Conshohocken Elementary School Title I Parent/Family Engagement Policy 2020-2021

We believe that home, school, and community involvement is a shared responsibility among school staff, parents/guardians, students, and community members. The parent/guardian is recognized as the child’s first educator. In light of the recent school closings and remote learning implemented as a result of COVID-19, now more than ever we will strive to be engaged as a school community.

In order to develop effective communication between the home and school, Conshohocken Elementary encourages and supports parental involvement in school activities in the following ways:

● All parents/guardians can become involved with their child’s education by joining the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). Parents/guardians can participate through subcommittees of the PTO or through volunteering their services in various ways. Information is distributed at the yearly Back-to-School Night. The PTO has a link, with a PTO email address, on the Conshohocken Elementary page of the Colonial School District website or a parent can call the school and ask to be put in touch with a PTO representative. In addition, the PTO independently runs a PTO Facebook page which families can join @ Conshohocken Elementary PTO.

● All parents/guardians are invited to attend Parent-Teacher Conferences held in the fall and spring, as well as classroom, building, and district events. All parents/guardians are welcome to visit classrooms during American Education Week (pending CDC guidelines).

● The District allocates a portion of its federal grant funds to support family involvement workshops at Conshohocken Elementary. The principal, Federal Programs coordinator, teachers, guidance counselor, and the reading specialists are available to consult with parents/guardians at Open House and at Curriculum Night.

● At least one parent/guardian/family meeting will be set by the Title I Coordinator so that parents/guardians/family are involved in the review of the Conshohocken Parent/Family Involvement policies. The principal will share school goals, explain the school curriculum and assessment procedures, and discuss expected proficiency levels based on state standards with parents/guardians at PTO meetings, Open house, Curriculum Night, and other events.

● The School-Parent/Family Compact outlines the ways in which staff, parents/family, and students share responsibility for student achievement. The Compact is sent home with Title I students during the first week of school and posted on the CE website.

● Parents/Family of Title I students may complete a parent/family survey at the conclusion of each school year in order to give input concerning parent involvement activities and the organization of the Title I program for the upcoming year.

● The Title I program and the Parent/Family Involvement policy are reviewed on a yearly basis.

The support which parents/guardians give to the education of their students is a needed and appreciated part of the home, school, and community partnership.

August 2020

Dear Parent:

As a parent of a student attending a school that is receiving Federal Title I dollars, you have the right to know the professional qualifications of the teacher(s) and instructional paraprofessional(s) who instruct your child. Federal law requires every Title I school district to comply and to provide you with the requested information in a timely manner.

We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

• Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching;
• Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived; and
• What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December, 2105 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes additionally right to know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request:

• Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out; and
• Information on required assessments that include:
  • Subject matter tested,
  • Purpose of the test,
  • Source of the requirement (if applicable)
  • Amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and
  • Time and format of disseminating results.

Our staff is committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Pennsylvania state requirements.

We look forward to the upcoming school year, and together we will make a difference in your child’s life.

Sincerely,
Maria Wileczek Federal Programs Coordinator

Conshohocken Elementary School-Family Compact 2020-2021

Conshohocken Elementary School is a Title I school and as such, the school receives federal funds for staff, supplies, activities, services, and programs to enhance student learning.

Every Title I school has a school-parent/guardian compact. The school-parent/guardian compact is a written agreement that clarifies what families and schools can do together to help children reach high academic standards.

It is a commitment indicating how all members of the school community -- parents, guardians, teachers, principal, and students agree to share responsibility for student learning.

CE Staff Commitment: 

We will:

• create a partnership with every family in my class.
• explain my approach to teaching, expectations, and grading system to students and their families.
• monitor student progress in all areas of the curriculum and update parents. 
• make sure all students get help as soon as it’s needed.
• send home learning materials. 
• assign work that is relevant and interesting.
• make sure students understand the assignment and what they’ll learn from it, and grade it promptly.
• accurately record student attendance.
• provide high quality, challenging, and engaging instruction in a supportive environment.
• provide opportunities for parents/guardians/caregivers to volunteer at school.
• share responsibility with student and parents/guardians in striving towards student achievement.

Student’s Commitment:

I will:

• come to school each day with a positive attitude and ready to learn.
• demonstrate the respectful and responsible citizenship.
• read every day on my own or with a family member.
• give my parents or guardians my Daily Communication Folder and all notices given to me by the school.
• complete my homework each night.
• do my best each and every day

Parent/Guardian/Family Commitment

We will:

• let the school know that I am an equal partner in my child’s academic success.
• learn about attendance policies, be firm about my child’s attendance and send in a note and call for every absence.
• monitor my child’s progress and let the teacher know right away if I notice any problems.
• stay informed by checking my child’s Daily Communication Folder and respond as appropriate.
• provide my child with a healthy learning environment at home.
• communicate with my child’s school and teacher often.
• encourage my child’s learning at school and help my child see how to use reading and math to pursue his/her interests and goals.
• allow myself to be empowered through education by attending workshops, PTO events, and family nights organized by the school and the district.
• learn as much as I can about my child’s curriculum so that I can assist their learning.

Collaboration

Parents/Guardians/families are:

• encouraged to engage with the CE Parent/Guardian Buddy Program.
• encouraged to join and attend the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) which meets monthly.  
• encouraged to discuss any ideas, concerns, or questions with the Principal, Mrs. Marks.
• invited to attend the annual Title I Parent meeting.
• urged to complete and return the annual Title I Parent/Guardian Family Survey.
• invited to attend District meetings hosted by the Superintendent.  

The School District

The Colonial School District will take the following actions to involve parents/guardians in the process of school review and improvement: 

• At least one parent/guardian/family meeting will be set by the Title I Coordinator so that parents/guardians/families are involved in the review of the District School Parent/Guardians/Family Engagement policies.  The Principal will share school goals with parents at PTO meetings or other events. 
• The annual Title I Parent/Guardian/Family Survey results will be used to improve existing policies and programs. 
• School newsletters will provide information and invite parents/guardians to discuss any concerns or ask any questions that they may have.  Their child’s teacher(s), building principal or Title I Coordinator will be responsible in addressing these items.

Communication

Education is a partnership between home and school. We value parent/guardian/family engagement at every level and encourage you to partner with us. In order for this partnership to be effective, we need to be able to communicate.

Please feel free to call, write a note, or email us if you have concerns or questions about your child’s education.  We are always available to schedule a conference to discuss any issue or concern you have regarding your child.

 Conshohocken Elementary School 
301 Harry Street
Conshohocken, PA  19428

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