Family and Community Engagement Plans

2020-2021 District Plan

The Jefferson County Schools Family and Community Engagement Plan was developed in collaboration with parents and stakeholders to:

Set expectations for family and community involvement at both the district and individual school levels.
Ensure that programs, activities and procedures in all schools are planned and operated with meaningful consultation with parents.
Provide full opportunities for the participation of parents and families with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children.
Intended to be used to develop family and community engagement programs, set goals and priorities related to family and community involvement and evaluate current programs for compliance.

Parents are involved in a district wide parent advisory council that works collaboratively to develop, review and improve the district plan.
There is a written policy document that is on file and is available to all stakeholders.
The district's family and community involvement policy is written in a format and language parents/families can understand.
The district will work with schools to ensure that the required school-level Parent Involvement Plan meets the Title I requirements, and include, as a component, a school-parent compact.

Measurable goals for increasing family and community involvement are included in each School Improvement Plan.
The district provides adequate personnel and monetary support to increase family and community involvement at the individual school level.
Staff development is provided for school personnel on how to increase the level and quality of family and community involvement.

Action items in the School Improvement Plan relate to family involvement and its contribution to students; academic achievement.
The School Improvement Plan is developed by all stakeholders - administrators, teachers, parents, students, and community members.
A School-Parent Compact, is developed by Family Engagement Committee that outlines how parents, the school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement.
Parent/family surveys will be used to gain parent input and suggestions as to the quality of parent engagement activities in school.

All families are welcome, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age.
All school policies and programs respect the diversity of families and promote families and parents working together.
Schools will host an orientation at the beginning of the school year to provide required Title I information, state standards, academic assessment, how to monitor their child's progress.
Throughout the district, volunteer opportunities are available during the school day as well as on various school committees.

District level personnel distribute information to families and community members through a variety of methods: newspaper, Internet/websites, newsletters, Blackboard calls, etc.
Resources are provided in English and appropriate languages for students and parents.
Events at the school are publicized well in advance through a variety of medias.
Teachers and parents work together to communicate concerns involving a child's progress in school. Parent portal is available for parents with internet capabilities. This allows parents immediate information concerning student grades and attendance.
Teachers provide families with information concerning their child's curriculum and outline expectations for successful academic achievement.
Teachers and parents are in frequent, two-way communication concerning a child's progress in school.
Families are kept up to date on their child's progress by a variety of methods: newsletters, notes, phone calls, etc.
Report cards will be sent to parents at the end of each nine-week period.

Schools plan activities to train parents on how to work with their children to improve academic achievement. These include: Math and Literacy nights, conferences.
Parents are provided with technical assistance to know how to navigate the web to gain access to school website. In addition, training on the district management system allows parents to have access to grades, attendance, etc.
The district works collaboratively with other local agencies and organizations to improve family and community involvement in the schools. Organizations to include: Family Resource Center, Head-Start, state run Pre-School Programs, Mossy Creek Literacy Council, etc.
Family and community programs are offered at various times throughout the school year and the school day.
A minimum of two Open Houses/Parent Teacher Conferences are held each year.
Funds are designated for family and community involvement events.

Parents and families are empowered to be advocates for their own children, to ensure that students are treated and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.
The district plans goals, implement strategies and monitors progress of all students. Students are provided necessary assistance when needed and parents are encouraged to participate when decisions are made concerning their child's school success.
Teachers are trained in multi-cultural, gender-fair, and disability-aware practices and use them in working with families.
Parents are offered workshops and resources to guide them in helping their child make the best educational choices. Parents and families are provided with materials/technical assistance on how to improve the achievement of their child.
The Family Resource Center is provided to ensure families have access to appropriate services and receive assistance as needed.
The district has a Homeless Liaison and Foster Care Liaison to represent any homeless/foster children that might enter the school system.

Children's achievement is encouraged through positive reinforcement and modeling appropriate behavior such as love of learning and discipline.
There is a genuine interest by parents and community members in a child's growth, development, and achievement.
Parents and families participate by completing surveys, providing feedback, and participating in family events (Math night, Literacy night, Title I information night conferences, etc).
Families are invited to share their experiences, knowledge, and culture with other students in the school.
The family has clear rules and consequences.
Parents and families make sure their children go to school on time and attend school regularly.

Parents and community members are actively involved at the school by volunteering in the classroom, serving on committees (including professional development), attending conferences, and organizing events.
Parents and community members are involved in district initiatives by serving on committees and attending meetings/activities.
Parents and community members communicate to the school staff what they expect of the school in an appropriate and respectful manner.