Definition of Parent and Family Engagement The term “parent and family engagement” means the participation of parents, guardians, and other family members in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student learning and other school activities. It is our goal for parents and family members to play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning, and parents are full partners with the school in their child’s education. Parents/guardians are their children’s first teachers.

Germanton Elementary School is committed to positively engaging and equipping the students with the tools they need for academic, personal and social achievement.
The school staff, in compliance with federal Title I requirements and the Stokes County Schools Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy, will:

1. Provide families a copy of the Stokes County Schools Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy and invite them to the annual public meeting for information on Title I and its benefits to Germanton Elementary.

2. Inform parents/guardians of their rights to know teacher and paraprofessional qualifications.

3. Provide opportunities for parents/guardians to participate in school activities, to volunteer in their child’s classroom, and to observe classroom activities. Parents/guardians also have the opportunity to volunteer and participate in the PTSO and any sponsored activities.

4. Offer Parent and Family Engagement activities, meetings, workshops, and parent conferences on a flexible schedule, as necessary, to promote improved student achievement.

5. Ensure information related to school and parent/guardian programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to parents/guardians in a language they can understand. Germanton Elementary will utilize the following formats:
a. Send out weekly telephone messages
b. Send emails
c. Social Media (Facebook)
d. ClassDojo
e. School website

6. Involve families in an organized, ongoing, and timely way in the planning, review, and improvement of Title I programs, keeping them informed about school curriculum, assessments, and student progress. Various curriculum events are held where grade level information is disseminated.

7. Educate school personnel on the value of parent and family engagement and how to implement programs to increase engagement thus building ties between the School and families.

8. Assist parents/guardians in understanding state academic content, student performance standards, and both state and local assessments.

9. Provide opportunity for parents/guardians to assist in the development of grade level specific compacts. These are presented at the Parent/Guardian/Teacher Conferences at the end of the first quarter for signatures by the parent/guardian, the student, and the teacher.