ZORA NEALE HURSTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Title I, Part A Parental Involvement Plan

I, Isabel Valenzano , do hereby certify that all facts, figures, and representations made in this application are true, correct, and consistent with the statement of assurances for these waivers. Furthermore, all applicable statutes, regulations, and procedures; administrative and programmatic requirements; and procedures for fiscal control and maintenance of records will be implemented to ensure proper accountability for the expenditure of funds on this project. All records necessary to substantiate these requirements will be available for review by appropriate state and federal staff. I further certify that all expenditures will be obligated on or after the effective date and prior to the termination date of the project. Disbursements will be reported only as appropriate to this project, and will not be used for matching funds on this or any special project, where prohibited.

Assurances

  • The school will be governed by the statutory definition of parental involvement, and will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with the definition outlined in Section 9101(32), ESEA;
  • Involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A in decisions about how Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement are spent [Section 1118(b)(1) and (c)(3)];
  • Jointly develop/revise with parents the school parental involvement policy and distribute it to parents of participating children and make available the parental involvement plan to the local community [Section 1118 (b)(1)];
  • Involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under this part, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement policy and the joint development of the schoolwide program plan under section 1114(b)(2) [Section 1118(c)(3)];
  • Use the findings of the parental involvement policy review to design strategies for more effective parental involvement, and to revise, if necessary, the school’s parental involvement policy [Section 1118(a)(E)];
  • If the plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112, is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will submit parent comments with the plan when the school submits the plan to the local educational agency [Section 1118(b)(4)];
  • Provide to each parent an individual student report about the performance of their child on the state assessment in at least mathematics, language arts, and reading [Section 1111(h)(6)(B)(i)];
  • Provide each parent timely notice when their child has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not highly qualified within the meaning of the term in 34 CFR Section 200.56 [Section 1111(h)(6)(B)(ii)]; and
  • Provide each parent timely notice information regarding their right to request information on the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals [Section (h)(6)(A)].

 

Signature of Principal or Designee

Date Signed

 

Mission Statement



Parental Involvement Mission Statement (Optional)

Response: To the extent practical the Administration, Teachers and Staff at Zora Neale Hurston will build strong personal ties between our District, Region, School and Parents by working diligently each day to ensure that our students receive a quality educational program designed to meet the students' academic and socio-emotional needs with constant interaction between parents and faculty developing a sense of family. We, the staff at Zora Neale Hurston Elementary School, strive to prepare, not only our students, but also our parents to develop high academic skills and character traits in the children we service.

Involvement of Parents



Describe how the school will involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely manner, in the planning, review, and improvement of Title I programs including involvement in the decisions regarding how funds for parental involvement will be used [Sections1118(c)(3), 1114(b)(2), and 1118(a)(2)(B)].

Response: An annual Parent Orientation Meeting took place on 9/16/14 to inform the parents of the school participation in the Title 1 Program. The Administration, Teachers and Staff will continue to build and enhance the parent's capacity for involvement by offering flexible meetings and workshops throughout the school year. Zora Neale Hurston will partner with the Parent Academy to share relevant information with parents.

Coordination and Integration



Describe how the school will coordinate and integrate parental involvement programs and activities that teach parents how to help their children at home, to the extent feasible and appropriate, including but not limited to, other federal programs such as: Head Start, Early Reading First, Even Start, Home Instruction Programs for Preschool Youngsters, the Parents as Teachers Program, public preschool, Title I, Part C, Title II, Title III, Title IV, and Title VI [Section 1118(e)(4)].

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Program

Coordination

1

The Parent Academy Workshops

Workshops on various topics of parent interests such as Parent Portal, Preparation for FSA and others are scheduled throught the 2014-2015 school year.

2

Parent Informational Meeting

Workshops for parents on how to help their child academically delivered in the evening by a board certified SPED teacher.

3

VPK

Head Start Program.

Annual Parent Meeting



Describe the specific steps the school will take to conduct an annual meeting designed to inform parents of participating children about the school’s Title I program, the nature of the Title I program (schoolwide or targeted assistance), Adequately Yearly Progress, school choice, supplemental educational services, and the rights of parents. Include timeline, persons responsible, and evidence the school will use to demonstrate the effectiveness of the activity [Section 1118(c)(1)].

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Activity/Tasks

Person Responsible

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

Title I program letter sent home to all parents.

Isabel Valenzano, Principal

Sent home with students the 15th September, 2014

Copy kept in the school main office along with all other communication sent to parents.

2

Title 1 Annual Parent Orientation

Ms. Valenzano, Ms. Cunningham, Ms. Valdes

September 16, 2014

Agenda, Power Point Presentation

Flexible Parent Meetings



Describe how the school will offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening, and may provide with Title I funds, transportation, child care, or home visits, as such services related to parental involvement [Section 1118(c)(2)].

