@LeeDarlicia currently in school for my Master's in Educational leadership hoping to be a building principal. This is my first time on the chat i'm very excited to see what it is all about.
#MEMSPAchat#EDU5720@JMcCarthyEdS
In reply to
@MrDomagalski, @MEMSPAchat, @LeeDarlicia, @JMcCarthyEdS
Laura McDonell, East China schools. How do we get the free book?! Always looking for my next read. So far I am on book 7 for the year 2018. #MEMSPAchat
Robert here from Los Angeles. Happy to support my friend @arinabokas and her fantastic book! I have my copy and recommend it to all my colleagues. #memspachathttps://t.co/WIK7Tot65R
1 lucky participant will receive a FREE copy of this book https://t.co/6d9BW4HsTs during #MEMSPAchat on TONIGHT from 8-9pm.
TONIGHT's TOPIC: "Family-School Partnerships in Action"
Q1: What are the differences among family involvement, family engagement, and school-family partnerships? On which of the three is your school/district focused? #MEMSPAchat
Q1: What are the differences among family involvement, family engagement, and school-family partnerships? On which of the three is your school/district focused? #MEMSPAchat
Differences stem from our perception of roles of parents and schools in education: passive (involvement) vs. active (empowerment/engagement) vs. collegial (partnership) A1 #memspachat
That's awesome! Come join us on #MEMSPAchat tonight! Can't wait to learn ideas for family partnerships from from #memspamatters principals and @arinabokas
1 lucky participant will receive a FREE copy of this book https://t.co/6d9BW4HsTs during #MEMSPAchat on TONIGHT from 8-9pm.
TONIGHT's TOPIC: "Family-School Partnerships in Action"
A1: It's definitely a continuum, but we are striving toward moving from involvement to engagement to true partnerships with families. That takes time! #MEMSPAchat
A1) Involvement: Families show up. Engagement: Families participate in school events. Partnerships equate school and parents working together for the good of the Ss. #MEMSPAchat
Q1: What are the differences among family involvement, family engagement, and school-family partnerships? On which of the three is your school/district focused? #MEMSPAchat
A1:
Q1:
Involvement: Come to school functions & conferences or when there is an issue.
Engagement: In communication with teachers, principals & knows how the school is run and the expectations for students.
Partnership: Support the school, schools supports them
#MEMSPAchat
Families are essential to supporting student learning; involvement = they know what's happening, engagement = they know why, partnerships = personal relationships that support the work. #MEMSPAchat
A1: Involvement is participating, engagement is when they are looking and interested, partnerships is when there's a family feel at school. We're working atpartnerships constantly with some initiatives upcoming w/ #PositivityUnknown2Mankind. #MEMSPAchat
Q1: What are the differences among family involvement, family engagement, and school-family partnerships? On which of the three is your school/district focused? #MEMSPAchat
Q1: We're learning about the difference and thinking about how to make sure we're maximizing our partnerships for learning. Makes a huge difference! #memspachat
Q1: What are the differences among family involvement, family engagement, and school-family partnerships? On which of the three is your school/district focused? #MEMSPAchat
A1: We are working to improve both engagement & involvement. Regarding involvement, we’re seeking ways to make our school programs more accessible while at the same time providing more opportunities for parents to actively engage with supporting instruction & kids. #MEMSPAchat
A1 Family partnerships is where it’s at for real progress to be made. Arina’s book spells this out perfectly. I call it being allies in education and partners in the nurturing of the #WholeChild. #MEMSPAchat
Q1: We're learning about the difference and thinking about how to make sure we're maximizing our partnerships for learning. Makes a huge difference! #memspachat
Q1: What are the differences among family involvement, family engagement, and school-family partnerships? On which of the three is your school/district focused? #MEMSPAchat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
A) when you feel “at home and with family” you feel trust, are engaged, involved and as if what you are doing really matters. I strive to create that same feeling in my classroom. #MEMSPAchat
Open door policy would require working on demand, so to speak. Open classroom events are an option, such as a Morning of Learning. Parents can observe and participate in some activities. Great for introducing new to parents math and reading strategies. A2 #memspachat
QUESTION 2 just posted on #MEMSPAchat - You're not too late to join a #1 Trending chat on Family-School Partnerships in Action. FREE BOOK GIVE-A-WAY Tonight!
