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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Chapel Hill High School Art Department recently had the exciting opportunity to bring festive cheer to our community by creating Christmas window paintings for Andy's Frozen Custard on Broadway. This project allowed students to showcase their artistic talent and knowledge outside the classroom, while also serving and connecting with the local community. The vibrant window designs were a perfect way for students to demonstrate their creativity in a public space.

In addition, Art 2&3 Sculpture students wrapped up their Stuffed Monster project, where they hand-designed, cut, and sewed unique monsters that ranged from spooky to playful. Both of these projects highlighted the students' ability to think creatively and apply their skills in real-world settings!

Please join us for our Bulldog Parent University! 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!

We implemented a program called “Bulldog Bonding Boxes” back in the fall semester. Students in PreK-6th grades received a box over the Thanksgiving break and will get another for 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 over Thanksgiving break in March. Be on the look out! We trust that you and your student will create meaningful memories through these activities.

When most kids enter kindergarten, parents never expect to see homework at such an early age. Yet, every week, most find themselves navigating assignments - meaning parents also have homework. Of course, it can be a test of parents' patience, as most 5-year-olds aren’t always excited about homework. However, many parents encourage their child and help them push through.

What most parents soon realize is that even though they are not their child's school teacher, they still play a crucial role in the child's educational journey. As dads, even though you're not physically with your child during school hours, you have a profound impact on their success. So, how can fathers best support their kids in making the most of their education? Here are some insights to eight (8) practical tips for dads to help your child thrive in school.

Make it a habit to ask your child about their school day. Questions like, "What was the best part of your day?" or "Who did you help today?" encourage your child to share. Be attentive and engage with follow-up questions. This shows that you're genuinely interested in their lives and helps them feel comfortable talking to you about anything. Remember, real connection requires your full attention - putting down your phone makes all the difference.

Schools benefit greatly from dads who contribute to school committees like the PTO, Watch D.O.G.S., or other site-based decision-making teams. Your perspective as a father is unique and valuable, and these groups influence key decisions in the school. Consider starting or joining the Watch D.O.G.S. program to strengthen your relationship with your child while supporting other dads in their journey.

Mornings at school can be hectic, but dads can play a vital role in smoothing the start of the day. Volunteering to help with tasks like directing traffic, opening car doors, or assisting in the cafeteria shows your child that you care, and it reinforces the importance of their school experience.

Teachers across the board agree: reading is essential! Whether you read to your kids early on or begin later, reading together strengthens vocabulary, reading comprehension, and academic performance. Make reading a regular part of your routine, and it will benefit your child in school and throughout life.

Confidence and curiosity are critical to success. The way we speak to our children can shape their self-esteem and willingness to try new things. Encouraging words and positive reinforcement help build their inner strength and set them up for success in the classroom.

It might seem obvious, but showing up matters! Attend both big events, like school performances or award ceremonies, and smaller ones like parent-teacher nights. Your presence lets your child know they are valued, helping to boost their self-esteem and motivation to succeed.

As your child grows, they will encounter different ideas and values. Don't shy away from the tough discussions - share your values and talk openly about the challenges they face. Being an active participant in these conversations ensures that your voice is a guiding force in their development.

Make sure your child understands that education is something to be valued. Talk about its importance, not just once, but regularly. The more you emphasize its value, the more likely they are to take their studies seriously and prioritize learning.

By being actively involved and showing that you care about both their school experience and their growth as individuals, fathers can have a lasting impact on their children's educational success.

(Information from "All Pro Dad" corporation)

See more ways Dads can be a hero for their child: https://www.allprodad.com/

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.

Family engagement activity calendars offer a wonderful way to organize and prioritize activities that foster closeness and connection. Whether it's a game night, a nature outing, or a fun learning session, these calendars encourage your family to spend quality time together. By scheduling these shared experiences, your family can strengthen communication, deepen relationships, and create lasting memories that will bring them even closer.

Math can sometimes feel like a challenge for students (and parents!), but with the right support and a little creativity, it can also become a subject they enjoy and excel at. As parents, you play a vital role in shaping your child's attitude toward math. By making it fun and relatable, you can help your child build confidence and develop a strong foundation for success.

