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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Need support this semester? We've got you covered! From extra care for your student to community resources, we're here to support YOU every step of the way. Check out our Community Resources page now: https://www.chapelhillisd.org/o/chisd/page/community-resources

The Handle with Care Program is dedicated to fostering a supportive and compassionate school environment by ensuring that staff are informed of and responsive to the unique challenges faced by students due to external circumstances. Our mission is to promote open communication between parents and school staff, allowing for the mindful and empathetic handling of each child’s needs. Through this initiative, we aim to create a nurturing atmosphere where every student feels understood, valued, and supported, empowering them to thrive both academically and emotionally.

We’re excited to showcase the amazing work of our high school CTE Woodshop students. From crafting functional furniture to intricate decorative pieces, these students have demonstrated creativity, craftsmanship, and problem-solving skills. Their projects reflect not only their technical abilities but also their dedication and attention to detail. We’re proud of their hard work and the unique items they’ve created!

We are excited to continue our Bulldog Parent University this semester! 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 here for that page: https://www.chapelhillisd.org/o/chisd/page/university

Thank you for your continued support!

Families can support student success using several strategies:

• Check in with your student regularly about his or her schoolwork, relationships at school, educational goals, and career plans.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences and family nights to build connections with your student's teachers and learn about your student's progress, expectations, learning standards, and academic goals.
• Reach out to your school or district family liaison, who can help you learn about opportunities to participate in events and programs to support your child.
• Join committees or advisory groups and look for other opportunities to shape school and district practices, including practices to engage other families.
• Befriend other family and community members and create a support network within the school and larger community.

Remember that engagement isn't just limited to parents - grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, guardians, family friends, and community members are all crucial members of a student's support system, and all should feel welcome engaging in the school and district communities.

When you're engaged in your child's education, you create a nurturing environment that extends beyond the classroom. Here's how it directly benefits your child:

• Stronger Motivation - When children see that their parents care about their education, they're more likely to be motivated and engaged in their schoolwork.
• A Greater Sense of Belonging - Students whose parents are involved in school activities often feel more connected and supported in their school environment.
• Increased Confidence - A strong partnership between home and school helps build your child's self-esteem and confidence in their abilities.
• High Expectations for Success - Your involvement shows your child that you believe in their potential, which encourages them to strive for success.

Your involvement doesn't have to be overwhelming - it's the small, consistent actions that make the biggest impact. Whether it's attending an event, checking in with your child's teacher, or volunteering your time, every effort helps build a brighter future for your child and the entire school community. Together, we can unlock every child's full potential!

Family engagement activity calendars are a great way to plan and organize meaningful activities that bring families closer together. By setting aside time for shared experiences—whether it's game nights, outdoor adventures, or learning activities—these calendars encourage connection, communication, and quality time. They can help your family create lasting memories while building stronger relationships and a sense of togetherness.

Did you know that students with engaged parents tend to exhibit better behavior, higher self-esteem, and stronger social skills? Research shows that when parents actively participate in their child's education, it has a profound effect on how children behave at school and interact with others.

Engaged parents provide the support and encouragement that children need to develop positive behaviors. This can include regular communication with teachers, setting clear expectations at home, and being involved in school activities. When children feel supported by their parents, they're more likely to feel confident in their abilities, which leads to higher self-esteem and better social interactions with peers.

Parents who show interest in their child's education also model important social skills like communication, empathy, and problem-solving. These behaviors are essential for success in school and beyond. By staying involved and reinforcing positive behaviors, parents play a key role in helping their children develop into well-rounded, confident individuals.

Let's continue to work together to support our students, nurture their growth, and celebrate their successes!

As we reach the mid-year point of the school year, it's natural for students to feel the weight of the long stretch ahead. By this time, excitement from the start of the school year may have faded, and your student might be struggling to maintain motivation. Whether it's the winter blues, academic challenges, or just the routine of everyday school life, it's important to reignite that spark and help your child stay focused and engaged. However, there are several strategies you can use to help keep your child motivated and on track the second half of the school year.

• The mid-year point is a great time to reassess your child's goals for the rest of the school year. Sit down with your child and discuss what they would like to achieve, whether it's improving a particular grade, mastering a skill, or getting involved in a new activity. Help them break down big goals into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrating these small successes will help them feel a sense of accomplishment and keep them motivated.

• Students who ask questions are more engaged in their learning. Encourage your child to ask questions about what they're studying. Show interest in their assignments and classroom topics, and help them see how their schoolwork connects to real-life situations. Whether it's discussing a history lesson or asking how math applies to everyday tasks, the more relevance they see in their education, the more motivated they will be.

