Parent and Family Engagement Policy

This is a plan that describes how Highland Park Elementary will provide opportunities to improve family engagement to support student learning.

Highland Park Elementary invited our leadership team, which include parents and community sponsors, to review and revise this parent and family engagement policy. Additionally, family input and comments regarding this plan are welcome during the school year. The plan is posted on our school website for families to view and submit feedback throughout the year. All feedback received during this year will be used to revise the plan for the next school year.

All students participating in the Title I program and their families are encouraged and invited to fully participate in the opportunities described in this plan.

At the beginning of the year, the plan is included in the Parent Orientation packet that is distributed to those who attend. It is also sent home with a letter to families who do not attend. The plan will also be posted on the school website. Families can also retrieve a copy of the plan in the front office of the school.

Website: https://hpes.mauryk12.org
Location: 1606 Highland Avenue, Columbia, TN, USA
Phone: 931-388-7325

Highland Park Elementary is identified as a Title I school as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Title I is designed to support State and local school reform efforts tied to the challenging State academic standards to improve teaching and learning for students. Title I programs must be based on effective means of improving student achievement and include strategies to support family engagement. All Title I schools must jointly develop with parents and family members a written parent and family engagement policy.

Maury County Public Schools will provide the educational instruction, tools, and environment for every child to succeed in LIFE as Life-long Learners, Independent Thinkers, Fearless Innovators, and Exemplary Citizens.

In 2024-2025, increase proficiency on TCAP by 10% in reading and math.

Students will have equal access to a safe and healthy learning environment.

Highland Park Elementary believes that family engagement means the participation of parents and family members in regular two-way meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, ensuring:

• That parents play an integral role in assisting their child's learning.
• That parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child's education at school.
• That parents are full partners in their child's education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making an on leadership committees to assist in the education of their child.

Please allow us to assist you with any of the following from our Family Resource Room: Food Pantry, Hygiene Supplies, Paper or Cleaning Products, or Coats for our students.

Highland Park Elementary will take the following measures to empower and support parents and family members as an important foundation of our school in order to strengthen the school and reach our goals.

We will:

• Ensure that all information related to school and family programs, meetings, and other activities is published in both English and Spanish; posted on the school website; included in the weekly school newsletters: and monthly Title I newsletters, for all families.
• Provide training to educate teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals, and other school leaders, and other staff, in the value of contributions of families, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with families as equal partners, and implement and coordinate parent programs.
• Partner with early childhood programs and middle schools to help prepare parents and their children for successful school transitioning.
• Share information in English and Spanish on the school website and in school newsletters for families to understand the school's academic standards and assessments as well as the ways families can monitor their child's progress and work with educators.
• Communicate with all families and the community on a regular basis regarding schoolwide events and activities, through Parent Square, our website, social media and newsletters.
• Collect feedback from parents and family members through surveys throughout the year in order to respond to parents' requests for additional support for parent and family engagement activities.
• Provide parent and family engagement programs and activities with other Federal, State, and local programs that encourage and support families to more fully participate in the education of their child: such as Center of Hope, TN Reconnect, South Central TN Workforce Alliance and Coordinated School Health.

Highland Park Elementary will host the following events to build the capacity for strong family engagement and support a partnership among the school, families, and the community to improve student academic achievement.

Annual Title I Parent Orientation - August 1, 2024

We invite you to an evening of learning and sharing about our Title I program, including our parent and family engagement policy and the school-parent compact. You will also be able to meet your child's teacher and learn about important grade level information.

Parent/Teacher Conferences - October 1, 2024 3:30-6:30

Scheduled updates on your child's progress

Book Fair - Fall and Spring Dates TBD

Math Night - October 24 ,2024

Learn how to make math fun at home.

December Winter Arts Night - TBD

Come see our Chorus perform and students' art work will be on display.

Parent/Teacher Conferences - February 13, 2025 3:30-6:30

Reading Night - March 6, 2025

Learn how to make reading fun at home.

Spring Arts/STEM Night: May 15, 2025

Come see our Chorus perform. STEM stations will be set up for families to explore.

HPES invites all families to join the Leadership Team to share ideas and ways to involve others to build partnerships with school, families, and the community. The team will meet monthly during the school year, but parents and family members can also submit their ideas or suggestions at any school activity or meeting, as well as through our family surveys. If you would like to learn more about the Leadership Team, please contact Paula Belew at 931-388-7325 ext. 6464.

Leadership Team Meeting Dates:

• Monday, August 12
• Monday, September 9
• Monday, October 14
• Monday, November 11
• Monday, December 9
• Monday, January 13
• Monday, February 10
• Monday, March 10
• Monday, April 14
• Monday, May 12