PIP

WESLEY MATTHEWS ELEM. SCHOOL Title I, Part A Parental Involvement Plan

I, Deborah Darbonne , 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: Wesley Matthews Elementary School provides state-of-the-art education for all of its students through a community-based approach. As a result of the ongoing commitment of staff, parents, and community members, students are immersed in a learning environment that infuses reading and writing, critical and creative thinking, problem solving, cooperative learning, research skills, and technology into an integrated program which focuses on actualizing each student's potential. By using this approach, all learning becomes relevant, meaningful, and instantly applicable to each student's life. Moreover, this approach affords the opportunity for the students to become active and responsible participants in their community and provides them with the tools and skills to become happy, successful members of a multicultural society. Specifically, the mission and vision are listed below:

VISION: Wesley Matthews Elementary School is a school in which every adult who works with students has the highest expectations for the students and the belief that each and every child can, and will, realize his or her potential. Staff members will endeavor to make each child feel safe, secure, and special by providing the most nurturing environment possible. The end result will be that, at Wesley Matthews Elementary School, no child will be left behind.

MISSION: Our "Universal School," including students, school staff, family members, and business leaders, is committed to the process of building a community of learners. Each child's unique intellectual and affective needs are addressed through innovative, dynamic, and relevant approaches to learning.

Adhering to the belief that all students can learn, teachers hold high expectations for their students and scaffold the learning process as necessary. In addition to the gifted and special education programs, the staff meets the educational needs of English Language Learners through the use of ESOL strategies. The Extended Foreign Language (EFL) program is offered in grades kindergarten through third. Two pre-kindergarten classes are offered, with approximately 18 students in each class. The students may participate in a variety of extracurricular activities (e.g., dance, cheerleading, sports) offered through the community school. In addition to those offerings, students may participate in the chorus, assist as school patrols, or become part of the morning announcement crew.

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: Wesley Matthews Elementary School believes in involving parents in all aspects of its Title I programs. Parental involvement is encouraged through the participation in the Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) committee and the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that meet on a regular basis (i.e., every month). The EESAC has the responsibility for developing, implementing, and evaluating the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Parent Involvement Plan (PIP). More than 50 percent of the members of the EESAC are parents (non-employees). Parents participate in the discussion of the following topics: professional development, instructional materials, instructional technology, student support services, discipline and safety concerns, and resource allocation. To this end, parents involved in the EESAC will receive reports on the status of the implementation of the current SIP on a regular basis to include the following: (a) formative evaluation will be used to monitor progress towards goal attainment; and (b) the leadership team will meet with the grade levels and with individual teachers throughout the school to discuss benchmarks and student learning gains. Thus, parents are given the opportunity to review the plan and offer their recommendations prior to approval. From its operating budget, the EESAC and PTA will set aside funds to enhance the educational experience of all students.

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)].

count	Program	Coordination
1	Title I	Involve parents in the planning and implementation of the Title I Program and extend an open invitation to Wesley Matthews Elementary School’s Parent Resource Center in order to inform parents regarding available programs, their rights under No Child Left Behind and other referral services.
2	Title I	Increase parental engagement/involvement through the development (with on-going parental input) of our Title I School-Parent Compact (for each student); our school’s Title I Parental Involvement Policy; the scheduling of the Title I Orientation Meeting; and other documents/activities necessary in order to comply with dissemination and reporting requirements.
3	Title I	Conduct informal parent surveys to determine specific needs of our parents, and schedule workshops, Parent Academy Courses, etc., with flexible times to accommodate our parents’ schedules as part of our goal to empower parents and build their capacity for involvement.
4	Title I	Complete Title I Administration Parental Involvement Monthly School Reports (FM-6914 Rev. 06-08) and the Title I Parental Involvement Monthly Activities - Report (FM-6913 03-07), and submit to Title I Administration by the 5th of each month as documentation of compliance with NCLB Section 1118.Additionally, the M-DCPS Title I Parent/Family Survey, distributed to schools by Title I Administration, is to be completed by parents/families annually in May. The Survey’s results are to be used to assist in the development of future activities.

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)].

count	Activity/Tasks	Person Responsible	Timeline	Evidence of Effectiveness
1	Schedule Title I Orientation Meeting. Develop PowerPoint presentation. Develop agenda and handouts	Administration	September 2014	PowerPoint presentation and handouts
2	Advertise and publicize Title I Orientation Meeting.	Administration	September 2014	Flyer, handouts, Connect-Ed messge.
3	Develop sign-in sheets for annual meeting and individual classrooms.	Administration	September 2014	Sign-In Sheets for annual meeting and individual classrooms.
4	Maintain documentation.	Administration, CIS	Ongoing-May 2015	Title I documentation box housed in Principal's office.

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 leadership and staff at Wesley Matthews Elementary School have a strong belief in the importance of parental involvement and therefore have measures put in place to offer parent meetings on a flexible schedule. Parents were surveyed to identify hours convenient to attend meetings and related parental involvement. Varied hours during the day and night are planned to accommodate for work schedules.