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
A) when you feel “at home and with family” you feel trust, are engaged, involved and as if what you are doing really matters. I strive to create that same feeling in my classroom. #MEMSPAchat
A2) I have done this, we call them VIP Days. We welcome parents to see a regular school day in action. Meet and get info from me, visit the school, come back, get questions answered, parents provide written feedback. #MEMSPAChat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
A2: If we opened the doors to the classrooms, we would see those parents that we always see walking in and observing. Sadly, the parents that are not engaged I don’t think would come in. We as educational leaders have to do a better job of bridging ourselves to all! #MEMSPAchat
A2: we work to get parents in school but it’s not just an open door, out of respect for teachers we need parents to communicate and schedule, if someone wants to come in we work with them always #MEMSPAchat
A2 Any highly functioning environment must be a place of welcome, inclusion, and belonging. This goes for an entire school and for individual classrooms. #MEMSPAchat
A2: We allow parents to observe student learning by appointment. It’s important to support teachers by not surprising them with unexpected guests. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
A2 Totally on board with families coming in and being part of our school family. We added tmore ables out in the hallway all over our building for the parent volunteers that are our classroom helpers. #MEMSPAchat
A2: I've been a part of parent information nights to share new curriculum as well as Coffee with the Principal type events to help get out the why of new initiatives. Never anything during the day with students. Something to think about. #memspachat
A2 I should add the parents are also in the classroom as well learning from their child's teacher. It's hard to keep up with our guest stickers in the office! #memspachat
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Taking a risk with this response: I just wonder if we take this too literally. Bringing families "in" may go beyond the physical building... we have to bring them "in" on what their child is learning, our approach, our goals, and how we'll know when we get there. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
A2: Families are always welcome at our school, we need to do a better job at promoting and encouraging it. It is exciting to see parents help in our day to day schedule, especially when they are involved in classes that their child isn’t in. #MEMSPAchat
A2) We should strive for as much transparency as possible so parents see the expectations we have for Ss academically and behaviorally. I'd like Ps come in on Fun Fridays when students with missing work are making it up and other students are enjoying the "fun Friday" #MEMSPAchat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
Q3: Do you have built-in time on a daily/weekly basis to proactively work with families and members of the community on building partnerships that enhance learning? Please explain. #MEMSPAchat
A2: we want to figure out a way to have parents share the projects and problems they’re working to solve in their work life, and then work with our students to solution find through the design thinking process #MEMSPAchat
We added a number of tables in our halls as well. It was a move of unintended genius. I wish I could take credit for predicting what a positive move it would make. When we received new cafeteria tables, we put the extras in the hall rather than in storage. #MEMSPAchat
A2 Totally on board with families coming in and being part of our school family. We added tmore ables out in the hallway all over our building for the parent volunteers that are our classroom helpers. #MEMSPAchat
A) if we are in The business of student learning and focused on ss as our first consumer we need to make sure the visit serves in the interest of helping ss learn and grow. #MEMSPAchat
q2 That's a thought-provoking question. We invite parents in to volunteer and try to share our learning experience through social media and news blasts. But we haven't ventured into this yet. #memspachat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
Taking a risk with this response: I just wonder if we take this too literally. Bringing families "in" may go beyond the physical building... we have to bring them "in" on what their child is learning, our approach, our goals, and how we'll know when we get there. #MEMSPAchat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
If we wish to truly make something a priority, we need to be intentional about it. Time is a precious commodity; how we spend it communicates our priorities and beliefs. A3 #memspachat
Also often teachers are the ones initiating, asking parents to please come in and see this, or help with that, we want our parents to be involved but scheduling and communication are essential #MEMSPAChat
Q3: Do you have built-in time on a daily/weekly basis to proactively work with families and members of the community on building partnerships that enhance learning? Please explain. #MEMSPAchat
