Family Engagement Best Ideas/Practices

East Cobb Council Best Ideas for 2008-2009 and 2007-2008 for Parent/Family Involvement

Note: The Georgia PTA website also has information on Parent/Family Involvement at  http://www.georgiapta.org/resources-parent-involvement.html and http://www.georgiapta.org/leadership-parent-inv.html

Welcome Families to School
The Kell PTSA hosts a Welcome Party for the rising 9th grade families.  It is an introduction to high school as the 8th graders are preparing for their entrance and eases some anxiety that parents may be having.  There is a presentation by the Kell guidance counselors and administrators as well as tours, classroom visits and a showcase of clubs and activities.  (Kell High School www.kellptsa.org)

Ambassador Program
Families new to Tritt are paired with a veteran Tritt family to help them adjust to the new school environment, answer questions and explain information coming home with students. (Tritt Elementary School)

General Parent Involvement ideas
Kincaid increased parent involvement by using every effort to bring families to school. They involved students and families in programs; gave them time to spend together, reduced costs by providing free childcare and meals at programs, free transportation, and interpreters. The result was an increase in involvement from families that do not normally attend PTA events. Kincaid offered families free dinner and child care before their Parent Education evening and a free dinner before Family Fun Night which provided no-cost entertainment. They advertised free transportation to events and meetings. They had interpreters at Meet and Greek and advertised in Spanish. All of these efforts ensured support for all families.  (Kincaid Elementary PTA www.kincaidpta.org)
 
Parent Involvement through the Arts
One way to increase parent involvement – “one great “hands on” way to be involved is with the Arts Alive program.  This does not require a person that is artistically inclined.  We have one parent per classroom that presents a lesson on 6 predetermined artists each year.  The volunteer then directs and assists the children in making a piece of artwork similar in style to the particular artist.” (Davis Elementary PTA www.cobbk12.org/~davis/pta)

“Screen on the Green”
Parent & Family Involvement in a big collaboration with Health & Youth Services and Environment hosted a “Screen on the Green” free family night. Prior to the film, a slide show of PTA programs and lesser known activities of the local unit were shown. A healthy variety of food was provided for people to enjoy. The Environmental committee used the opportunity to promote campus recycling and beautification. Effective communication made this program a big success.  (Tritt Elementary School www.cobb.k12.ga.us/~tritt/pta/pta.htm)

Parenting Library
PTSA maintains a Parenting Library containing over 250 books and videos that are available to any parent to borrow.  These resources are held in the guidance office conference room. (Hightower Trail School)

Friends and Family Luncheons
Guests are invited to have lunch with students in the cafeteria on designated days (each grade level has one day during the year).  Guests make reservations for the day and dine on decorated cafeteria tables with their students. (Eastvalley Elementary School)

Families Action Pledge
On the back of the PTSA membership form is an agreement to host drug-free and alcohol-free parties, to supervise any party in their home, and to welcome contact from other parents about a party.  Special designation is made next to their listing in the school directory.  In addition, the Prom Promise is similarly designed for students and promoted during Prom week.  After prom, parent volunteers call each student to see how prom went for them. (Walton High School)

Transitioning program – “Get the Scoop Night”
An evening showcasing students involved in music, art, theater, and clubs.  Held in conjunction with a PTSA General Meeting, this night gave parents and students an opportunity to see fellow students perform and showcase their activities. They invited rising 6th grade families from all five feeder schools introducing them to Dodgen spirit and to programs offered to students. (Dodgen Middle School).