NORCROSS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

150 Hunt Street, Norcross, GA 30071

770.448.2188

www.norcrosselementaryschool.org/home.htm

Title I Parent Involvement Action Plan 2009-2010

NES Home

Parent Center Trailer #2144A/B, 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Carolyn Lee, Parent Instructional Support Coordinator, 770.326.8006, carolyn_lee@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Parent Workshops Enrollment is determined by targeted audience with varied notification via flyer, monthly calendar of events, automated phone message, website, personal invitations mailed or sent with students. *Additional workshops are added during the calendar year to accommodate needs and desires of parents/community/faculty & staff.

 

Parent Center Trailer #2444A/B, 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m., Carolyn Lee, Parent Instructional Support Coordinator, 770.326.8006, carolyn_lee@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

Parent Workshops Enrollment is determined by targeted audience with varied notification via flyer, monthly calendar of events, automated phone message, website, personal invitations mailed or sent with students. *Additional workshops are added during the calendar year to accommodate needs and desires of parents/community/faculty & staff.

Date(s)/Time(s)

Title of Workshop

Targeted Audience

Brief Description

Thursday, August 6

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

OPEN HOUSE/Registration for families new to NES

SWP open enrollment

A meet and greet time for parents and teachers; parents receive information regarding bus transportation, free/reduced lunch program, classroom supplies, School-Parent Compact, and other important information regarding grade level instruction.

Monday, August 24 

(K)5:45 (1) 6:30 (2) 7:15

Tuesday, August 25

(3)5:45 (4) 6:30 (5)7:15 p.m. Ongoing Fridays from 2:15 – 2:30 p.m.

Title I Orientation

SWP

Parents receive information on the Title l school wide program (SWP) and our school’s participation under this program (overview of Title l,  parent rights, AYP status, the Title l Parent Center, the complaint process, volunteering and parent needs) in large group with Parent Coordinator. *Revised description 8/12/09

Monday, August 24:

 (K) 6:00 (1) 6:45 (2) 7:30 Tuesday, August 25:

(3) 6:00 (4) 6:45 (5) 7:30 p.m. Ongoing Fridays from 2:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Curriculum

SWP all parents in August; open for parents of new enrollees and any other parents

Parent awareness of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum; specific strategies for working with their child; and to assure the parents that the grade level has a strong program of instruction for all students. Parents are allowed to have interaction and feedback. School-Parent Compact is presented; parents are encouraged to sign as a means of sharing educational ownership.

August 25/7-7:30 p.m.

Reading Recovery

Parents of identified first grade Reading

Recovery students

Orientation & curriculum informational meeting regarding what Reading Recovery program is, and how it benefits their child. Teacher models a lesson for parents, explains home assignments, and requests that parents take responsibility in making sure child gets maximum results from program by having their child complete their reading and writing practice. General question/answer time is given; feedback requested.

Ongoing classes for

Reading on Mondays;

Math on Fridays

10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 

Drop in sessions set by SST & parent requests

Helping Parents Support At-Home Reading & Math Skills

SWP

Reading and math lessons to help parents become more knowledgeable with the instruction in the regular classroom. Hearing and seeing modeling of terminology and instruction along with hands on activities and quality-plus teaching strategies help parents support their children at home. Feedback requested.

Ongoing parent tours Thursdays from 9-10:00 a.m.

 

Parent Tours

SWP

School tours that allow observation of quality-plus strategies utilized in classroom settings are offered to parents every Thursday from 9-10:00 a.m.

September 2

1:30-  2:30 p.m.

Highlighting Focus

Parents of identified gifted students

Informative session that focuses on helping parents understand Gifted curriculum: the program guidelines, the student personalities, and the expectations of the program of instruction. Parent will be better able to support their children with at-home instruction.

September 9/1-3:00 p.m., September 30/1-3:00 p.m., January 14 & May 19/1-3:00 & 6-6:45 p.m.

1- English Language Learners (ELL) Eligibility, 2-Understanding Your Role as ELL; 3- Parent Education for ACCESS Testing; 4-ACCESS Testing  Results

Parents of direct or consultative ELL students

ELL teachers help parents to be more informed regarding ELL placement, model of instruction, curriculum, modification plans, testing, and how parents can support their children at home. All sessions allow time for parent questions, concerns.

October 1/9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Good Touch-Bad Touch Parent Preview

SWP

Parent preview of Good-Touch/Bad-Touch prevention education;  includes information and discussions about child abuse, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and bullying of all types, internet safety, stranger danger rules, by-stander responsibilities and answers to questions about substance abuse.

