GCBB

Created:  2 October 2024
Approved: 13 November 2024

Parent and Family Engagement

The District recognizes that the engagement of parents in the education of children has a positive impact on student outcomes.  It is the District policy that teachers, administrators, and parents work together to develop policy and facilitate the active involvement of parents in the education of their children.  

Parental engagement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities ensuring:

• that parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning;
• that parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school;
• that parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child; and 
• that other activities are carried out, such as those described in section 1116 of the ESSA (Parent Involvement).

Guidelines

This policy shall be administered according to the following guidelines:

1. Parent Engagement at the District Level
   1. Parents shall be represented on district committees and advisory groups as appropriate.
   2. Parents will participate in the review of student achievement data and be involved in setting district-wide achievement goals.
   3. Parents may address the Board at school board meetings, public hearings, and other appropriate occasions.
2. Parent Engagement at Local Schools
   1. Parents will participate in the review and if necessary, revision of school-parent engagement policies.
   2. Schools shall provide opportunities for parents to serve as school volunteers.
   3. Schools are encouraged to draw upon the talents of parents for special presentations, enrichment activities, and other events or circumstances where parent participation may enhance the curriculum.
   4. Parents or guardians of students attending schools in the District qualify to be elected onto the School Community Council.
3. Parent Engagement in Student Education
   1. Parents shall regularly receive information about their student’s academic performance; i.e. report cards, progress reports, and results of achievement tests.
   2. Parents shall have opportunities to discuss their child’s educational program and progress with teachers at parent/teacher conferences or other meetings as appropriate.
   3. Informal parent/teacher conferences may be scheduled whenever it seems in the student’s best interest.
   4. Parents shall be notified of student disciplinary problems and provide opportunities to be involved in the solution.
4. Parent Information and Training
   1. Parents shall be informed of the workings of the school system through District/School website and/or newsletters.
   2. Schools will provide passwords and information on how to access District Student Data Collection Systems (Aspire, Canvas, etc.) for the purpose of obtaining information on the parent or guardian’s child’s attendance and grades.
   3. Parents may enroll in district-sponsored in-service classes to learn techniques for improving their child’s academic success.
   4. Schools will involve the School Community Council members in appropriate training.