Parent & Family Engagement

Our mission in Parent and Family Engagement is to engage, educate, and empower families, the community, and school staff with resources and partnerships that foster the academic and personal growth of ALL students.

Be sure to look for our PFE Newsletter each six weeks and subscribe to our newsletter for family resources, support, and information to help your family throughout the 2024-2025 school year.

Chapel Hill Families - We would love to hear from you! Please share your thoughts and ideas on the best way for us to get valuable information to you. This will help us improve the support we offer our community and families.

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We are excited to invite you to the upcoming DAWGS meeting on November 12th from 5:00 - 6:00 pm at the CHISD Board Room. This meeting is a wonderful opportunity for you to engage with other parents and community members who are passionate about enhancing student learning at Chapel Hill ISD.

What is DAWGS?

DAWGS stands for "Dedicated Advocates Working for Greatness in Schools." It is a parent advisory committee designed to educate and empower parents and guardians. Our goal is to create a collaborative environment where you can voice your opinions on how to improve parental involvement in our schools. This committee will also introduce new activities and initiatives within the district, equipping you with the tools to advocate effectively for your child's education.

Why Attend?

• Share your thoughts on parental engagement and support.
• Learn about new programs and activities happening in our district.
• Connect with other parents and community members who share your interests.
• Give feedback and ask questions about your concerns.

Your participation is vital in shaping the future of our schools and ensuring that every student has the support they need to succeed. Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community! We hope to see you at the meeting!

We are excited to announce the launch of Chapel Hill ISD's Bulldog Parent University this November! This initiative is designed to empower parents and community members by providing virtual workshops that enhance their ability to support their students' success.

Understanding the demands of busy schedules, we have structured these workshops to be accessible and convenient. Our objective is to encourage parents and community members to participate in sessions, earning points for each attendance. Parents who engage in these opportunities and accumulate at least half of the required points will "graduate" from Bulldog Parent University at the end of the year. Graduates will be honored with certificates, medals, and special recognition from their students during a celebratory banquet depending on the amount of points they receive.

This program is open to parents of all grade levels, ensuring that every family has the opportunity to be involved in their child’s educational journey. Additionally, we are introducing a friendly competition: the campus with the highest level of parental engagement in these workshops will receive a prize at the end of the year!

We believe that strong partnerships between parents, schools, and the community are essential for student success. Bulldog Parent University is an excellent opportunity to foster these connections and equip our families with the tools they need.

We look forward to your participation and enthusiasm as we embark on this exciting initiative together. More details about workshop topics and links are shared on our Parent & Family Engagement webpage. (Click on the Bulldog Parent University photo to go to this page.)

Thank you for your continued support!

It's important for parents to communicate well with their child's teacher, but it can be hard to know exactly what that means. What kinds of information should you share with the teacher? How do you know which questions to ask? And what do you do if disagreements arise?

Establishing a positive relationship with your child's teacher can facilitate open lines of discussion about concerns and create a collaborative environment to support your child's success. Here are some great strategies to foster this partnership:

1. Initiate Early Communication - At the beginning of the school year, teachers often have a lot on their plates. Try to arrange a meeting, phone call, or email with them as soon as possible, even before the school year starts if feasible. During this first interaction, ask about their preferred method of communication - whether it's via phone, email, or another platform.
2. Share Insights About Your Child - Effective communication is crucial for a strong parent-teacher relationship. Provide the teacher with information about your child's interests, strengths, and challenges. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), ensure that the teacher has a copy. Additionally, inform them of any external factors that may affect your child's learning or behavior.
3. Be Proactive - It's normal for children to behave differently at school compared to home. Teachers can offer insights into your child's behavior that you may not see, such as cooperation at home but acting out at school due to social anxiety or academic frustration. To gain a better understanding, it's beneficial to ask your child's teacher about their social interactions and behavior. Questions like, "Is my child making friends? How are their social skills?" can be helpful. Being proactive with these inquiries - even if you have no specific concerns - can help identify any potential issues early and demonstrate your willingness to collaborate with the teacher.
4. Respect the Teacher's Schedule - Be punctual for meetings, whether they're phone calls, video chats, or parent-teacher conferences. Aim to keep discussions within the scheduled timeframe, as teachers often have other commitments afterward. If you need more time, consider arranging a follow-up conversation.
5. Acknowledge the Teacher's Efforts - If you're visiting the classroom, take note of student work displays or teaching materials to compliment. If you're meeting elsewhere or via email, start with a positive remark about something your child appreciates in the teacher's class.
6. Model Respect in Front of Your Child - Avoid speaking negatively about a teacher in your child's presence. Showing respect for their educator sets a positive example for your child and can even assist them in learning conflict-resolution.
7. Focus on Collaboration - It can be common at times for tensions to arise with your child's teacher if you or your child feel they are not getting adequate support in the classroom, or maybe your child is even convinced that their teacher doesn't like them. When you find yourself navigating one of these tricky situations, it's important to approach the situation with care and concern rather than blame. Instead of accusing the teacher, frame your concerns collaboratively. For example, express how your child feels discourages and suggest working together on strategies to boost their confidence. If your child shares specific worries, communicate these to the teacher while acknowledging that there may be more to the situation. By expressing your child's feelings and seeking to understand the context, you can foster a supportive dialogue. Remember, teachers are invested in your child's success and are eager to help when they know something is wrong!
8. Engage in School Activities - Attend school events whenever possible. This involvement demonstrates that you are part of the school community and invested in supporting your child's education. Volunteer in ways that fit your schedule, whether at school or from home.
9. Express Gratitude - Show appreciation for both the significant and small things teachers and school staff do for your child. Simple thank-you notes or emails can significantly enhance your relationship with them.