• It's easy to overlook progress when you're focused on the finish line, but it's important to celebrate achievements along the way. Whether it's a good test score, a creative project, or just improvement in a challenging area, acknowledge your child's hard work and dedication. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and encourages them to keep putting in effort.

• Learning doesn't always have to be confined to textbooks and assignments. Look for ways to make school subjects more engaging and fun. Explore hands-on activities related to what your child is studying, like science experiments, field trips, or educational games. If they're reading about history, for example, consider visiting a museum or watching a documentary together. Bringing fun back into learning can help spark their interest and make school feel less like a chore.

• A predictable daily routine helps children stay on track, but adding some variety can prevent boredom from setting in. Encourage your child to switch up their study environment or add some new activities to their routine, like a different hobby or a new subject of interest. This sense of novelty can reignite their curiosity and make their school day feel fresh and exciting.

• At the mid-year mark, it's important to emphasize the value of effort and persistence over just achieving perfect grades. Encourage your child to embrace challenges and see setbacks as opportunities to grow. Acknowledge the hard work they've put in, even if the results aren't exactly what they hoped for. A growth mindset, which values learning from mistakes, will motivate them to keep trying.

• If your child seems disengaged or unmotivated, don't hesitate to reach out to their teachers. Teachers can offer valuable insights into your child's progress and areas where they may need more support. A collaborative approach between parents and teachers can make a significant difference in helping your child stay engaged and motivated. Sometimes, even small changes to their routine or extra help in a specific subject can spark renewed interest.

• Physical well-being plays a huge role in academic success. Ensure your child is getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying physically active. Regular exercise, in particular, is linked to improved concentration and cognitive function, which can help your child stay focused and energized throughout the school day. A well-rested, healthy child is more likely to stay motivated and perform better academically.

• Having a quiet, organized space to study is key to maintaining focus and motivation. Help your child set up a dedicated study area that is free from distractions. A comfortable, well-lit space with the necessary supplies can make studying feel more inviting. Being consistent about when and where they do their homework can also help them develop good habits that support academic success.

Encourage your child to talk openly about any challenges they're facing in school. Whether it's academic struggles, social issues, or something else, creating a space for open communication shows them that you're there to support them. When you child feels comfortable expressing themselves, it's easier to address the root cause of their lack of motivation and work together to find solutions.

The second half of the school year is an excellent time to refocus and build momentum. By setting new goals, celebrating progress, and creating an environment that nurtures learning, you can help you child stay motivated and finish the year strong. With your support, your child can tackle the rest of the school year with energy, enthusiasm, and confidence.

As winter settles in and the days grow shorter, there's no better time to cozy up with a good book. Why not take your family's reading to the next level by starting a Family Book Club? Reading together not only sparks a love for books but also encourages important discussions, fosters, bonding, and creates lasting memories. Whether your child is a young reader or a teenager, a family book club offers something for everyone.

A Family Book Club is a wonderful way to:

• Encourage reading - Make reading a fun and shared activity for everyone in the family.
• Create meaningful conversations - Discussing books allows family members to share their ideas, opinions, and interpretations.
• Foster a love for literature - Reading together nurtures a lifelong love for books and storytelling.
• Strengthen bonds - Sharing thoughts on a book creates a space for connection and mutual understanding.

• For Younger Readers (Ages 5-8)
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats
• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
• The Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
• For Middle Readers (Ages 8-12)
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
• Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
• For Older Readers (Ages 12+)
• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Wonder by R.J. Palacio

Set a Reading Schedule - To keep everyone engaged, set a realistic pace for reading. Depending on the length of the book, determine how many chapters or pages your family should read each week. For younger children, this might mean a chapter or two at a time; for older children or teens, you might choose to tackle longer sections. Make sure the schedule fits everyone's availability and allows for enough time to reflect on the story.

Create a Cozy Reading Spot - Set up a cozy space in your home where everyone can gather to read together. This could be a corner with blankets and pillows, or simply around the dinner table. A designated space for reading makes the experience feel special and helps to get everyone in the right mindset.

Discuss the Book Together - After each reading session, take some time to talk about the story. Encourage everyone to share their thoughts, feelings, and predictions. Here are some great discussion questions to get you started:

• What is your favorite part of the story so far, and why?
• If you could be any character, who would you be, and why?
• What do you think will happen next?
• What lessons or messages do you think the story is teaching us?
• How do you think the setting affects the story?

Make sure to give each family member the space to speak, whether they have a lot to share or just a small thought. It's important to value everyone's opinions and thoughts, also. This helps create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels heard.

Add Some Fun Activities - Bring the book to life by incorporating fun, related activities:

• Crafting - Create art projects inspired by the book's setting or characters, like making snowflakes for a winter-themed story.
• Cooking - If the book mentions a special meal or treat, try making it together as a family.
• Book-Inspired Games - Play games related to the book, such as trivia or charades, based on the characters or plot.

