Family School Partnerships

by Education Blog

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Posted on October 18, 2017

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In the book “Beyond the Bake Sale, The Essential Guide to Family School Partnerships,” the authors cite research that “children do best if parents can play a variety of roles in their learning:  helping at home, volunteering at school, planning their children’s future, and taking part in key decisions about the school program.”  Over the last two weeks I have witnessed the family school partnership in action on two particular occasions.

Monday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Alva Elementary Booster Club meeting at Washington Early Childhood Center.  The Elementary Booster Club began this year as a way to support our elementary teachers and students.  They have supported teachers and students in a variety of ways including, covering classes while teachers meet to curriculum map, learning new testing programs, counting box tops, and have even sent balloons to teachers on their birthday.  To those that are part of this organization and have volunteered your time and talents “Thank you.”  If you are interested in lending your support to our elementary students check out the Alva Elementary Booster Club facebook page.  

I also attended a presentation on college/career planning with Mrs. Heaton (middle school counselor, Mrs. Duncan (high school counselor), and Mrs. Koehn (Northwest Career Technology Counselor).  To be honest, with a sixth grade student in my house, I sometimes think about getting through the next day, and not 6 years down the road. When I do look towards the future it’s a little scary.  After attending this presentation on career planning provided by these counselors, I’m actually excited for the future.  I can see that a plan can be made for my daughter and I have counselors that are willing and capable to walk me through the college/career planning process. Thank you to these three for investing in an evening to help shape the future of our students.  If you have questions regarding college/career planning for your child, contact any of these three ladies and they can get you the information you need to prepare your child for the future.

As discussed in last week’s blog, the preliminary state assessment scores were released by the State Department of Education. A video from State Superintendent Joy Hofmeister has been uploaded to the “Parent Resources” tab on the school website.  Please be patient as Alva Public Schools will not be sending reports home with students until late November, early December.

Finally, congratulations to Mr. McIntosh and all of his students on an outstanding Fall vocal concert.  It was great to see our students perform with confidence and poise in front of such a large audience.  Have a restful Fall Break!  We look forward to seeing everyone back at school next Tuesday, October 24.

 

Sincerely,

Tim Argo

 

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