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The following resources can give you a few helpful ideas to further get involved in your student's education.
Parent Engagement Initiative Program
The Polk School County District Parent Initiative Program emphasizes parent engagement as an empowering form of parental involvement. This initiative is designed to impact student achievement and student discipline by surrounding young people with sensitive, caring adults who are committed to a better academic future for all children.
A successful implementation of the program is currently being offered at the following schools:
- Alta Vista Elem.
- Boone Middle
- Crystal Lake Elem.
- Gibbons Street Elem.
- Inwood Elem.
- Jesse Keen Elem.
- Kingsford Elem.
- McLaughlin Middle
- Sandhill Elem.
- Westwood Middle
Each of these schools has been assigned a Parent Outreach Facilitator. This Facilitator focuses on 40 targeted students and their families by outreaching to the community, churches, and parents.
For further information, please contact Charisse Jones, Parent Outreach Coordinator at: (863)534-3670
Office of Diversity Management
Communicating
Conference Tips for Parents
Before the conference I can:
- Make a list of questions and concerns, examples:
- What kinds of activities does my child do well in at school?
- Where does my child have difficulty?
- Does my child get along with other children?
- Does my child follow the directions and guidance of adult leaders?
- What can I do from home to assist?
- Other Questions I have:
- Ask my child if he or she has question about school
- Arrange for a babysitter for small children
On the day of the conference I can:
- Allow plenty of time to get to the school
- Share information about my child so the teacher will know him or her better
- Take notes
After the conference I can:
- Make another appointment if I didn’t have enough time or for follow-up with the teacher
- Talk with my child about the conference
- Keep in touch with the teacher by telephone or through notes
Communicating Resources
Learning At Home
Family-Friendly Schools, Education-Friendly Homes
Your child will benefit if you:
- Encourage reading in your home
- Ensure adequate sleep
- Limit TV and video time
- Provide a well balanced healthy diet, even for teenagers
- See that your child attends school regularly and is on time
- Set aside a homework/study routine each school night
- Encourage completion of all of all assignments
- Attend all events in which your child participates
- Talk and listen to your child about school activities each day
- Ask for help or advice when your child is struggling or having a problem
- Provide ongoing enrichment
- Show respect and support for your child, the teachers and the school
- Support the school in developing positive behaviors
- Understand student expectations for each grade level & course
- Know how to access scholarship and financial aid information for higher education
- Update address and phone numbers with the main office
- Praise your child’s efforts
- Schedule at least one teacher conference during each year
- Read everything that comes home from school, checking backpacks regularly
- Monitor test scores and performance carefully
A Dozen Everyday Tips on How to Help Your Child Learn
- Say "good job" and "I knew you could do it."
- Ask "what do you think?" – and really listen to their answers.
- It's time to study. Set a daily routine for schoolwork, meals, and bedtime.
- Beat the clock. Let your children know you and others appreciate it when they're on time.
- Turn off the television. By limiting TV time, you'll open more time for other activities.
- Say "tell me about it." Learn what your children are doing in school. Encourage them to explain their assignments.
- Beat the "why do I need to learn this?" blues. Show children how their schoolwork applies to their lives.
- Get the library habit. Libraries hold a world of information. Make a trip to the local library a weekly routine.
- Show children how their schoolwork applies to their lives.
- Talk, talk, talk ... with your children as you go about your daily routines.
- Make story time a regular part of the day.
- Set high but realistic standards. Recognize that each child is different.
- Give them a pat on the back for a job well done.
from "Little Things Make a Big Difference," a booklet based on a survey of nearly 10,000 elementary and middle school principals
Other Resources
