Title I Parent Involvement Policy

2007-2008

Burton Elementary School

We believe that an alliance between school and home is a vital entity in providing a quality education for all students. Burton Elementary School is committed to the philosophy that we are a community of learners that must work cooperatively in order to meet the individual and collective potential of our children. Based on this philosophy, the Campus Education Improvement Committee has reviewed the District Parent Involvement Policy and enlisted the input of parents and community members to develop this campus level parent involvement policy. The policy will be given to parents in the fall in conjunction with the initial Title I meeting and beginning of school open house. The policy will be provided in language that is understandable to parents.

In the fall, an Open House will be held to introduce parents and community members to Burton Elementary and its school-wide Title I program. Parents will be provided information regarding District and Campus Policies and Procedures. Parents will also be provided information regarding discipline, attendance, assessment, and any special programs utilized to enhance their child’s/children’s growth both academically and socially.

Parents will be provided opportunities to learn about and participate in:

PTO(Parent-Teacher Organization) – An organization composed of parent officers, parent

members and teacher members that support school functions by raising awareness and

participation as well as funds for various activities. This organization meets every

second Tuesday in the months of August through May. This organization also works

cooperatively with school staff to promote special programs and to assist in home-

school communication.

CEIC(Campus Education Improvement Committee) – A committee of staff elected members

and parent and community nominated members designed to identify needs and plan school activities and curricular and budget issues.

Parent Partnership Program – Trained parents will partner with other parents to disseminate

information and to assist with home-school communication issues.

Family Education Activities – Family Education Nights will be held twice annually in

conjunction with report card pick-up.. Other family education efforts will be made
utilizing the computer lab and library.

Assessment – Parents will be provided information each fall regarding assessment measures

for their child/children. These will include but may not be limited to the Texas

Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS), The Texas Primary Reading Inventory

(TPRI), and the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). Parents will be able to access

information regarding all benchmark tests through their child’s teacher.

Special Programs (G/T, Sp. Ed., At-Risk, Accelerated Reading) – Parents will be provided

information regarding all special programs including criteria for identification, the

identification process, program specifications, and student/parent rights.

Parent/Teacher Communication – Parents will be provided opportunities to meet with their

child’s teacher at a beginning of school open house and at scheduled conferences

throughout the year. Each parent will be provided the teacher’s conference time and a

contact number. Teachers will send daily folders for each child indicating conduct,

homework assignments and any special messages as needed. Graded papers will

be sent home for parents at least once each week. Parent newsletters will be sent home

each month. Parents will be provided information for accessing the school website.

FISH Philosophy/Positive Behavior Initiative – Students observed displaying exceptional

behavior will be given paper “fish” notes to take to the principal’s office. The

principal will then contact the student’s parent(s) to inform them of their child’s

positive example for the school. The principal will maintain a log of calls made.

Student Incentive Programs/Policies (Good Conduct Races, Honor Roll, Perfect Attendance) –

Each six weeks, students earning E’s or S’s in conduct on their report card will be

allowed to participate in Hot Wheel races. Each six weeks students will be rewarded

for making the Honor Roll and/or for having Perfect Attendance. Students will

receive special recognitions in these areas at an annual end-of-year awards program.

Curriculum – Parents will be provided opportunities to participate in curriculum development

and evaluation through the CEIC and through various meetings and assemblies.

Safe and Secure Environment Measures – Students will receive opportunities to learn a variety

of personal safety techniques in sessions provided by law enforcement officers (i.e.

State Trooper, Washington County Sheriffs Department, Burton Police), counselor, and

special programs throughout the year. The shared service agreement with Region VI

provides opportunities for various staff development activities for safe and drug free

schools.

Code of Conduct – Parents and students will receive a student handbook annually. The

Student Code of Conduct will be contained in this handbook. In addition, teachers

will review classroom and campus-wide behavior expectations and consequences

with students and parents annually. Students, parents, and teachers will sign Compacts

each fall related to expectations.

Grading Policy – Also included in the student handbook and in annual teacher conferences will

be the campus grading policy.