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)].

count	Content and Type of Activity	Person Responsible	Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement	Timeline	Evidence of Effectiveness
1	Parent Workshops: Parent Portal, Bullying, Healthy Habits, Standards & FCAT	Administration, CIS	Parents will be provided with information and strategies they can use to help their child at home.	Ongoing	Sign-In Sheets, Agendas
2	Parent/Teacher Conferences	Administration, Teachers, CIS	Parents will receive information regarding grade level proficiency and asessment methods.	Ongoing	Conference Log
3	Florida Standards Training	Administration, CIS	Parents will be provided with grade specific information about the Florida Standards.	October 2014 & January 2015	Sign-In Sheets, Agendas
4	Quarterly "Breakfasts with the Principal" and Classroom Visitations	Administration, Teachers	Parents will visit classrooms and join the Principal for breakfast as relevant topics are discussed.	Quarterly	Sign-In Sheets, Agendas, Presentation Handout

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)].

count	Content and Type of Activity	Person Responsible	Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement	Timeline	Evidence of Effectiveness
1	Staff Meetings: Discuss ways to effectively communicate with parents.	Administration, CIS	Improve the ability of staff to work effectively with parents.	Ongoing	Agenda, Sign-In Sheets
2	Professional Development: Best Practices for Parental Involvement	Administration, CIS	Improve the ability of staff to work with parents by providing best practices.	Ongoing	Agenda, Sign-In Sheets
3	Staff Meetings: Discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness.	Administration	Improve the ability of staff to build ties between home and school	Ongoing	Agenda, Sign-In Sheets

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: A Parent Resource Center is available to parents. A number of resources including computers, telephone, and brochures are accessible. The CIS works closely with the parents in answering questions, providing guidance, accessing the parent portal, and encouraging parents to become volunteers. Parents are encouraged to become involved in school in ways that do not require them to come to school (i.e. preparation of classroom center activities, assisting with decorations for school activities).

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: At the annual meeting of parents in September, information was presented on Title I programs, the curriculum, and academic assessments. Parents were informed about the schoolwide program, how to schedule parent-teacher conferences, and opportunities for participation in decisions related to the education of their child. Parents reviewed the parent handbook, which includes more detailed information on these topics and a copy of the PIP. Upon conclusion of the general meeting, parents were invited to visit their child's classrooms and meet staff. During the classroom visits, teachers provided additional information on the subjects they teach, their assessment plans, and how parents can help at home. Teachers will maintain sign-in sheets and provided a copy to the assistant principal who will also maintain documentation on the dissemination of information, distribution methods, and timelines.

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: Part of our commitment at Wesley Matthews Elementary School includes providing full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency and parents of students with disabilities. All communication venues are bilingual (English/Spanish, are the predominant languages at the school). Resources included in the Parent Resource Center are bilingual, and workshops are presented in both languages, as well. Translation services are provided during meetings held to initiate or update Progress Monitoring Plans (PMPs). The CIS is bilingual and can communicate with both English- and Spanish-speaking parents. Accommodations are provided to any parent with special needs.

The following accommodations are made available in multiple languages to all parents:

- Notice of availability of translator;

- Compacts/policies available and distributed in multiple languages;

- Other information translated;

- Phone call scripts, newsletters;

- Availability of large print, Braille or American Sign Language services, if applicable.

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:

count	Activity	Description of Implementation Strategy	Person Responsible	Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement	Timeline
1	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 workshops are scheduled at different times to accommodate work schedules. Teachers are available to meet before and after school.	Administration, Teachers, CIS	Flexible scheduling allows parents to visit the school and learn about their children's education.	Ongoing

Upload Evidence of Input from Parents

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

Uploaded Document

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.

Uploaded Document

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.

Uploaded Document

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.

count	Content and Type of Activity	Number of Activities	Number of Participants	Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement
1	Title I Annual Meeting	1	275	Parents were informed about Title I and were engaged in PIP and Compact Development.
2	Parent Workshops: Parent Portal, Bullying, Healthy Habits, Standards & Standardized Exams	8	128	Parents were provided with information and strategies they could use at home with their child.
3	Parent/ Teacher Conferences	355	489	Parents received information regarding grade level proficiency and assessment methods.
4	Florida Standards & New Generation Sunshine State Standards Training	4	303	Parents were provided with grade specific information regarding the Florida Standards and NGSSS.

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)].

count	Content and Type of Activity	Number of Activities	Number of Participants	Anticipated Impact on Student Achievement
1	Staff Meetings: Discuss ways to effectively communicate with parents.	7	50	Improve the ability of staff to work effectively with parents.
2	Professional Development: Best Practices for Parental Involvement	4	30	Improve the ability of staff to work with parents by providing best practices.
3	Staff Meetings: Discuss the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness.	7	50	Improve the ability of staff to build ties between home and school.

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)].

count	Barrier (Including the Specific Subgroup)	Steps the School will Take to Overcome
1	Limited English Proficiency	Bilingual Workshops
2	Economically Disadvantaged	All activities provided at the school site are free of charge.
3	Parents with different work schedules	Workshops are held at different times of the day to accomodate working 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)

count

Content/Purpose

Description of the Activity