JAMES H. BRIGHT ELEMENTARY Title I, Part A Parental Involvement Plan

I, Claudine Winsor , 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: Our mission at James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary School, in cooperation with the parents and the community, is to prepare our students academically, socially, and emotionally in a positive and safe learning environment. We strive to provide them with the knowledge and necessary skills to think critically and make wise decisions in a multicultural world. Our aim is to empower each and every child to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary School is privileged to have served our community for over fifty (50) years, and we are dedicated to continue this service into the new millennium, guiding our students mission to academic excellence. This is our commitment to each child entrusted to us.

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: James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary builds the school's and parent's capacity for involvement by offering a variety of meetings and workshops. These meetings include Open House, EESAC, PTA Kick-Off, and all Title I meetings at the school, region, and district level. We offer monthly parents workshops on various topics of interest to our parents, including those offered through the District's Parent Academy. James H. Bright/JW Johnson Elementary schools also provide parents with information regarding curriculum and forms of assessment through parent calendars, flyers, and the Connect Ed Messaging System. Our schools have a large population of limited English speakers, so in turn, we offer bilingual workshops. When contacting parents through the Connect-Ed Messaging System, bilingual messages are recorded in English and Spanish, in order to communicate effectively with our school community.

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

VPK

The Title I office and the VPK office work together to coordinate transition programs for students entering the regular public school program. Activities may include: coordinated meetings with parents, VPK teachers, and the kindergarten teachers to discuss the specific learning needs of students, joint parent meetings to discuss transitioning.

2

Individuals with Disabilities Eudcation Act (IDEA)

Supplemental instructional support provided by Title I will be discussed with parents during the development of the students IEP.

3

Title II

Professional development modules will be provided to schools to support the professional development needs of the staff related to parental involvement. The parent liaisons will be trained by LEA staff in methods to effectively use the modules. LEA staff will provide support and monitor the implementation to ensure that training is provided as required.

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 Meeting

Principal

September 16, 2014

Sign-in sheets, minutes, and agenda

2

Develop agendas, handouts and presentation materials

Assistant Principal

September 16, 2014

Copies of agendas, handouts, and powerpoints

3

Develop sign-in sheets

Community Involvement Specialist (CIS)

September 16, 2014

Sign-in sheets for Title I Meeting

4

Maintain documentation

Assistant Principal and CIS

September 16, 2014

Title I documentation housed in Assitant Principal's office.

5

Recruit Parents for DAC/PAC Meetings

Assistant Principal

September 16, 2014

DAC/PAC Election Forms

6

Title I Overview Power Point Presentation

Assistant Principal

September 16, 2014

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: James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary offers a variety of workshops at different times of the day to accommodate parents' work schedules. The Community Involvement Specialist also makes home visits to offer parents information about the workshops if they are not able to make the meeting.

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

Expand and enhance the parent information centers; expand resources available for parents.

Parent Liaison

Parents will be able to help students with homework.

August 2014 - June 2015

Review of inventory

2

Maintaining classroom websites

Teachers

Parents can be updated with any changes in the classroom.

August 2014- June 2015

Computer/Internet use

3

Academic Activities

Math/Reading Coaches

Content specific sessions will be provided for parents. Information will include grade level proficiency,strategies parents can use at home, and research based computer programs.

August 2014- June 2015

Sign-in sheets, agendas, and presentation materials

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

Math and Science Night

Math and Science Coaches

Increase parental involvement with the math and science fair projects.

December 17, 2014

Quality of Math and Science Investigations/Experiments

2

BISS PD Sessions

PD Liaison

Improve student achievement in reading and math.

August 2014 - May 20154

Data Reports

3

Faculty Meetings, Best Practices

Principal

Increase in student achievement

August 2014 - May 2015

Data Reports

4

Bullying Prevention Training

Counselor

Character Education

September 2014 -May 2015

Decrease of incident report

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: James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary offers English Literacy Classes for our Limited English Speaking parents. These classes provide parents the opportunities to help their children at home. The parent resource center encourages parents to check out books to help their children with homework and standatdized testing. James H. Bright sends parents many notifications with information about workshops being offered on campus or at other school sites.

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: James H. Bright/J.W. Johnson Elementary also provides parents with information regarding curriculum and forms of assessment through parent calendars, flyers, and the Connect-Ed Messaging System. Our school has a large population of limited English speakers, so in turn we offer bilingual workshops and are able to use Connect Ed in English and Spanish,in order to better communicate with our school community. Through our interactive website, parents can easily communicate with teachers and view important information regarding their child's education. Events, Calendars, Video and pictures, homelearning projects, and much more can be accessed throught this website:brightelementary.org

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: Our school has a large population of limited English speakers, so in turn we offer bilingual workshops and are able to send home bilingual Connect-Ed messages to our parents. Through the Hialeah Adult Education Program, we are able to offer Adult Literacy classes to the parents in our community.

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

Providing necessary literacy training for parents from Title I, Part A funds, if the LEA has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for that training [Section 1118(e)(7)]; and

Provide of workshops in core academics, assessments, and technology.

Administration

Provide parents important information about their child's education

August 2014-May 2015

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)];

The Community Involvement Specialist makes frequent home visits to provide parents with any help needed. The CIS also provides the times and dates for any other workshops at other locations given by the Parent Academy.

Community Involvement Specialist

Involve parents in their child's education

August 2014-May 2015

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

Expand and enhance the parent information centers; expand resources available for parents.

50

242

Parents will be able to help students with homework.

2

Maintaining classroom websites

20

520

Parents are kept up to date with current events, homelearning and classroom activities, and important school information.

3

Academic Activities

30

1200

Content specific sessions will be provided for parents. Information will include grade level proficiency,strategies parents can use at home, and research based computer programs.

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

Mad Scientist Night and Home Lab

1

148

Increase parental involvement with Science Home Lab Projects.

2

BISS PD Sessions

8

28

Improve student achievement in reading and math.

3

Faculty Meetings, Best Practices

10

75

Increase in student achievement

4

Bullying Prevention Training

2

75

Character Education

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

Time and Job Pressures

Staff training to enhance communication between the school and parents.

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