Response: The Parent Academy will hold monthly parent workshops in our school Media Center both in Spanish and English. Our first meeting this school year was be held on 09/23/14 at 9:00 a.m. PTA had it's general meeting on 09/16/14 in the cafeteria at 6:00 p.m. Our PTA is having family night two nights for our Scholastics Book Fair from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Two parent evening meetings are scheduled for 10/02/14 and 10/16/14 which will include information for parents on helping their children academically, presented by a board certified SPED teacher. In addition, a Math /Science Night, Reading Night and Preparation for Testing Night are scheduled for parents in the evening.

Building Capacity



Describe how the school will implement activities that will build the capacity for strong parental involvement, in order to ensure effective involvement of parents and to support a partnership among the school involved, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement [Section 1118(e)]. Describe the actions the school will take to provide materials and training to help parents work with their child to improve their child’s academic achievement [Section 1118(e)(2)].Include information on how the school will provide other reasonable support for parental involvement activities under Section 1118 as parents may request [Section 1118(e)(14)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Person Responsible

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

Math & Science Night

Wanda Cunningham, Assistant Principal

Curriculum information for parents

12/10/14

N/A

2

Reading Night

Wanda Cunningham, Assistant Principal

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

01/02/15

N/A

3

Reading Workshop

Isel Porras, Teacher

Encourage parental involvement in helping students become better readers

10/02/14

N/A

4

Reading Workshop

Isel Porras, Teacher

Encourage parental involvement in helping students become better readers

10/16/14

N/A

5

The Parent Academy- Ready for School Every Day

Mary Trastoy Community Liaison

Familiarize parents school policies/procedures

09/23/14

N/A

6

The Parent Academy - Parents Rights and Responsibilities

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Encourage parental involvement in helping students make academic progress

10/21/14

N/A

7

The Parent Academy- Your Child's Emotional Health

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Health and Wellness

11/18/14

N/A

8

The Parent Academy- The New Florida Standards

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Prental Involvement in helping children prepare for the State Assessments

12/16/14

N/A

9

The Parent Academy-Families Building Better Readers

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Encourage parental involvement in helping students become better readers

01/13/15

N/A

10

The Parent Academy- It All Adds Up

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Encourage parental involvement in helping students make academic progress

02/24/15

N/A

11

The Parent Academy-Less Stressed About the Test

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Health and Wellness

03/17/15

N/A

12

The Parent Academy- Technology and the Modern Family

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Inform Parents of Availablity of Technology for Students Achievement

04/21/15

N/A

13

The Parent Academy- Summer Learning and Fun in the Sun

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

Mari Trastoy, Community Liaison

05/19/15

N/A

Staff Training



Describe the professional development activities the school will provide to educate the teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and schools [Section 1118(e)(3)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Person Responsible

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

Timeline

Evidence of Effectiveness

1

Florida State Standards Part 1

Wanda Cunningham, AP

Achievement in area of Reading/ LA, Mathematics

November 4, 2014

Adequate Yearly Progress of students

2

Bully Prevention

Jonelle Dougery, Counselor

Positive Behavior Support

August 2014 -May 2015

Reduction in Referrals and Suspensions

3

CIS Training

MDCPS

Parent Involvement

September 2014- May 2015

Increased Parental Involvement at Parent Meetings

4

Promethean Training

Promethean District Representative

Technology Integration or Content

September 9, 2014

Student Achievement

5

Florida State Standards Part 2

Wanda Cunningham, AP

Achievement in area of Reading/ LA, Mathematics

February 17, 2015

Student Achievement

6

Ten Sessions: Professional Learning Community- Common Core Book Chat

Wanda Cunningham, AP

Achievement in area of Reading/ LA, Mathematics

october15, 2014, - 03/18/15

Student Achievment

Other Activities



Describe the other activities, such as parent resource centers, the school will conduct to encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children [Section 1118 (e)(4)].

Response: Parent Resource Room with computer and internet capabilities is available for parents. Assistance with the Parent Portal is also available for parents. Monthly Parent Meetings scheduled through the Parent Academy.

Communication



Describe how the school will provide parents of participating children the following [Section 1118(c)(4)]:

  • Timely information about the Title I programs [Section 1118(c)(4)(A)];
  • Description and explanation of the curriculum at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet [Section 1118(c)(4)(B)];
  • If requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children[Section 1118(c)(4)(C)]; and
  • If the schoolwide program plan under Section 1114 (b)(2) is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will include submit the parents’ comments with the plan that will be made available to the local education agency [Section 1118(c)(5)].

Response: Parents were informed about the Title 1 program in various forms:

1- Letter sent home to parents prior to the Title I Annual Parent Orientation Meeting explaining the Title 1 program, NCLB Act, Parent's Right to know,

PAC / DAC Committees.

2- Title 1 Annual Parent Orientation Meeting which took place on 09/16/14. Power Point presentation covering Title 1 Program and Handout given to parents. A description and explanation of the curriculum at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet were presented to parents. Parents completed surveys where their comments were addressed.

