Parent Involvement Policy

At the beginning of each school year, the Blacklick Valley Elementary Center hosts an Open House/Meet the Teacher event for 2 hours in the evening. Parents are invited to come to the school, meet their child’s teacher, and learn more about our school programs. Information is shared regarding district programs and curriculum initiatives. Parents can learn about the kinds of assessments teachers use to measure student progress and identify strategies that they can use at home to help their child achieve proficiency in all academic disciplines. Additionally, they can put a face with a name and get know the teachers on a personal level.

The Blacklick Valley School District believes that strong schools are schools where parents and teachers communicate and Meet the Teacher Night provides both parents and teachers with an opportunity to build positive working relationships. In addition, parents are encouraged to check their child’s homework folder and/or planner daily. Teachers schedule conferences with parents frequently throughout the school year and every effort should be made to attend these meetings. However, parents may request a conference with a teacher whenever necessary to discuss their child’s progress. The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is active in our school and parents are encouraged to obtain membership and provide support within our school whenever the need arises. Parents can also receive information on the Title I website and on our school web page.

The following points help to highlight our policies as they relate to Parent involvement.

1. An annual meeting to explain our federally funded programs to parents/guardians will be held at the beginning of the school year.
2. At the beginning of school, the parents/guardians of all children will receive written notification about the Title I Reading Program.
3. Parents have the right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of both the teachers and the paraprofessionals who teach and work with their children.
4. Curriculum is available for parents to review and discuss with the appropriate staff.
5. Parents/Guardians and/or teachers will schedule a conference or make contact by phone any time they have a need to discuss their child’s progress, growth or any concern regarding the Title I program.
6. Teachers will provide materials and suggestions to parents/guardians to assist them with helping their child at home.
7. The district’s quarterly reporting system should be used as an additional way to monitor student progress.
8. Packets providing reinforcement activities for the summer will be sent home with each child, as needed. These will include a letter explaining the packet and activities.
9. At the end of the school year, parents/guardians will be asked to complete a survey. This form will give parents/guardians the opportunity to tell what areas were the most effective and which area might need adjusted in our Title I programs. This survey will be used as the basis for adding or deleting elements for the next year’s Title I program.
10. When the Pennsylvania Advisory Council provides materials or newsletters, these materials will be distributed to families in a timely manner.
11. Title I parents will be made aware of parent activities, such as PTO and other parent meetings and activities, through the school monthly calendar that is sent home with the students. 

This school-parental compact has been jointly developed and agreed upon by the Blacklick Valley School District and the Parent Advisory Committee (parents/guardians of students participating in activities, services and programs funded by Title I). This compact outlines how parents/guardians, school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student achievement by meeting Pennsylvania’s Core standards.