Family game nights are a fantastic way to bond, create lasting memories, and spark some friendly competition. Whether you're looking to unplug from screens or simply enjoy quality time together, here are some exciting game night ideas that will keep everyone entertained!

1. Classic Board Games - You can't go wrong with timeless favorites! Dust off those classic board games like Monopoly, Scrabble, or Clue. They're perfect for sparking conversation and nostalgia, and they cater to all age groups.
2. DIY Trivia Challenge - Create a trivia game tailored to your family! Include questions about family history, favorite movies, or even inside jokes. Divide into teams and see who knows the most about each other. It's a fun way to learn more about your family dynamics.
3. Outdoor Games - If the weather is nice, take the fun outside! Set up a mini Olympics with games like sack races, tug-of-war, or a scavenger hunt. This is a great way to get everyone moving and enjoying the fresh air.
4. Card Game Showdown - Gather your favorite card games, from Uno to Go Fish. Card games are versatile and can be played with various numbers of players. Consider a tournament style where family members can compete for the title of Card Game Champion!
5. Video Game Night - For a tech twist, consider a family-friendly video game night. Choose games that allow for multiplayer modes, like Mario Kart or Just Dance. This is a great way to include older kids and teenagers who might prefer video games.
6. Puzzle Party - Work together on a large jigsaw puzzle while enjoying snacks and music. It's a relaxing way to spend time together and gives everyone a sense of accomplishment when you complete it.
7. Themed Nights - Add a twist to your game night by choosing a theme! Whether it's a favorite movie, holiday, or even a color, encourage everyone to dress up and enjoy themed snacks that match.
8. Create Your Own Game - Get creative and design your own family game! It can be as simple or elaborate as you want. Use household items for game pieces and come up with rules together. This is a great way to encourage creativity, imagination, and teamwork.
9. Storytelling Games - Try games like "Once Upon a Time" or "Story Cubes," where player create stories using prompts. This activity encourages imagination and can lead to lots of laughter as wild tales unfold.
10. Charades or Pictionary - These classic games are perfect for all ages and can be tailored to suit your family's interests. They encourage teamwork and creativity while generating plenty of laughs.

Family game night is about more than just playing games; it's about spending time together, enjoying each other's company, and making memories. Therefore, gather the family, grab some snacks, and let the games begin! Happy gaming!

We are implementing a program called “Bulldog Bonding Boxes.” Students in PreK-6th grades will receive one for the Thanksgiving break and one for the Spring break.

Sending home student and parent educational craft activities over the school break can serve several valuable purposes:

1. Strengthening Family Bonds: Craft activities provide an opportunity for quality time between parents and children. Working on a project together encourages communication, collaboration, and shared experiences.

2. Reinforcing Learning: Educational crafts can reinforce concepts learned in the classroom in a fun and engaging way. They offer a hands-on approach to learning that can help solidify understanding and retention.

3. Encouraging Creativity: Crafts allow students to express their creativity and problem-solving skills. By engaging in creative projects, students can explore their imagination and develop new skills.

4. Promoting Positive Habits: Establishing a routine of educational activities during breaks can foster a habit of learning and curiosity, even outside of school hours.

5. Supporting Parental Engagement: Providing structured activities helps parents feel more involved in their child's education. It gives them a clear way to support their child’s learning and development.

6. Creating Keepsakes: Crafts often result in tangible products that families can keep as memories. These keepsakes can remind families of their shared time together and the learning process.

Overall, these activities aim to make learning enjoyable and to bridge the gap between home and school, enhancing the educational experience for students while fostering stronger family connections.

You student will bring home this box for Thanksgiving break. Be on the look out! We trust that you and your student will create meaningful memories through these activities.

Calling all dads, grandads, uncles, and father figures of Chapel Hill ISD students. WE NEED YOU!! Volunteer on one of our campuses as a Watch D.O.G. and make an impact in the lives of our students even if it's just for a few hours.

This program is available at all campuses, so contact your campus' Watch D.O.G.S. liaison to get involved.

Chapel Hill ISD"s V.O.I.C.E. Program aims to foster a collaborative and transparent dialogue between families and the school community. Our purpose is to provide a structured and supportive platform for families to voice their concerns, share feedback, and engage in constructive conversations with educators. By prioritizing open communication and mutual respect, V.O.I.C.E. seeks to enhance the educational experience, address issues proactively, and build a stronger, more inclusive school community.

Click on the campus link below that you would like to leave feedback.

Crystal Binning

Parent & Family Engagement Coordinator

Email: binningc@chapelhillisd.org

Phone: (903) 566-2441, ext. 1964

Location: 11134 County Road 2249, Tyler, Tx 75707

Website: https://www.chapelhillisd.org/page/parent-and-family-engagement-connection