, October 16, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the West High School Library, 820 S. Osage. Free. A light meal will be provided. For more information, please call 316-973-2260. • Wichita Career Day – Wednesday, October 17 at the Century II Exhibition Hall, 225 W. Douglas. Free. For more information please call 316-9438951. Presented by the WG Williams Community Foundation.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Family Engagement at the Secondary Level
Stock image
“A different kind of parent involvement remains important throughout adolescence,” according to the book, “Great Places to Learn” by Neal Starkman, Peter C. Scales and Clay Roberts. “What parents do at home to support learning expressing positive attitudes about schooling, talking with their children about what they’re learning, encouraging and modeling reading, providing an environment conducive to studying - may be even more important than attending school meetings and events, especially as children mature.” Here are some ideas educators can share with Secondary-level parents to encourage engagement:
• Have family discussions about school and include expectations for graduation. • Provide extracurricular experiences as an extension of classroom education and opportunity to teach time management skills. • “Threaten” involvement in a more visible manner if achievement declines. • Monitor friendships. • Teach students how to self-advocate (i.e. how to ask for help with understanding an assignment, requesting test retakes, etc. • Help students with homework – even if only ensuring that students complete their homework.
- Information adapted from “Great Places to Learn” and the National Network of Partnership Schools
PROMISING PRACTICES : Ways to honor families Parking Lot Praises – Bostic Traditional Magnet is combating parking lot congestion at drop-off and dismissal by thanking parents for their help and reminding them of parking lot procedures. Involve the community – A local business funded Parent All-Star yard signs so Irving Elementary could honor featured families monthly. Coffee at the Curb – Wilbur Middle School is among many schools that have already conducted Coffee by the Curb this school year. Photos courtesy of Wilbur
Family Engagement Site Contact Training November 7, 2012 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Childcare Available familyengagement@usd259.net
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Tuesday, November 13, 2012 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Mueller Aerospace and Engineering Discovery Magnet 2500 E. 18th St. Free childcare Refreshments will be served RSVP: 316-973-5104 REVAMPED MATH NIGHT LEADS TO QUADRUPLE ATTENDANCE White Elementary School revamped its not-as-successful Amazing Math Race held last year to a Trick-or-Treat Math Night this school year. The school reports quadruple the turn-out with more than 290 people in attendance including students in full costume. Families visited stations with math questions for grade levels PreK-5th. The school also distributed treats to participants. “The families had so much fun and didn't even complain they were solving math problems,” the Family Engagement Site Contact, Kelly Kelly, wrote in a follow-up e-mail to staff.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Focusing on the Family Engagement Framework The District’s Family Engagement framework relies on educators understanding how to meaningfully connect with families in ways that also support student learning. Family Engagement Site Contacts and Family Engagement Teams in buildings across Wichita Public Schools use a combination of linked-toFamily Engagement Site Contacts from McAuliffe Academy and Chisholm Life Skills learning events and trainings for families and Center reviewing Action Plans professional development for educators to strengthen connections between home and school. ABOUT FAMILY ENGAGEMENT These school-based efforts are captured, Family Engagement is tracked and measured for effectiveness using mandated by federal the Family Engagement Action Plan. policy and included in Here are examples of Family Engagement MTSS. Action Plan initiatives that Family Engagement Research shows that Teams have already completed this school year: students whose families • Reading and Math Nights. are involved in their • Donuts for Dads, Muffins for Moms learning tend to earn and other similar parent outreach events. • Positive Postcard campaigns where educators better grades, have higher send families positive remarks about students. graduation rates, enroll in • Presentations to staff on Family Engagement. more challenging courses, • Distribution of Parent Involvement Policies, which behave better inside and outline the vision schools hold for their families. outside of school and are • Distribution of Parent Involvement Compacts, more likely to enroll in which outline expectations teachers, families and postsecondary education. students have of one another this school year. Unsure about what your school’s Family Engagement Action Plan says? Contact your Family Engagement Site Contact to review the plan.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FAMILY ENGAGEMENT FRAMEWORK, CLICK HERE to watch “WELCOME, HONOR, CONNECT: Family Engagement in Wichita Public Schools ” produced by WPS Media Production Services.
PROMISING PRACTICES : Families and Character Ed Robinson Middle School is building families into its Character Education efforts. The school creates a newsletter around a character theme and outlines talking points families can use with their students. Families who sign and return a short form saying they discussed the month’s character trait with their child get entered into a grade-level drawing for a gift card to neighborhood businesses. CLICK HERE to view a sample newsletter to families about the effort. Wichita Public Schools Office of Safety Services also Offers Character Education Training. Parent University Contact their office at 316-973-2260 Character Education for more information. training participants
Family Engagement Site Contact Training December 5, 2012 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Childcare Available familyengagement@usd259.net
Saturday, January 12 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
(Registration: 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.)