October 20/5:15 – 6:00 p.m.

Early Intervention Program

SWP

Parents are given a brief explanation of the Early Intervention Program (EIP) at our school. Afterwards, the presenter talks about the parent’s role and rights in the educational process and the ways this service impacts student achievement. Discussion follows.

October 28/9:00-10:30 a.m.

Supporting Special Needs Students

Parents of Students with IEP Placement

Parents are informed about three year evaluations, IEP, curriculum and instruction, home-school communication support, parenting skills (positive reinforcement strategies), inclusion classes, speech and language issues, and the Parent Center as a support. Time is given for questions/answers. The informational meeting supports parents in helping their child with academic success.

December 1/5:30-6:30 p.m.

Grade 5 Writing Workshop

Parents of Fifth Grade Students

Teachers present the State writing rubric, show work samples for high and low papers, discuss the four components of the writing process (ideas, organization, style, and conventions. Time allows for questions/answers.

December 3/5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Connecting Mathematically through Centers of Learning

SWP

Presentation and activities focuses on what parents can do to help their child be more successful with mathematics. Math Coach will present hands-on activities and websites that correlate with the math textbooks. Question and answer time will be available. Feedback requested.

December 9, January 20, February 10, March 10, April 28, May 12             12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Potluck of Information for Parents – A time for food, fellowship and learning

SWP

Program purpose is to 1) give flexible hours for parents to  unable to attend previous meetings and wish information, and 2) advertise and help parents understand upcoming events they may wish to attend.

February 18/1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

OPEN DOOR: Reading Experiences with Your Child

SWP

Leveled websites that support at-home student learning are presented to parents. Time is given to have parents peruse and engage in internet hands-on activities to support their child. Computer technology is enhanced.

February 23/6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

 

 

Helping Parents Transition to Sixth Grade

Parents of 5th Grade Students

Parents meet with guest presenter from MS for an informal time when parents voice their concerns and have a question & answer time to become aware of what lies ahead, discuss fears, become assured of continued support, reminded about accountable and making sure they maintain family traditions. Parents are also reminded of what their child must successfully complete at the fifth grade level.

February 18, 25, March 4, 11, 18, 25, April 1, 22, 29, May 6, 7

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Hispanic Parent Program: Mami y Yo

Targeted population with maximum 15

Parents and children birth to age 5 have parenting skills presented and modeled by instructor to help parents understand how to better support their children at home, educate them, and prepare them for entering a school environment instructionally ready.

1-March 16/5:30-6:30 p.m. & 2-March 31/9:00-10:30 p.m.

 

 

Parent Support for Transitioning to Kindergarten:

1-Hands-On Workshop and 2- Readying Your Child for Kindergarten/Parent Tour

Families with eligible children (age appropriate and within school district guidelines)

1- Parents and children rotated through centers of learning for an actively engaging time of helping parents help their children prepare for kindergarten. 2-Presenters talk about the importance of parents “being there” for their children and taking advantage of those teachable moments during summer events. Parents and children are taken on a school tour.

March 17, 24, 31, April 14, 21, 28/10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Nutrition Parenting Program - “Lose Weight/Eat Healthy”

SWP

A nutrition and parenting program to get the family eating healthy to support student achievement. Agent presents information on food pyramid, food labels, helping their children eat healthy, thrifty buying guides to lower the cost of meals, and helping parents understand the importance of exercise. Hands-on activities are incorporated into lessons. Equipped with this knowledge, parents will be able to help their children develop healthy, lifelong habits and strengthen academic achievement.

 

Title I Committee MeetingsCommittee provides advice and recommendations on how to encourage parent involvement, supports parent engagement in the school, assists in the decision-making and use of Parent Involvement Funds as outlined in the Budget Narrative, makes recommendations concerning parent negative comments, and gives ongoing feedback regarding the revision and adoption of Title I School Wide Program (SWP) required documents, as needed. Committee plans, revises, updates, and adopts the Title I Parent Involvement/Action Plan and the School-Parent Compact. The Committee is comprised of parents, teachers, and  community members. Invitations via letter, e-mail or phone are given at the end of each school year for the next year’s membership. Open membership throughout the school year for enlisting new families and community members.