A3 Unfortunately, we do not have a weekly time built in. We do have monthly Family Lighthouse Meetings. Family members that want to be part of our School Improvement work. #memspachat
This is tough. Often visitors disrupt learning but if the visits are consistent perhaps learning will not be interrupted to the same degree. #MEMSPAchat
A3 As a classroom teacher, don’t administrators expect me to be actively interacting with parents? Of course! So too should admin make parents an integral priority. The ones who do reap the benefits. #MEMSPAchat
A3: this year in Jenison we have Parent Liaisons staff who’s full focus is supporting our families and building bridges between homes and school it’s been a game changer for under resources families #MEMSPAchat
A2) I have done this, we call them VIP Days. We welcome parents to see a regular school day in action. Meet and get info from me, visit the school, come back, get questions answered, parents provide written feedback. #MEMSPAChat
Q2: Many schools now are practicing open door policies to allow parents observe student learning. If you were to open your school to families, how would it look? #MEMSPAchat
A3: We do not have anything consistent. We have tried parent workshops to make games for home, but the turnout has been low. Even tried different times #MEMSPAchat
A3: Every week I schedule time to call parents & have conversations regarding their child & what we offer to support their educational future. I also ask the parents what they need from me, and 90% of the time they ask back the same question & they get plugged in. #MEMSPAchat
A3 Unfortunately, we do not have a weekly time built in. We do have monthly Family Lighthouse Meetings. Family members that want to be part of our School Improvement work. #memspachat
A3: I wish more, but I do know that every interaction is an opportunity to build a positive partnership to support students’ learning and growth #MEMSPAchat
A3: Family involvement convos happen frequently, but probably not as intentionally as they need to be. So many great ideas become lost without a clear process. We'll work on this one! #MEMSPAchat
A3: Outside of regularly scheduled PTO meetings with the building principal there isn't consistent time built in for families outside of PTO. Try to be present at school events to make contact with parents in a more relaxed setting. #memspachat
Great job everyone on #MEMSPAchat - I love Thursday nights...
After a while on the chat, I just post questions, sit back, and let it ride cause you are all so great! THANK YOU for your leadership!
Q4: What established clear expectations do you have for your teachers regarding partnering with families? For what exactly are they held accountable in their work with families? #MEMSPAchat
As a classroom teacher I would love this idea. Parents would be able to see how things are taught and gain insight on how to help their child at home.
This would have to be structured. Interested to see how principals would structure this. #MEMSPAchat#EDU5720@JMcCarthyEdS
A3 Part 2- We can not wait and just hope parents connect and engage, we HAVE TO take the first step and reach out! If we don’t reach out we are not leaders, we are just principals. #MEMSPAChat
Stakeholders may have different expectations about the purpose of partnerships.Set an agenda of shared decision-making with a focus on student learning. Clear expectations of what needs to be accomplished and what roles stakeholders play are equally important.A4 #memspachat
Q4: What established clear expectations do you have for your teachers regarding partnering with families? For what exactly are they held accountable in their work with families? #MEMSPAchat
A3) As a Se teacher, I am in constant contact with families on how to engage Ss. We have several team days set up where parents are asked to assist but that is it sadly. #MEMSPAchat
We don’t have a set schedule, but try to meet with families and community members as much as possible. Our district is geographically large, so we are exploring online meetings and discussions to allow access to more families without limiting it by travel. #MEMSPAchat
A3 Part 2- We can not wait and just hope parents connect and engage, we HAVE TO take the first step and reach out! If we don’t reach out we are not leaders, we are just principals. #MEMSPAChat
A4 Ts have weekly communications through either website,e-newsletters or old style newsletters. Many Ts wanting HE ratingin D4 know that Ss have to be involved in the communication. #flipgridfever#seesaw#MEMSPAchat
A3: We don't have anything truly that reciprocal in place. We try to publish news each week to them, have regular fb posts in our group space, use our LMS and welcome volunteers to support learning each week. #memspachat
Q3: Do you have built-in time on a daily/weekly basis to proactively work with families and members of the community on building partnerships that enhance learning? Please explain. #MEMSPAchat
A4: weekly communication via news letters or websites, 100% parent conference participation twice a year, invites to holiday parties are all required for all teachers #MEMSPAchat