North High School 1437 N. Rochester
Math, Reading, ESOL, Early Childhood, Family Engagement , Special Education , College/Career and Character Education workshops plus informational resource booths planned to help families better support their children’s learning from home.
Free admission, food and childcare. Interpreters will be available. Transportation may be arranged. Educators earn PD points for attending! RSVP: 316-973-5131 OR 316-973-5104 WHERE TO SEND RSVP FORMS:
If you receive completed RSVP forms from families, please Interschool Mail to the Family Engagement Office at the ISC or fax forms to 316-973-5166.
Family Engagement Mid-Year Survey Distributed this Month The survey will be distributed this month to Family Engagement Team members and to Principals in January.
Thanks in advance for helping us strengthen our District approach to Family Engagement.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Families enjoy Parent University’s curriculum focus Parent University workshops at North High School drew more than 200 parents and caregivers, on Saturday, January 12 who were interested in learning ways they could help support learning from home. “The way you can learn is limitless – TV, games, music, can you believe that? I can’t wait to get home to do these things,” one parent wrote following the Empowering ESOL Learners session. Another wrote about learning “how to redirect when kids are arguing by asking more questions about how they are feeling and what they think is best to handle the situation, rather than just providing a solution for them” from the “I Can Problem Solve” session. Families were able to select three of 13 workshops to attend focusing on math, reading, character development, special education and ESOL, among other topics. Jane Groff, who directs the Topeka-based Parent Information Resource Center presented a session on Family Engagement; Lisa Lutz, executive director of Innovation and Evaluation for the District gave a brief overview of MTSS and Carlos Contreras, an educational advocate who also manages the Nomar International Market, presented a keynote speech encouraging families to celebrate learning. Additionally, nearly 15 District and community agencies distributed materials to further help parents. Prize drawings included a $50 Best Buy Gift card and a $50 QuikTrip gift card to further show appreciation for their attendance. “This information has helped me greatly in understanding the child’s need as well as how to help them in their future education,” one parent wrote of Parent University. Parent University is coordinated by the District’s Family Engagement Office in collaboration with a host of District offices and community agencies.
Family Engagement Site Contact Training FEBRUARY 6, 2013 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Childcare Available familyengagement@usd259.net
PROMISING PRACTICES:
Curtis celebrates reading The Curtis Family Center recently held a Reading Night to share ways families can be engaged in their children’s learning, particularly through reading. A mother reads from Staff members “Charlotte’s Web” in distributed nearly Spanish, while her 100 brand-new books daughter reads the same text in English. written in Spanish and English to students and families to further encourage them to read together.
Maximizing transition planning for families: Examples of School-based Practices
About 50 families joined Assistant Superintendent Bill Faflick and Christina Long of the Family Engagement Office at the Choices Fair to learn ways to help their students transition from Elementary to Middle School and Middle to High School.
PreK/Kindergarten Boo Hoo Breakfast: McLean Science and Technology Magnet School holds a multi-day effort led by its Parent Organization. The first three days of school, PTA officers socialize with Kindergarten parents over refreshments. On the first full day where all Kindergarten students attend, a breakfast and a mini-meeting are held to welcome families. Monthly, PTA officers meet families by the curb for mini-meetings, the school reports. Middle School Summer Boot Camp: Pleasant Valley Middle School held a “boot camp” for incoming 6th graders during two half-day morning sessions in July 2012 that were facilitated by the school’s Assistant Principals and 6th grade team. Students practiced opening lockers, learned the school layout, how to read a schedule and participated in fun team-building activities, the school reports. High School Parent Swap Day: Heights High School allows parents and other caregivers to attend classes in place of their student in the morning. Teachers teach a mini-lesson to give participants a first-hand experience of what their child’s day is like. An average of 500 adults participate, the school reports.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
PLUGGING FAMILIES INTO ASSESSMENT PREPARATION Families can help play a major support role as assessment time unfolds. Ideas for involving them include: Parent Playbooks - Several elementary schools are distributing Parent Playbooks, which offer easy-toimplement ideas families can use to help their child prepare for assessments – and everyday learning. E-mail familyengagement@usd259.net for samples. Encouraging Notes – Parents of all grade levels can help cheer their students on by writing an encouraging note. Many Family Engagement Site Contacts have found success organizing this effort by providing positive postcards to families at Parent-Teacher Conferences. Families write their note then leave it with the school to distribute. Staff members write notes to students who may not receive one otherwise. Reminders – Place reminders on marquees, in newsletters and bulletin boards to keep families informed about testing dates and ways they can help their students best prepare. Pep rallies – Help families catch the “assessment fever” by inviting them to attend assessment pep rallies. Last year, Spaght invited West High’s cheer team to help inspire students to do their best. Assessment Nights – Consider rolling assessment information into an existing event or plan an assessment-focused family event where teachers and families gather to learn about the assessment process and discover fun ways parents can help support their child’s preparation. For additional assessment resources, such as pre-made newsletter messages and positive postcard passages, contact the Family Engagement Office.
