"Our children", let's take care of "our children". What a powerful statement to say to a family. Thinking this way we are going to avoid judging but encouraging. Parents and students will not feel "less" or that they do not "know". But we will make them participants of what school is doing. They will become "the school". When all stakeholders know they are valued frictions has no place. We will have more energy to utilize in educating students.

Somewhat my school is gearing towards that model. However "Family engagement" requires the participation of "both" sides. That is a battle we still have to have alone, for many students.

We will not stop pursuing "Family Involvement".

Julie Hale 2/11/2021 - Blairsville, Georgia

Sarah Ottow presents an engaging lesson on how to involve parents and students for success. Parent involvement is so necessary during this unprecedented time in education. Professional learning is an ongoing event that should drive teachers for best practices. I agree with Sarah that relationships drive everything in education. Getting to know parents and their culture is vital for success.  

To impact student's success family engagement is important. Family engagement matters, it is different that envolvement. It is important students do not have a one way involvement. When families engage in a student education, this community is a support system that engages in students academics and other school events. The parent advisory counsel helps empower families to engage in the school system.

At my school, I look at the need of the family. During distant learning, I have noticed, a few students whose grandparents live in their home. I involve grandparents in IEP meetings, as well as interviewing for homework assignments.

I"The Circle"  is used as a check in during my mental health class, daily. Student are identifying with self. They are learning more tolerance and learning to be respectful to people around them. They are learning to be mindful of how they are feeling