Here are some practical tips to support your child's math journey and make learning math an engaging and positive experience:

Math is all around us! Use everyday activities to show your child how math applies in real life.

• Cooking and Baking - Practice fractions by measuring ingredients or doubling a recipe.
• Shopping - Help them calculate costs, discounts, taxes, or change while shopping.
• Time Management - Discuss time intervals while planning daily activities or estimating travel time.

These real-world connections make math more relevant and engaging once they see how it all works together.

Kids learn best when they're having fun, and math games are a great way to practice skills without feeling like "work." Try these ideas:

• Board Games - Games like Monopoly, Yahtzee, and Battleship build skills in counting, probability, and logical thinking.
• Card Games - Use a deck of cards for quick math games like "War with Addition" (compare sums of two drawn cars).
• Puzzles - Tangrams and Sudoku are fantastic for developing spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.

Interactive apps and websites can make math more engaging for tech-savvy learners. Some popular options include:

• Prodigy Math Game - Prodigy combines math practice with adventure gameplay.
• Khan Academy Kids - Khan Academy offers free, interactive math lessons for younger children.
• DreamBox Learning - DreamBox Learning adapts to your child's learning level to provide personalized math challenges.

Look for tools that align with your child's age and learning style by doing a quick Google search.

Many kids struggle with math anxiety, which can make learning more difficult. Help your child develop a growth mindset by praising effort, not just results. For example, instead of saying, "You're so smart," try saying, "I'm proud of how hard you worked on that problem!" Remind them that making mistakes is part of learning and that persistence pays off.

Make math a natural part of your home environment:

• Set aside time for homework and provide a quiet, distraction-free space for studying.
• Keep basic tools like calculators, rulers, and graph paper readily available.
• Practice math facts together during car rides or while waiting in line.

Stay in touch with your child's teacher to understand what concepts they're learning in class and how you can reinforce them at home. Teachers can also recommend resources or activities tailored to your child's needs.

Your own attitude about math matters. Even if math wasn't your favorite subject, avoid expressing negativity about it in front of your child. Instead, emphasize its importance and show excitement when tackling math-related challenges together. Remember, your child will learn from your example!

Encourage your child to set small, achievable goals for their math progress, such as mastering multiplication tables or improving quiz scores. Celebrate their successes to keep them motivated!

Math is a skill that builds over time, and with your support, your child can develop the confidence and ability to tackle any challenge. By integrating math into daily life, turning learning into play, and staying involved in their education, you're setting your child up for success - not just in school, but in life.

Let's make math fun and approachable - one problem at a time!

Every child learns in their own unique way and understanding your child's learning style can make a world of difference in their educational journey. By recognizing how they best absorb and process information, you can help them build confidence, enjoy learning, and achieve success. Here's an introduction to common learning styles and tips for supporting your child's unique needs at home and in the classroom.

Learning styles refer to the different ways people process information and engage with the world around them. While every child may use a combination of styles, most tend to have a preference for one that suits them best.

Want to know how your child learns best? Take a free learning styles quiz to uncover whether they’re a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner. This quick and easy quiz provides helpful insights that can improve study habits, enhance learning experiences, and build confidence. Understanding your child’s unique style can make a big difference at home and in school.

Click here to take the quiz: https://www.learningstylequiz.com/

Visual Learners:

• Characteristics -
1. Prefer to see and observe things, like pictures, diagrams, and written directions.
2. Remember information better when it's presented visually.
• How to Support Them -
1. Use charts, graphs, and visual aids to explain concepts.
2. Encourage them to take notes with illustrations or color-coded highlights.
3. Provide access to videos or infographics that reinforce learning.

Auditory Learners:

• Characteristics -
1. Learn best through listening and verbal communication
2. Excel in activities that involve discussion, music, or oral instructions.
• How to Support Them -
1. Read aloud or have them read to you.
2. Encourage them to talk through problems or explain concepts in their own words.
3. Use audiobooks, podcasts, or songs to reinforce lessons.

Kinesthetic Learners:

• Characteristics -
1. Learn by doing and engaging in hands-on activities.
2. Prefer movement and physical interaction with their environment.
• How to Support Them -
1. Incorporate hands-on projects, experiments, or building activities into their learning.
2. Allow them to use manipulatives like blocks, models, or interactive tools.
3. Encourage movement breaks to help them stay focused.