PROMISING PRACTICES : White Elementary’s Reading Night hits the national spotlight thanks to staffer
White Elementary’s camping-themed Family Reading Night was placed on a national spotlight when staff member, Shari Edwards (pictured to the left), blogged about it. Her feature, on the Top Teaching Blog, included step-by-step instructions with pictures for schools interested in recreating the activity. CLICK HERE to read Edwards’ blog post. Photo courtesy of scholastic.com
Family Engagement Site Contact Training March 6, 2013 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Childcare Available familyengagement@usd259.net
Saturday, April 13
10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
(Registration: 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.)
West High School 820 S. Osage
LEAD – Presentations will tap into parents’ leadership potential and encourage them to participate with schools in ways that benefit their children, and, ultimately, the community.
Free admission, food and childcare. Interpreters will be available.
RSVP: 316-973-5131 OR 316-973-5104 WHERE TO SEND RSVP FORMS:
If you receive completed RSVP forms from families, please Interschool Mail to the Family Engagement Office at the ISC or fax forms to 316-973-5166.
DID YOU KNOW? Kansas Parent Information Resource Center releases new MTSS math resource for families. CLICK HERE to download the document. New US Department of Education College scorecard helps families find a good college fit for students. CLICK HERE for background information. To view the scorecard, CLICK HERE.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Common Core Resources for families released The Council of the Great City Schools has released new resources that schools can use to explain Common Core standards to families. CLICK HERE to visit the website.
Family test talk takes flight with ‘Angry Birds’ White Elementary incorporated the popular Angry Birds into its recent Assessment Night in ways that can also be adapted for Middle and High School families.
Family Engagement Site Contact Training April 3, 2013 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
familyengagement@usd259.net
CALENDAR UPDATES Saturday, April 13
10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
(Registration: 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m.)
West High School, 820 S. Osage
Photo courtesy of White Elementary
Each family received an Angry Bird game mat, state assessment questions by grade-level, a puffy Angry Bird ball and Pig cups, a dice and a game mover. Families then asked each other state assessment questions. Correct answers meant slinging a bird at a pig tower made of cups. Participants also made a giant Angry Bird tower that was used to prompt student discussion about State Assessment fears and misconceptions. Students who answered questions correctly threw yarn balls at the tower.
PROMISING PRACTICES : Washington Elementary’s
Spring Break Bingo Card
Washington Elementary’s Spring Break Bingo Card aims to keep families learning and active while also promoting two-way communication between home and school. Families that mark which activities they complete and return their card receive prizes based on their level of participation.
LEAD – Presentations will tap into parents’ leadership potential and encourage them to participate with schools in ways that benefit their children, and, ultimately, the community. Free admission, food and childcare. Interpreters will be available.
RSVP: 316-973-5131 OR 316-973-5104 Please send completed RSVP forms to the Family Engagement Office at the ISC.
Urban League of Kansas to hold “Man Up” Conference, for men and incoming 8th grade through high school males, Saturday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas, 2400 N. Opportunity Drive. Free for students; $10 for adult men. Call, 316-683-3315 for more info.
DID YOU KNOW? WPS linking to learning coast-to-coast
Chisholm Trail student featured on KWCH because of a new connection made from an old balloon launch. To view the full story, CLICK HERE.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Principals talk Family Engagement impact at 2nd Annual Showcase Luncheon
The 2nd Annual Family Engagement Showcase Luncheon, held April 9, gave Principals an opportunity to talk about their successes – and challenges – in getting families and communities engaged in student learning. Based on feedback, Principals overwhelmingly want new ideas for engaging families, including a way to learn what other schools are doing to engage families. Principals Gil Alvarez, Joel Hudson and Ron Stubbs Many Principals also pledged to help talk Family Engagement at luncheon ensure their FE Teams meet regularly, hold teams accountable for implementing their FE Action Plans, communicate more consistently with FE Site Contacts and continue or increase the amount of school-based money set aside for Family Engagement – key components to Family Engagement success. While participants reported wanting to hear from the Elementary-level during the luncheon, Principals overall found the event helpful to strengthen buildingbased practices. “It helps to continually remind us how important FE is and why it needs to consistently be monitored and supported,” one Principal wrote of the event.
