Involving Parents in the School: Tips for School Councils

Parental Involvement: A Checklist

Use this handy checklist to review your current parental engagement activities, and to stimulate discussion and ideas for future activities and events.

[ ] Have we used surveys and other information-gathering tools to assess what parents need and want, and to ask for their opinions and suggestions?

[ ] Have we determined the barriers which may impede some parents from participating?

[ ] Do we understand the needs of parents whose first language is other than English?

[ ] Have we explicitly invited parents to volunteer in a variety of school activities?

[ ] Do we know which of our communications parents are using, and what forms of communication parents would like more of?

[ ] Do we routinely gather parent contact information and use it effectively to keep parents informed?

[ ] Do we have an organized plan for parent engagement activities this year?

[ ] Do we know who has assumed responsibility for each activity within the plan?

[ ] Do we respond immediately when parents indicate a willingness to volunteer or participate in other ways?

[ ] Do we have a school information package for newcomers?

[ ] Do we have an organized method for meeting and welcoming new families?

[ ] Do we actively encourage parents to attend School Council meetings?

[ ] Do we acknowledge and involve parents who attend Council meetings for the first time?

[ ] Do we provide information or an information event specifically geared to the needs of New Canadians?

[ ] Have we successfully addressed barriers to parent participation such as childcare, transportation, language services and off-site / off-hours events and programs for those who cannot attend regular events?

[ ] Do we regularly provide school events that showcase student work and activities, address issues of concern, and provide information of interest to parents?

[ ] Do we occasionally involve the community in the life of the school through such events as career and community fairs?

[ ] Do we offer training for volunteers to ensure that they feel confident and equipped for their roles?

[ ] Do we provide parents with the information they need to work effectively with school staff, and to support their children at home?

[ ] Do we celebrate our multicultural community by offering events that feature varied traditions, customs and sports?

[ ] Do we prominently display information about School Council in a high visibility area of the school?

[ ] Do we ensure that School Council has a presence at all school events?

[ ] Do we have a School Council newsletter and/or ensure that School Council is represented in the school newsletter?

[ ] Does the School Council have a presence on the school website?

[ ] Do we send frequent reminders to parents to ensure that school and School Council events remain highly visible and top of mind?

[ ] Do we participate as guest speakers wherever possible in the community, outside of school?

[ ] Do we recognize the efforts of parents and School Council members, to encourage greater involvement and participation?