Family Engagement Guide

 

2024-2025 Family Engagement Plan/Patrick Marsh

Family Engagement Belief Statement: 
Students are engaged in a learning process that is sensitive to their development & needs so that all students are growing academically, socially, emotionally & physically.

Identify the protocol for how families can reach the school: 
Email, phone numbers are included on every Blackboard. Facebook Page, Phone, PM Home Page. 

Identify the opportunities for how parents can be involved in your school (SCO, volunteer opportunities, etc.):
Community School Site Leadership Team, Diverse Parent Council, PBIS Team, Assemblies, Fun Run, Talent show, World Culture Fair, Spring Block Party, Coaching

Identify how the school leadership will work with family leadership groups to help guide/support external investments with a lens for equity (i.e., donations to the school):
Our PMMS Caregiver team will engage in opportunities with our E-Team to learn about inequities in our system and set goals aligned with the PM 100 Day Plan. We also have family groups for our stakeholders to join.  Join the Diverse Parent Team and Community Schools Site Leadership team. Reach out to Nehemirah Barrett - ntbarre@sunprairieschools.org  or Sonia Spencer - stspenc@sunprairieschools.org.

Identify how/how often the school will share important information with families (emails, newsletter, social media, Peachjar flyers, etc.):
Blackboard messages to caregivers, Monthly Newsletter (Smores), Facebook posts (at least 2-3 per week), emails from each House to caregivers.

Identify the attendance expectations for students and how these expectations are shared with families. If possible, share the consequences of chronic absenteeism on learning outcomes and the legal process:  
The caregivers’ legal obligation as Parent/Guardian is to ensure their child from the age of 6-18 attends school regularly (Wis. Stat. sec. 118.16). Research shows that chronic absenteeism negatively impacts a child’s academic success, increases a child’s likelihood of dropping out of school, and puts the child at risk for interacting with the criminal justice system.  Caregivers play a crucial role in helping their children succeed in getting to school on time. Please take priority in ensuring your Scholar's daily attendance.

When your child is absent, please call the attendance line, leave your name and phone number, your student’s name, and the reason for the absence.  Absence from school without a legitimate excuse is considered truancy, resulting in truancy papers being filed with the municipal court. Refer to the Behavioral Responses and Policy JE.

SPASD Student Attendance Policy

Identify how and when this information is shared with families - please include links to the external-facing documents that showcase this work. Please note the frequency of the communications. 
 PMMS WebsiteWelcome LetterMonthly Newsletter (Smore)

Identify the essential elements of your school’s 100 Day plan that should be/can be shared with families to strengthen the partnership between school and families: 
Staff will be given a list of ALL the students at PMMS.  Staff will put their initials next to each student they feel a strong connection with to help establish strong relationships with students and families.

Frequently Asked Questions: 
 FAQ

 

The goal of sharing this guide is to help you find the pathways to partnership that your school has set up for families. You are essential to student success and that you belong as a part of your student’s school community. All parents and caregivers are essential partners in every child's educational journey. The collaboration of our staff and families is fundamental to supporting students in achieving their highest potential.

 

Our School’s Belief Statement

We Believe…

How to contact our school

Email, phone numbers are included on every Blackboard. Facebook Page, Phone, PM Home Page. 

Volunteer opportunities at our school

Community School Site Leadership Team, Diverse Parent Council, PBIS Team, Assemblies, Fun Run, Talent show, World Culture Fair, Spring Block Party, Coaching. Call the main office or talk to your students teacher to learn more. 

School Community Organization (SCO) - role, goals, and opportunities to participate and get involved

Are you interested in getting involved in our PSTO? Do you like planning events and activities for students and teachers? Are you looking for a way to be involved, in a fun way, with your student's school? If so, please consider joining our PSTO! We are looking for not only volunteers but for officers as well.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Rebecca Zahn at 608-834-7601 or rjzahn@sunprairieschools.org

How the principal will communicate with you

You will receive: 

  • A welcome message from your principal
  • A monthly e-newsletter 

How our teachers will communicate with you

You will receive: 

  • A welcome message from your teacher
  • Weekly updates from classroom teachers or grade teams 
  • Invitation to attend a fall and spring conference
  • Special Education Case  Manager will reach out to welcome your family
  • Invitation to learning celebrations and other events