Involving Parents in the School: Tips for School Councils
Be Event Oriented
Creative school events that appeal to the needs and interests of parents often provide a key introduction to the school. These tips will help you develop events that will engage and attract parents, and open the door to greater parental involvement.
Tip #12: The Showcase Evening
Use a special showcase evening to highlight school programs and activities, to provide parent education, or to offer the opportunity to meet other parents. The following are just a few of the many showcase ideas you may wish to consider:
- Feature a school activity or project such as the school choir or band, a drama group, science experiments or technology displays.
- Consider providing a speaker to present information on a topic of interest to parents such as homework strategies, discipline or health-related topics.
- Provide a brief information session by School Council on a topic or issue of current interest to the school community.
Tip #13: The School Fair
Consider organizing a career, health or community services fair. Participants may include parents and representatives from outside groups in the community. A fair provides an excellent opportunity for community involvement, and demonstrates the school's commitment to supporting families.
Tip #14: The Volunteer Training Program
Offering a school volunteer training program can go a long way to building parent confidence and building involvement. Sessions might be considered, for example, to providing coaching on being a reading buddy, or a library assistant.
Tip #15: The Parent Education Program
Parents often welcome sound information on a variety of topics related to parenting and their children's schooling. Consider developing information sessions on topics such as the parent-teacher interview; working successfully with teachers; school volunteering; internet safety; drug and alcohol issues; or successful homework hints.
Tip #16: The Welcome Back to School Event
To re-engage parents early in the school year, and welcome new parents to the school, hold a “Welcome Back to School” event which might combine a barbeque or similar social event with a meet-the-teacher opportunity.
Tip #17: The Multicultural Program
Where the school serves a diverse community, multicultural programs and events can serve not only to welcome all parents, but also to share and enjoy a wide range of traditions, cultures, sports and other activities. The following is a small sampling of the many events you may want to consider:
- Hold an international dinner with explanations of foods from around the world.
- Hold an international fair in which families create simple displays highlighting their customs and traditions.
- Run an outdoor recreation day featuring a popular international sport or other activity – such as cricket – which can be shared with the school community.
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