We require grades to be updated online weekly, do some type of weekly communication, & return calls and/or emails with one business day. The weekly communication can be done by academic team, Remind, Class Dojo, or some other communication tool. #MEMSPAchat
Q4: What established clear expectations do you have for your teachers regarding partnering with families? For what exactly are they held accountable in their work with families? #MEMSPAchat
A4: Reminding Ts (and myself) that family partnerships are critical is not enough. Involving parents in positive, meaningful ways with extreme gratitude and appreciation must be part of the school culture, not an event. #MEMSPAchat
A4: We expect our teachers to reach out to families on a regular basis & Share what is going on in their classes and with their child. Our goal is to have meaningful conversations at conferences instead of 15 minutes of explaining because parents are engaged already #MEMSPAChat
A4 The best calling card a teacher has is when their students spontaneously sing the praises of their classroom and teacher to their parents. Parents mostly want to know that their child is engaged and progressing in school. That comes first. #MEMSPAchat
A4: In addition to the weekly teacher updates, I send out a weekly update for the entire school with a "Family Blog" https://t.co/cq6AQe9Beh#MEMSPAchat
A4: I would say that it is expected that teachers make the first contact for better or for worse. There also shouldn't be any surprises at conferences. Give the kid/family time to make improvement before conferences to make that a celebratory discussion! #memspachat
A4: We expect our teachers to reach out to families on a regular basis & Share what is going on in their classes and with their child. Our goal is to have meaningful conversations at conferences instead of 15 minutes of explaining because parents are engaged already #MEMSPAChat
A4) The expectation is when Ps come to conferences or the school there are no surprises as both school and P have been in contact over successes and challenges. #MEMSPAchat
A4: I also model communication by emailing and calling parents, sharing out on Social Media and by doing a weekly vlog and other videos on our YouTube channel of what is going on in the class and out! Here is one of the vlogs:
https://t.co/BDf0jT0f6l#MEMSPAChat
Create classroom supplemental instruction policy to outline use of external expertise (parents) on a repetitive basis to enhance or differentiate classroom instruction: advanced workshops, f.e., run during normal school hours A5 #memspachat
A4: Probably the most frequent complaint parents make is that communication can be inconsistent and parents find out too late to support the situation. (I also find out that many of these complaints are inaccurate & teachers have made communicative efforts.) #MEMSPAchat
A5: I've been thinking about this lately. I have a parent I follow on Twitter who I think could add value to our leadership team both building and district wide. #memspachat
A4: Digital and paper newsletters. Accountability is building wide as we want to keep all of the families in the loop, and seek feedback if we're hitting the mark. Next level is Ss sharing their experience and what's to come #memspachat
Thanks to @TLiMPrincipal for the idea!
Q4: What established clear expectations do you have for your teachers regarding partnering with families? For what exactly are they held accountable in their work with families? #MEMSPAchat
A5 I incorporate and honor whole family expertise with HW assignments called Dinner Table Discussions. Ss craft general questions for their family based on the current lesson. Keeps parents apprised and involved! #MEMSPAchat
A4: Teachers have weekly communication with families regarding updates and happenings in the class. There is a variety of methods, from newsletters to apps like Bloomz. Unfortunately we are mainly at the inform stage, just providing information to families. #MEMSPAchat
A5: we have really tried to connect parents into our after school clubs and we have had a great connection with many parents and our LEGO robotics club any many others! We need to tap into our parents so they can tap into our culture! #MEMSPAChat
This is very true. The first thing parents ask me is how did my child do in class? How is my child progressing? How can I help them at home?
#MEMSPAchat#EDU5720@JMcCarthyEdS
Looks like @TLiMPrincipal does. I used it for a short period of time, but found that I could just as easily put all that information on social media and it had a better response rate anyhow...and I'm cheap and ran out of my free SMORE newsletters. #memspachat
Parent leaders can help build partnerships.A school Partnership Committee, consisting of PTA/PTO representatives, teachers, staff members, and a principal, can jointly develop new procedures, discuss options, and communicate them to all stakeholders. A6 #memspachat
Once again, don't forget about #MEMSPAchat LIVE!!!
This is FREE PD & FUN, join us. Come one come all.
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This is very true. The first thing parents ask me is how did my child do in class? How is my child progressing? How can I help them at home?