·         August 11, 2009, 3:00 – 6:00 P.M., Parent Meeting Room

·         September 24, 2009, 3:00 P.M., Parent Meeting Room

·         November 11-12, before or after parent-teacher conferences, Parent Meeting Room

·         May 11, 2010, 9:30 A.M. Parent Meeting Room

·         Other special sub-committee meetings as actions become necessary for Title I Compliance

 

 

English Classes or Mini-Series Classes

Date(s)/Time(s)

Title of Workshop

Targeted Audience

Brief Description

Ongoing English classes twice a week /Mondays-Level 2 10:00–11:30 am & Thursdays-Level 1

1:30-3:00 pm

English Class

Parents who need additional support with English

Presenter follows courseware lessons for Side By Side, Third Edition; uses Teacher’s Guide/Books, Student Books with Audio/Books, and Activity Booklet/Book to support English skills at both levels of instruction. Presenter generates excellent English conversation with parents as lessons are taught.

 

Parent Leadership/Volunteer Training presented to strengthen our school, its families, and ultimately increase student achievement.

Date(s)/Time(s)

Title of Workshop

Targeted Audience

Brief Description

September 15/5:30-6:30 p.m. *Ongoing sessions offer one-on-one parent/business partner training

Be There Campaign…Parent and Community Volunteers

SWP and Business Partners; Other  Interested  Community Members

Parent and community volunteers view a power point presentation entitled, “Highlighting Parent Involvement.” PISC gives tips on how to be an effective volunteer. Everyone reads the Norcross ES Parent Volunteer Handbook and signs the confidentiality form. Time is given for questions and answers. Feedback requested. *Presented to strengthen our school, its families, and ultimately increase student achievement.

October 23, 2009,

January 22, 2010,

April 30, 2010

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

In the KNOW- Keeping Parents Up-to-date with Education Issues

SWP

Parents are invited to round table discussion sessions with school administrators or community members. Goal is to improve parent involvement and to help parents become more aware of educational issues through open dialogue and communication skills.

PLA Level 1 & 2 classes are Tuesday evenings – 6:30 p.m.; Level 3 classes are Thursday evenings – 6:30 p.m.

Parent Leadership Academy

Title I Committee members

Parent members of the local school’s Title I

Committee are encouraged to complete the Parent

Leadership Academy (PLA), a workshop to help parents

become the leaders they would like to be for children

and families. Classes for this training are held at Radloff

MS. Donna Power, Parent Instructional Support

Coordinator at Louise Radloff Middle School is the

contact for enrollment/and class schedule: 678-245-3417

or via e-mail at donna_power@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

 

Professional Learning/Staff Development – PISCs/School Staff/Parents Sessions improve school-parent relations

Date(s)/Time(s)

Title of Workshop

Targeted Audience

Brief Description

Ongoing school/parent training sessions dates/times during grade level planning or at faculty meetings; dates TBD.

1-Highlighting Parental Involvement in Education

2- Barriers and Hurdles

3-Parent-Teacher Conferences

4- A Training of the Minds

SWP Faculty/Staff

Ongoing Grade Level, professional day, and/or faculty meetings to discuss strategies for having better parent-school-community involvement. Offer tips for improvements with teacher input. *Revised 8/14/09

August 12, December 2, March 3, May 7/8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Title I Parent Instructional Support Coordinators (PISCs) Staff Development

Title I PISCS

*see SAMPLE agenda in Title I Handbook

 

 

 

September 4, October 8, November 6, January 8, February 5

1:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Cluster PISC Meetings

PISCS from Norcross Cluster

Collaborate/share/ implement parent involvement programs that support transitioning (pre-K to elementary to middle school; share ways to make improvement in Title I PI programs; cover business at hand with Title I Coordinators. *Revised dates and description 8/14/09

 

District Title I Events

Date(s)/Time(s)

Title of Workshop

Targeted Audience

Brief Description

August 27, October 28, January 27, April 28

10-11:30 a.m. & 6-7:30 p.m.

 Local Education Agency (LEA) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

Enlisted Title I Committee Members

Assists with the design, implementation, and evaluation of its LEA Title I Parent Involvement Plan and activities. The Committee meets 4 times a year giving the option of day or evening sessions.

September 26/10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Title I Super Saturday

SWP Title I Norcross Cluster families

A morning filled with information and fun as parents meet at Norcross HS to attend sessions centered around parenting, food and fellowship, thus creating a strong sense of community among the Norcross Cluster schools.

March 6

Time 9:00 am-12:00 pm

Title I Family Conference

By invitation only – GCPS Title I Title I Committee or other targeted families who are involved as parent leaders in local school

A GCPS event to inspire parents to become more involved in their children’s education while creating a strong sense of community among local Title I school throughout the county. Activities planned include continental breakfast and guest speaker, Mr. Joseph Washington. Location: Meadowcreek HS

 

Other School-Wide Events

Date(s)/Time(s)

Title of Event

Targeted Audience

Brief Description

September 18, October 23, November 13, December 11, February 12, March 26

3:30 – 5:00 p.m

After School Family Socials

SWP

Children and parents enjoy fun games, music, dancing, food & fellowship.

