Parent Involvement Coordinator

My name is Teresa Thompson and I am the Title I Parent Involvement Coordinator for Walton County Schools. It is my role to assist you with helping your child succeed in school. Please contact me if you have questions about how you can get involved in your child's education.  I can be reached at tmthompson@walton.k12.ga.us .

Monroe Area High School

Title I Parent Involvement Policy

Revised 3-11-2009  

In order to guarantee student success, partnerships among schools and parents are a vital.  Parents participate on school committees such as the Title I committee, school council, etc. at Monroe Area High School.  We recognize that parents are their student's primary teacher and their support is critical in our efforts to provide a quality education for the students at MAHS.  In order to maximize the success of our students, programs are planned to involve parents with their child's class, teachers, and activities at MAHS. The following procedures ensure that Monroe Area High School will provide parents of children being served in the Title I program an adequate opportunity to be involved in the planning, implementation, review and improvement of the Title I Program in accordance with the Title I law. 

At Monroe Area High School (MAHS), one of the primary programs occurs at the beginning of the school year to help establish a relationship between parents and teachers.

0. Staff Orientation:  Staff orientation addressing the value and utility of the contributions of parents and how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners in their student's education.  The staff learns what it means to be a Title I School.  Additionally, the staff is told how Title I funds are used to support student and parents' needs.  The School Improvement Plan (SIP) is discussed and the goals in place for the year are reviewed so the staff is familiar with their part in helping the school attain those goals.
0. Parent Orientation and Open House:  At this meeting, parents are informed of their schools participation under Title I and requirements of Title I Part A.  The National Education Goals, state content standards, student performance standards, No Child Left Behind act and the School Compact will be addressed.  Parents will also be invited to use the resources available in the Parent Center located at the receptionist's desk.  Additionally, parents will receive information on the timely explanation and description of the school curriculum, the mission statement and other school/classroom policies.  The academic assessments that will be used and the proficiency levels that students are expected to meet are also discussed.  Parents will receive information explaining the Title I Program, and copies of the MAHS Title I Parent Policy.  Information and opportunities for non-English speaking parents to participate in the education of their student will also be provided.

In addition to Staff and Parent Orientation, other areas of information are provided for parents at flexible times to meet the needs of the parents at MAHS.  Parent input is important and continues to be a part of the planning and development of new and existing programs.  Unsatisfactory parent comments (in writing) are reviewed and considered by Title I Parent Committee members.

0. Information is displayed and provided at the reception's desk for easy access for parents.
0. Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP):  School officials share information with parents on the yearly progress and school performance profiles of MAHS.  Plans for improvement are discussed.  Parent's questions are addressed/answered regarding AYP.  School improvement and corrective action is discussed via a parent meeting, if necessary.
0. Title I School Committee, School Improvement Committee (SIP) and/or School Council which will include some parent volunteers will meet regularly to formulate suggestions, share experiences and make decisions on the education of their children.  This committee will plan, review and recommend improvements on the parent involvement policy and school compact.  The policy and compact will be distributed to families and minutes will be forwarded on to the principal to act on recommendations.  Copies of the minutes will be available at the reception's desk. 
0. Homework Help Program, Intersession and Credit Recovery:  Parents are informed about the purpose of these programs and parents will be asked to contribute ideas and suggestions to improve the services offered to the students.  Parents may also receive strategies and ideas how they can encourage their student(s) to learn at home.
0. All about Testing:  Orientation to expected student assessments and proficiency levels are explained to parents.
0. Parent/Teacher Conference Days:  Meetings to provide parents with information about the academic assessments used and the proficiency level of their student.  Parents are informed of ways to monitor their student's progress and how to improve performance.
0. Grade Level Parent Meetings (Curriculum Nights):  These meetings will be offered to provide information to parents about expectations in the rising grade level of the student for the next school year.
0. Parent Workshops:  Educational parent workshops on a variety of topics.  (Example: Financial Aid for College, Grandparent's Raising Grandchildren, etc.)

Monroe Area High School using the following communication methods to provide parents with timely information about school and Title I offered programs, the academic progress of their students, etc.  Information about programs, meetings and other activities are sent to parents to the extent practical, in a language the parents can understand.     

0. Open House Flyers/Newsletters:  Informs parents of events, curriculum, grading system, special services, contact information and how to become involved at school.  Parents receive information explaining the Title I Program.
0. Progress Reports and Report Cards:  Informs parents of behavior and academic progress of their student(s).
0. Agenda Books/Career Planning Guides:  Students will receive an agenda book and Career Planning Guide to help track assignments and academic deadlines.  Included in the agenda book is the school compact, parent involvement policy and student handbook.
0. On-Line Grade Book:  Website that parents can access to view their child's grades, assignments and progress for each subject.
0. Parent Surveys:  (Annually) At the end of the school year, parents receive a school survey.  The data is collected and submitted to our local education agency (LEA).  Any unsatisfactory comments are attached to the School Improvement Plan.  Parents serving on the School Advisory Team will review comments and assist in addressing the suggestions and concerns on the survey.
0. School Website:  Information is posted concerning school activities, programs, and Title I information.  The Parent Involvement Policy is posted on the website.
0. Access local cable stations to provide information to parents.