Every year, no matter KCMSD or another school district, parents want to become a part of the school's culture, but often times are unsure of how they can contribute. As we continue to transform education in Kansas City, MO Schools, we (parents & community) have opportunities to assist our scholars to success. At the school level, what can be (from parents and community) done to improve our schools? Check out the link below for one opportunity of how parents and community can work together. Last year, ACECC took advantage of this grant for the front courtyard of the Upper Campus. Let's start improving.
Deadline: October 15th
Tips for School Improvement Projects for Parent Groups
I firmly believe that communication is a huge deal here - every school has different needs. Parents and community members should sit down with teachers and administrators to find out where the biggest need is.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to help - tutoring, general grounds improvements (planting flowers, painting, etc.), or just helping out during the school day. No school in the universe has 100% of their needs met, and parents and community members need to figure out what their school is lacking!
Sara, I agree, communicating with the teachers and principals is key. What about schools where the leadership isn't welcoming parental/community involvement? How do we assess those school needs?
ReplyDeleteI think the *first* need for those schools is changing the culture that restricts or prohibits parent/community involvement. That's why KCMSD is fortunate to have the DAC. In schools that don't actively recruit involvement, the DAC seems to have determined this year to step in and challenge that.
ReplyDeleteIt's difficult to change an entire culture, and KCMSD has accepted for years a lack of parent involvement as the status quo. I think the only way to change that culture is to continue to insist that parents need to be involved and push for it at every level.
Once you have a base line of involved parents, the communication part starts. :)
And Candace, you know if I had any real answers to this question I'd be making a lot more money than I do, right?
So do you believe national associations assist us in accomplishing many of these goals?
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