September 14/11:00a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Grandparents Day

SWP Grandparents and family

Grandparents are the primary caregiver when neither parent is involved. Grandparents are invited to share a lunch with their grandchild/children.

October 15/6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

 

Hispanic Heritage Night 

 

SWP

Event is held to create and encourage a warm and friendly family atmosphere while recognizing cultural heritage of Hispanic families.

December 10/6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

 

Winter Celebration

 

SWP

Chorus Club presents songs and music to get families in the mood for winter break; boosts children’s self esteem and promotes family fellowship.

December 16 Summerour Band

Holiday Performance

Grade 5 Parents and all other SWP parents

Band will perform for entire school and parents in two sessions: K, 2, 3 and 1, 4, 5

February 26/

K-2:9-10:00

3-5: 10:15-11:15 am

Black History Celebration

SWP

Parents are invited to attend dramatic presentation

March 2/9:30a.m. -  3:00 p.m.

Read Across America Day

SWP

Parents and community members are invited to read with children in a relaxed classroom setting.

March 29/6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Empty Bowls/Montage

SWP

Parents are invited to view children’s artwork and optional participation in raising money to help organizations fight hunger, to raise awareness about the issues of hunger and food security, and to help bring about an attitude that will not allow hunger to exist.

April 27/5:30 p.m.

International Night

SWP

Event celebrates the cultural diversity in our school community by bringing all groups together to share their rich heritage through music, food, and fun.

May 21/12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Fifth Grade Awards Luncheon

Grade 5 Students & Parents

Formal luncheon with parents to honor successful achievement as they transition to sixth grade.

May 25/6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Fifth Grade Promotion

Grade 5 Students, Family, and Friends

Formal promotion celebration to honor successful achievement as they transition to sixth grade.

 

Student Reporting System – Ongoing meetings are held to discuss progress reports/report cards, pupil progression process, and transition. Quarterly report cards go home in October, January, March, and May. Conferences are set on the school calendar for November 11-12 and February 3-4. Conferences assist parents in understanding strengths and weaknesses of their child’s total school year, how students can improve skills, get help when needed, meet class expectations, and perform well on assessments. Agenda includes discussion of academic contracts/modification plans, absenteeism, behavioral issues, parent support, family issues, and long-range promotion/retention guidelines, and review of School-Parent Compact. Interpreters (Spanish and Vietnamese) are provided to the greatest extent possible to help assure parents understand what is being addressed; parents are better able to bring concerns and questions to the table. *Online Go2Portal for parents will be implemented in January.

 

Communication: Effective two-way communication is done through weekly and monthly newsletters in English/Spanish, ongoing communication and workshop flyers, 24-hour Parent Center link to school webpage, marquis postings, automated phone messenger (*not activated this year due to retrofit and building program), three-way conference phone system for contacting parents, conferences, Student Support Team (SST) meetings, and both a monthly calendar of parent events and a monthly math calendar by grade level is distributed to SWP families in a language to the extent possible in order to build parents’ capacity to support learning at home. The PISC at Norcross Elementary School will gladly provide contact information for other important GCPS staff , such as: GCPS Board of Education members,  Title I staff, social workers, special education mentors, counselors, NES administrators and/or other support personnel. PISC is available daily at NES from 7:45a.m. – 3:45 p.m. If there is no answer, you may leave a brief message and the PISC or the Parent Outreach Liaison (POL), will get back with you within 24 hours. You may wish to e-mail carolyn_lee@gwinnett.k12.ga.us or send a written message to school with your child. Contact information of important GCPS contacts will also be posted on the Parent Center link to the school webpage.

http:// www.norcrosselementaryschool.org/home.htm

 

Parents wishing additional information and resources may contact Georgia’s official Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC) weekdays between the hours 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or visit the website at http://georgiapirc.net/. The purpose of the PIRC program is to assist schools and school districts in strengthening partnerships with families and implementing successful and effective parental involvement policies, programs, and activities that increased student academic achievement. Additional contact information is listed below:

 

    Metro Atlanta Region:  Communities in Schools of Georgia

 600 West Peachtree Street, Suite 1200, Atlanta, GA  30308

      Director: Julie Hollis - e-mail: jhollis@cisgeorgia.org or telephone: (800) 838-5784