Parent University empowers parents to lead
Parent University, held April 13, at West High School brought parents together to explore leadership in ways that positively impact schools and families. Parent University workshop attendance totaled 240 adults. Topics included parent leadership, college and career readiness, Family Engagement, Special Education and a keynote presentation by Dr. Mildred Edwards of the Kansas African-American Affairs Commission and
the Kansas Board of Regents. The workshops struck a chord with many participants including one who wrote: “I thank God for these parenting workshops because I have really learned a lot by attending. This makes you a better person, mentor and parent…” Special thanks to West High administrators and staff, Starlite Drive-In for donating grand prizes, all Parent University planning team members, childcare workers, volunteers, MES and its interpreters, USD 259 Print Center, Toni Hagan, who designed the Parent University programs, and all District and community vendors, presenters and representatives who, in any way, helped Parent University 2012-2013 a success.
Family Engagement Site Contact Training May 8 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
familyengagement@usd259.net
The Family Engagement Office wants to help support schools that may be changing or adding new Family Engagement Site Contacts. Please contact our office so we can help to appropriately transition the work to keep momentum moving in your buildings. Call, 316-973-5131 or e-mail familyengagement@usd259.net
Collaborating with Community
All-Star Adventures partners with schools for safe after parties
All-Star Adventures, 1010 N. Webb Rd., works with schools, such as Southeast High, to provide safe After-Prom or After-Graduation activities for students. For more information, call, 316-682-3700 or e-mail asmith@allstarwichita.com. Urban League of Kansas to hold “Man Up” Conference, for men and incoming 8th grade through high school males, Saturday, April 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Club of South Central Kansas, 2400 N. Opportunity Drive. Free for students; $10 for adult men. Call, 316-683-3315 for more info.
Supporting student success by connecting families, schools and the community.
Family Engagement Year-End Review Family Engagement in Wichita Public Schools has flourished during the 12-13 school year. From engaging events to award-winning character development initiatives to improved communication and relationships between home, school and the community, there is much to celebrate. Here are just a few examples:
Events
Non-Events
Family Engagement Site Contact Training May 8 Focht ISC, 412 S. Main Secondary: 3:45-5:00 p.m. Elementary: 4:45-6:00 p.m.
familyengagement@usd259.net
Community Engagement Opportunities
Building relationships with families
through fun, linked-to-learning, costeffective activities is the goal. Donuts for Dads, Munch and Learns, Bagels with Buddies, etc. continue to succeed. Gardiner Elementary School’s Donuts for Dads, for example, drew 172 Dads in attendance – up from 55 last school year. Chisholm Trail Elementary School reports 300 women attending Munch with Moms.
Family Engagement PD
Building staff capacity about Family Engagement through meetings, presentations and trainings is the goal.
The Family Engagement Office collaborated to present topics from customer service to stronger building culture and, most recently, new Parent-Teacher Conference style. CLICK HERE to see the model.
“Non-Events” describes how schools communicate and collaborate with families as part of everyday school culture.
Engaging families in character education for students earned Robinson Middle School, for example, statewide honors on May 2 during the Kansas Schools of Character Ceremony in Topeka. CLICK HERE to read more about the recognition.
A special message from the FE Office
Our District approach to Family Engagement is stronger because of the contributions of all who took up the work of supporting students by engaging families and the community. Many thanks to 2012-2013 Family Engagement Site Contacts, Family Engagement Team members, Principals, school and district staff members, Parent Leaders and community collaborators who participated in FE work. The framework is thriving because of their efforts. Family Engagement capacity is being built and inroads are being made.
The District seeks input on building proposals related to Southeast High School. Please help spread the word about the following opportunities, particularly for families within the Southeast feeder pattern:
•Wednesday, May 8, 6:30-8:00 p.m.: Joint Site Council Meeting, NE Magnet High School, 5550 N. Lycee, Bel Aire •Monday, May 13, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Tour SE High, 903 S. Edgemoor •Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.: Tour NE Magnet, 5550 N. Lycee, Bel Aire •Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.: Community Conversation, Southeast High, 903 S. Edgemoor. CLICK HERE for more information.
Did You Know?: WPS Portal features FE practices Select “Promising Practices” in the “Family Engagement Information” section on the WPS Family Engagement Portal to view content. Schools are encouraged to email information about successful Family Engagement practices to the FE Office.