Lime Kiln Middle School PTA

Parent Involvement Plan for

2007 - 2008

Lime Kiln Middle School (LKMS) PTA recognizes that a child’s education is a responsibility shared by the school and family during the entire period a child spends at our school. To support the goal of Lime Kiln Middle School to educate all students effectively, the school and parents must work as knowledgeable partners.

Although the parents are diverse in culture and needs, they share the school’s commitment to the educational success of their children. Lime Kiln Middle School in collaboration with parents, shall establish programs and practices that enhance parent involvement and reflect the specific needs of students and their families.

To this end, Lime Kiln Middle School supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a parent involvement program which involves all parents in a variety of roles. The parent involvement program is comprehensive and coordinated through the school and PTA.

COMMUNICATING:

· LKMS communicates with parents via the Leopard’s Tale, the school website, eSchoolnewsletter, email, and telephone calls.

· PTA hosts open meetings the 3^rd Wednesday of each month in the Media Center at 7:00pm.

· Administration Coffees are scheduled throughout the year.

· Student policies and regulations are given out the first day of school.

· Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled in November and February.

· American Education Week, November 13-17, allows parents to come in and visit classrooms while class is in session. There is an open door policy to all classrooms with 24 hour notice.

· Student work should be reviewed by parent regularly. Some school work will require parent signature.

· Informal gathering, such as Skating Party, Adult Workshops and other family nights will allow for parents, teachers, admin, and community to interact.

• PTA sponsors Teacher Web for up to date classroom information.
• New to the 2006 – 2007 school year PTA assisted in the sponsorship of Teacher Ease – LKMS new online grading system.

PARENTING:
     LKMS will offer parents many opportunities to come to school to learn about middle school curriculum such as Family Life, Internet Safety, Fitness Workshops, and other Teen Issues.

PTA members are encouraged to visit the National PTA website for parenting tips and information (www.pta.org). The guidance office, as well as PTA provides booklets and information about bullying, character education, teen parties.

STUDENT LEARNING:

• Students are given clear objectives for each class and weekly measurements are in place to keep student abreast of their progress. Parents can assist by helping their child set goals for each class or for each marking period.

• PTA provides the Honor Roll Incentives to recognize student achievement.
• PTA funds Teacher Web for
• PTA provides “Inspiration” software to help students with writing assignments. Visit www.inspiration.com for more information about this useful tool.
• Teachers engage parents in the learning process by having parents sign student work and will utilize parent volunteers when possible.

VOLUNTEERING:

• Volunteers are actively sought at the beginning of each school year to fill a variety of roles. No prior experience is needed and training and support is offered to anyone wishing to help.
• Volunteer Sign Up sheet is on the school website and is distributed in the First Day of School folders. Parents can contact anyone on the Board at anytime during the school year to volunteer. Our volunteer coordinator is Lynn Martins, lynnmartins@comcast.net
• PTA works regularly with staff to come up with ways in which parents can volunteer and works to match ability and interest with needs of the staff.
• The fabulous LKMS Front Office Staff welcomes and greets our volunteers and has them sign and wear a badge before they leave the front office.

SCHOOL DECISION MAKING & ADVOCACY:

• PTA liaison serves on the School Improvement Team and reports back to PTA. SIT meetings are the third Monday of each month at 3:10.
• Administration works with PTA to keep us informed about scheduling, curriculum, staffing, testing, and the educational needs of our children.
• PTA informs administration of any issues that may concern the community and we work together to come up with solutions.
• PTA continues to encourage parent participation at Attendance Area meetings, Citizens Advisory Committees, PTACHC committees

COLLABORATING WITH COMMUNITY:

• Distribute to staff and parents information on resources that serve the community.
• Develop partnerships with local businesses.
• Foster student participation in community service.
• Disseminate information about the school to community (newspapers, marquee sign).
• Collaborate with community agencies to provide family support services and adult learning opportunities.

In conclusion, Lime Kiln Middle School recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectation and creating a climate conducive to parent participation. In addition to goals and activities at the school, Lime Kiln Middle School supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school. Engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement. Lime Kiln Middle School fosters and supports active parent involvement.