Celebrate the End of the Book - When you finish a book, celebrate! Have a small family party with themed snacks or a special family movie night related to the book (if there's a film adaptation). It's a great way to acknowledge everyone's hard work and commitment to reading.

Once your first Family Book Club book is completed, keep the momentum going by picking your next book. Continue to alternate between family favorites and new genres to keep things interesting. This way, your Family Book Club will become a winter tradition that not only sparks a love for reading but also helps foster deeper connections between family members.

Starting a Family Book Club is an enjoyable and meaningful way to spend quality time together this winter. Not only will it help instill a love for reading in your children, but it will also give your family a wonderful reason to gather around, share stories, and create new memories.

Happy reading, and here's to many more Family Book Club adventures!

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it can be easy to get caught up in screens - whether it's checking emails, scrolling through social media, or watching TV. As we enter the new year, now is the perfect time to hit the reset button and prioritize quality time with your loved ones. One of the best way to reconnect as a family is by setting aside designated "tech-free" time each week.

By unplugging from our devices and focusing on being present with each other, we create space for deeper conversations, shared experiences, and strong bonds. Here's why and how to make tech-free family time a regular part of your routine this year.

1. Stronger Family Connections - Spending time together without distractions helps strengthen family relationships. When everyone puts down their phones, tablets, and laptops, it's easier to engage in meaningful conversations and enjoy each other's company.
2. Encourages Communication and Collaboration - Tech-free activities encourage cooperation and teamwork. Whether you're playing a game, cooking together, or completing a puzzle, you'll communicate more effectively, share ideas, and work toward a common goal.
3. Promotes Mindfulness and Presence - Without the constant pull of notifications, everyone has a chance to be fully present. This allows for more enjoyment in simple activities and gives everyone a chance to relax, unwind, and de-stress.
4. Reduces Screen Time - Reducing screen time can improve sleep quality, lower stress levels, and promote healthier habits for both kids and adults. Taking a break from screens gives everyone a chance to reconnect with hobbies and activities that don't involve technology.

Here are some enjoyable, tech-free activities that families can do together to make the most of their time:

1. Board Games and Card Games - Board games are an excellent way to spend quality time together. Whether it's a classic game like Monopoly, Scrabble, or a newer one like Codenames or Ticket to Ride, board games provide fun and friendly competition. For younger children, card games like Go Fish, Uno, or Old Maid are simple and engaging.
2. Outdoor Adventures - Take advantage of the winter weather and explore the great outdoors when you can! Whether it's going for a walk, building a snowman, skating, or even just playing catch in the yard, outdoor activities provide fresh air, exercise, and a great way to bond as a family.
3. Cooking and Baking Together - Cooking as a family is not only fun but also educational. Try making a new recipe or baking treats together, like cookies, cupcakes, or homemade pizza. Involving everyone in the kitchen helps teach important life skills while also creating delicious results. Plus, sitting down to enjoy a meal you've all contributed to makes it even more meaningful.
4. Puzzles - Working together on a puzzle is a relaxing and collaborative activity. Choose one that's the wright level of difficulty for your family, whether it's a simple 100-piece puzzle or a challenging 1,000-piece masterpiece. Puzzles can also spark interesting conversations as you work toward the goal together.
5. Arts and Crafts - Unleash everyone's creativity with arts and crafts. You could create DIY winter decorations, paint a family portrait, or even try some fun craft kits. Crafting is an excellent way to express creativity and create something lasting that you can display in your home.
6. Family Exercise Time - Get moving with fun, family-friendly exercises. Try yoga, dancing, or even an indoor obstacle course. Physical activity is a great way to stay healthy and release energy while spending time together as a family. Plus, it's a great way to boost everyone's mood!
7. Volunteer Together - Another meaningful way to spend tech-free time is by giving back. Volunteer as a family at a local food bank, shelter, or charity organization. Helping others as a family fosters compassion and gratitude, while also providing an opportunity to talk about important values.

To make tech-free time work for your family, establish clear boundaries and make it a regular part of your routine. Choose a time each week - perhaps Sunday afternoons or Friday evenings - when everyone commits to unplugging. Put all devices in a designated area of the house or turn them off completely to avoid temptation.

Let your family know that this time is important for connection, and encourage everyone to respect the boundaries. Consider creating a "tech-free" basket where all devices are placed before starting your activities, so you can fully immerse in the moment together.

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be easy to let technology take over family time. As you begin the new year, commit to prioritizing quality family time, free from screens and distractions. You'll find that the rewards - deeper connections, meaningful conversations, and lasting memories - are well worth it!

Happy bonding, and here's to a tech-free, family-focused 2025!

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

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