#MEMSPAchat#EDU5720@JMcCarthyEdS
A6: We have a VERY active & engaged PTA at our building and I also serve on our District PTSA that includes parents, students & community members. #MEMSPAchat
A5: We are creating a Maker Space in the building for next year and have parents involved in the development and structure of it. The ideas and perspectives that they have are great! #MEMSPAchat
A6 Yes- our Family Leadership Team helps us with our SI plan. Yesterday they lead presentation on findings from our family survey and gave ideas for us to build from. It was so helpful! #MEMSPAchat
A5: Our PTA supports enrichment classes led by parents who are sharing their passion. Arts and sports opportunities are offered throughout the year. Hopeful to to see robotics and technology in the future. #MEMSPAchat#innovatePPS
A6: We also have a district communications team with board members, admins & parents and a district School Improvement team with the same make up. #MEMSPAchat
A6: We're forming a School Wellness committee to help design guidelines on nutrition education (healthy snacks & birthday treats) and benefits of exercise. Haven't launched it yet, but get ready to say goodbye cupcakes and hello jumping jacks! #MEMSPAchat
A6: We try to be very transparent and let parents see the inner works of our school. We ask their opinions and try our best to create a culture which adapts to the true needs of our families. We would love more parent input and we are trying... We will get there!!! #MEMSPAchat
Q6: Parents are such a key part of the way our school runs. I don't know what we'd do without them! I meet on a very regular basis with our PTO exec board to hear their ideas and get feedback on mine. #MEMSPAchat
A6 Yes- our Family Leadership Team helps us with our SI plan. Yesterday they lead presentation on findings from our family survey and gave ideas for us to build from. It was so helpful! #MEMSPAchat
Provide staff professional development, especially on family-school-community partnerships, and invite parent leaders. Such allied training will help develop personal connections and shared understandings. A7 #memspachat
Q6) I have experience in both Elementary and MS and the answer to this Q is so different for each level. Parents are much more involved at the Elementary level especially when trying to fine tune drop off and pick procedures. #MEMSPAchat
A7: I would love to say, “Yes, this is a practice we do very well”... honestly I can’t. If anyone has done this and uses this practice I would love to hear from you, so we can grow in this area. #MEMSPAchat
A6: Parents (and community groups) are represented on our Strategic Planning committee. Just started this process, but it is great to get a viewpoint from everyone outside of the school. #MEMSPAchat
A7) We rely heavily on parental expertise when we have a S with very specific needs and SE services. They know their child and how we can best develop an appropriate IEP/BIP #MEMSPAchat
Q8: Can you commit to trying one new thing from today’s discussion on the path of building family-school partnerships in your school? If so, what would you like to try? #MEMSPAchat
A7) We rely heavily on parental expertise when we have a S with very specific needs and SE services. They know their child and how we can best develop an appropriate IEP/BIP #MEMSPAchat
Q8: Can you commit to trying one new thing from today’s discussion on the path of building family-school partnerships in your school? If so, what would you like to try? #MEMSPAchat
#MEMSPAchat If you are all warmed up and looking for another chat to join, feel free to join us #ngsschat for some science standards discussion about STEM Teaching Tools that every teacher should be using!
A6: All staff, students, and families have participated in @StuderEducation surveys to help gather feedback and create action plans. The whole system approach will hopefully streamline the opportunities for voices to be heard and steps to grow occur. #MEMSPAchat
Thank you @arinabokas for a great conversation on one our most valuable stakeholders-FAMILIES. Thanks @MrDomagalski for your leadership in moderating. Calling it a night! #MEMSPAchat
A8: I want to try parents being part of professional development. I have to do some research and see how to best implement but I am willing to try! #MEMSPAchat
Q8: Can you commit to trying one new thing from today’s discussion on the path of building family-school partnerships in your school? If so, what would you like to try? #MEMSPAchat
A8: I want to try parents being part of professional development. I have to do some research and see how to best implement but I am willing to try! #MEMSPAchat
Thank you to EVERYONE who joined in on #MEMSPAchat - It's all of you that make this chat so great.
A true Collaboration of Leading and Learning each and every Thursday night!
Arina really set our minds on fire tonight with some perceptive, important questions. Thank you, Arina, for your passion and expertise. You always inspire me! #MEMSPAchat
A8: Thanks to @TLiMPrincipal for the idea to have Ss share their experience with families via @Flipgrid@Seesaw in lieu of newsletter info that could be covered by our learners. #MEMSPAchat
Q8: Can you commit to trying one new thing from today’s discussion on the path of building family-school partnerships in your school? If so, what would you like to try? #MEMSPAchat
