1110.1-Parent Involvement

Considerable experience and related evidence indicates that meaningful involvement of parents, guardians, and other care-givers in the schooling of children significantly improves the quality of education. The Board of Education believes that connections of parents and others responsible for the home care of children with our schools will result in enhanced academic performance, improved behavior, and reduced absenteeism.

Therefore, all parents, guardians, and care-givers of students enrolled in our school district are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their children.

Further, the Board of Education believes the professional staff must take whatever reasonable steps are necessary to facilitate a broad variety of opportunities for parents to connect frequently with the schools in which their children are enrolled and with the overall system. These steps should include the following:

1. Parenting skills should be promoted and supported.
2. Communication between home and school should be regular, two-way, and meaningful. (Such communication may include monthly newsletters, required regular contact with all parents, two flexible parent-teacher conferences for each school year [required beginning July 1, 2010], and drop in hours for parents, home visits and use of technology.
3. Parents should play an integral role in assisting student learning.
4. Parents should be welcome in every school and their support and assistance sought.
5. Parent input should be sought regarding decisions that affect children and families.
6. Community resources should be made available to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

Legal Reference: Connecticut General Statutes

10-221(f) Boards of Education to prescribe rule(s), policies, and procedures as amended by PA 97-290 and by P.A. 10-111, An Act Concerning Education Reform in Connecticut.

Policy adopted: May 5, 2015                                         
NEWTOWN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, Newtown, Connecticut
EFFECTIVE: July 1, 2015