4- In all school meetings such as PTA, EESAC, and Parent Academy the floor is open for questions, concerns and suggestions to all parents.

Accessibility



Describe how the school will provide full opportunities for participation in parental involvement activities for all parents (including parents with limited English proficiency, disabilities, and migratory children). Include how the school plans to share information related to school and parent programs, meetings, school reports, and other activities in an understandable and uniform format and to the extent practical, in a language parents can understand [Section 1118(e)(5) and 1118(f)].

Response: Most Parent Academy, PTA Meetings and parent events are done in Spanish and English to accomodate the needs of the parents. All communication sent home and telephone messages are bilingual. Translation for Parent-Teacher / Parent-Administration conferences is always available.

Discretionary Activities



Discretionary School Level Parental Involvement Policy Components Check if the school does not plan to implement discretionary parental involvement activities. Check all activities the school plans to implement:

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Activity

Description of Implementation Strategy

Person Responsible

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

Timeline

1

Training parents to enhance the involvement of other parents [Section 1118(e)(9)];

Volunteer Program

Mercedes Orama

Educating parents to work closely with the school to meet the needs of all students.

8/18/14-6/5/15

2

Maximizing parental involvement and participation in their children’s education by arranging school meetings at a variety of times, or conducting in-home conferences between teachers or other educators, who work directly with participating children, with parents who are unable to attend those conferences at school [Section 1118(e)(10)];

Parent Academy

Mari Trastoy

Various Meetings for parents and liaison for parents at conferences

9/23/14-5/19/15

3

Adopting and implementing model approaches to improving parental involvement [Section 1118(e)(11)]; and

Parent Resource Room and Community Involvement Specialist

Mari Trastoy

Resources available to parents including a liaison to assist with parent concerns and represent parents

8/18/14-6/5/15

Upload Evidence of Input from Parents



Upload evidence of parent input in the development of the plan.

Upload Parent-School Compact



Note: As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy/plan, each school shall jointly develop, with parents for all children served under this part, a parent-school compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement Section 1118(d)].

Upload an electronic version of the Parent-School Compact.

Upload Evidence of Parent Involvement in Development of Parent-School Compact



Note: As a component of the school-level parental involvement policy/plan, each school shall jointly develop, with parents for all children served under this part, a parent-school compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement Section 1118(d)].

Upload evidence of parent input in the development of the compact.

Evaluation of the previous year's Parental Involvement Plan

Building Capacity Summary



Provide a summary of activities provided during the previous school year that were designed to build the capacity of parents to help their children [Section 1118 (e)(1-2)]. Include participation data on the Title I annual meeting.

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Content and Type of Activity

Number of Activities

Number of Participants

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

1

Parent Orientation Meeting

1

108

Increase Parental Involvement

2

Title I Meeting/ Open House

1

709

Increase Parental Involvement

3

Parent Academy Monthly Meetings

10

115

Increase Parental Involvement

4

Math and Science Night

1

144

Improved Math and Science Achievement

5

Reading Night

1

93

Improved Reading Achievement

6

Reading Workshop

1

20

Improved Reading Achievement

Staff Training Summary



Provide a summary of the professional development activities provided by the school during the previous school year to educate staff on the value and utility of contributions of parents; how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners; the implementation and coordination of parent programs; and how to build ties between parents and the school [Section 1118 (e)(3)].

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Content and Type of Activity

Number of Activities

Number of Participants

Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement

1

Professional Learning Communities- Best Practices in Common Core

10

30

Increase Student Achievement Through Implementation of the Common Core Standards

2

Best Practices- Math K-2

1

14

Increase Student Achievement in Area of Mathematics

3

Best Practices- Math 3-5

1

18

Increase Student Achievement in Area of Mathematics

4

Best Practices at Zora Neale Hurston

1

32

Increase Student Achievment in Areas of Reading and Mathematics

5

Waterford

1

9

Increase Student Achievement in the Area of Reading for ESOL Level 1-2 Students in Grades K-2

6

Falling into Common Core

1

5

Increase Student Achievement in Area of Reading

7

Wonderworks Common Core

2

39

Increase Student Achievement in Area of Reading

8

Reading Plus

1

6

Increase Student Fluency in Area of Reading

9

Destination Learning

1

35

Increase Student Achievement in Area of Science

10

River Deep Training

1

10

Increase Student Achievement

Barriers



Describe the barriers that hindered participation by parents during the previous school year in parental involvement activities. Include the steps the school will take during the current school year to overcome the barriers (with particular attention to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background) [Section 1118(a)(E)].

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Barrier (Including the Specific Subgroup)

Steps the School will Take to Overcome

1

Language Barrier

Translate at all Parent Meetings

Best Practices (Optional)



Describe the parental involvement activity/strategy the school implemented during the previous schoool year that the school considers the most effective. This information may be shared with other LEAs and schools as a best practice. (Optional)

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Content/Purpose

Description of the Activity