1. Observe and Adapt - Pay attention to what works best for your child. Are they more engaged when using a particular method? Adapt your approach to align with their preferences.
2. Communicate with Teachers - Share your observations with your child's teachers. They can tailor classroom activities or suggest additional strategies to complement your efforts at home.
3. Blend Styles - While your child may have a dominant learning style, incorporating elements from other styles can help them develop new skills and remain flexible in different learning environments.
4. Create a Positive Learning Environment - Set up a space that suits their style - for example, a quiet, organized area for visual learners or a more open space for kinesthetic learners to move around.
5. Celebrate Their Strengths - Encourage your child by highlighting what they do well. When they feel supported in their natural way of learning, they're more likely to stay motivated and confident.

Understanding your child's learning style isn't about labeling them; it's about empowering them. When children are taught in ways that resonate with them, they retain information better, develop problem-solving skills, and feel more positive about their abilities.

By embracing your child's unique learning needs and working with their natural tendencies, you're giving them the tools to succeed not just in school but in all aspects of life.

Stay committed to creating a supportive learning environment where your child can thrive - because no two learners are the same!

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person (putting yourself in another person's shoes). In a world that can sometimes feel disconnected, empathy is a powerful skill that helps children build strong relationships, understand others' perspectives, and make compassionate choices. As parents, you play a crucial role in teaching and modeling empathy.

Here are some practical ways to nurture empathy in your family:

Children learn by observing the adults around them. Show empathy in your daily interactions by:

• Listening Actively - When someone is speaking, give them your full attention and acknowledge their feelings.
• Being Compassionate - Offer support when someone is struggling, whether it's a neighbor, friend, or family member.
• Speaking Kindly - Use respectful language, even in challenging situations.

Your actions demonstrate the importance of treating others with kindness and understanding.

Help your child see the world through someone else's eyes. Ask questions like:

• "How do you think your friend felt when that happened?"
• "What would you do if you were in their shoes?"

Discussing these scenarios teaches your child to consider others' feelings and motivations, a key aspect of empathy.

Start with small acts of kindness within your family.

• Encourage siblings to help each other with chores or homework.
• Praise thoughtful gestures, like sharing toys or offering comfort to a family member.
• Model forgiveness and patience when conflicts arise.

When kindness becomes a habit a home, it's easier for children to extend it to others.

Participating in community service is a hands-on way to teach empathy. Some ideas include:

• Donating clothes or toys to a local charity.
• Volunteering at a food bank or community cleanup event.
• Writing cards for nursing home residents or those in need of encouragement.
• Completing random acts of kindness throughout your town/community.

These experiences help children understand the needs of others and feel empowered to make a positive impact.

Stories are a wonderful tool for teaching empathy. Choose books or movies with characters who face challenges, make mistakes, or learn to see things from a different perspective. Afterward, discuss the story together:

• "Why do you think the character acted that way?"
• "How did they solve their problem?"
• "Did anyone try to help the character?"
  

This encourages children to think critically about emotions and relationships.

Children can't express what they don't understand. Help them recognize and name emotions - both their own and others'. For example:

• "You look frustrated. Do you want to talk about what's bothering you?"
• "Your friend seemed really happy when you helped them. Did you notice?"

Building this vocabulary fosters emotional intelligence and deeper connections with others.

Encourage your child to appreciate diversity by learning about different cultures, traditions, disabilities, and perspectives. Discuss how everyone has unique experiences and talents that enrich the world. This helps children value differences and approach others with acceptance instead of judgment.

Make empathy a fun family activity by creating challenges such as:

• Complimenting three people in one day.
• Writing a thank-you note to a teacher, coach, pastor, or family member.
• Helping a neighbor with a small task, like raking, mowing, or bringing in groceries.

Turn it into a friendly competition and celebrate everyone's acts of kindness at the end of the week!

Teaching empathy doesn't just benefit your child - it impacts everyone around them. Empathetic children are better equipped to handle conflicts, build friendships, and contribute to a more compassionate world. By modeling kindness and providing opportunities to practice understanding, you empower your child to make meaningful connections and lead with their heart.

Work together to nurture a generation of empathetic, caring individuals - starting right at home!

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