Jonesboro Math and Science - 2023-24 Arkansas Engagement Plan Please read over the form closely, being sure to address all guiding questions. Note the Assurances section allows you to confirm practices that are required but do not need further elaboration within the written portion of your plan. In the response fields, you may include links to additional information that can help support your story as you answer the guiding questions. ​​1: Jointly Developed​ Describe how the School works with parents and families to develop and review relevant plans, policies, and strategies related to engagement. Guiding Questions * 1.1: How does the School - in collaboration with parents - establish an engagement plan that reflects the specific academic improvement needs of the School, and that includes programs and practices that enhance engagement and address the specific engagement needs of students and their families? [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(a)] * 1.2: What efforts have been made to ensure adequate representation of parents and families of participating children in the process (Title I families)? [ESSA § 1116(c)(3)] ​ Math and Science conducts monthly Parents and Teachers Helping Students (PATHS) meetings. During these meetings parents are given a dedicated space (school library) and time to collaborate with teachers, staff, other parents, and community members in the development of the school, parent, and family engagement plan, to plan engagement events that address academic needs, and to provide suggestions for future events. (1.1) Math and Science invites and encourages all parents to attend PATHS meetings. All parents of students enrolled at Math and Science are asked to complete a survey during parent teacher conferences in the spring semester as a way to evaluate our programs and provide suggestions for future events. This survey will be made available electronically at the conferences, and a paper copy will also be sent home to ensure that all parents have the opportunity to participate. Regular meetings can and will be scheduled at the request of parents. Parents are encouraged to contact the school office (870-933-5845) and/or the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Rout (sarah.rout@jonesboroschools.net), to arrange meetings. (1.1 and 1.2) The Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Rout, seeks to ensure adequate, diverse representation of parents of participating children by using demographic data along with teacher recommendations to ensure all are involved in a variety of roles. (1.2) 2: Communication Describe how the School will communicate with and distribute information to parents and families. Guiding Questions * 2.1: How does the School distribute an informational packet appropriate for the age and grade of each child annually, ensuring to include: * description of the engagement program * recommended roles for parents, students, teacher, and the School * ways for a family to get involved * survey regarding volunteer interests * schedule of activities planned throughout the school year * regular, two-way, and meaningful system for parents/teachers to communicate [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(3)(B)(i)] * 2.2: How will the School ensure information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is provided to parents in a format and in a language that parents can understand (to the extent practicable)? * How is relevant information provided in a variety of ways? (For example, paper copies made available, as well as social media posts, website links, parent apps, etc.? [ESSA § 1116(e)(5)] * 2.3: How does the School offer flexible opportunities for meetings with families? [ESSA § 1116(c)(2)] Math and Science provides parents with an informational packet at their annual Open House event (August, 2023) and/or sent home with students during the first week of school. These packets are also given to parents as part of the registration process for any new students. This informational packet includes, but is not limited to: a family-friendly description of the 2023-2024 Jonesboro Public Schools District Family and Community Engagement Plan, recommended roles and ways for parents and other family members to get involved, a survey regarding volunteer interests, a school calendar of activities planned throughout the school year, and which systems will be used to maintain regular, two-way, meaningful communication between parents and teachers. (2.1) Math and Science uses Blackboard Parentlink to send out calls, texts, and emails to its parents regarding events happening at the school. The Math and Science PATHS group also maintains a Facebook page where information regarding school events is posted. Math and Science uses social media, teacher websites, ClassDojo, the school marquee out front, parent/teacher communication folders, and notes sent home with students to inform families and the community about upcoming events. Math and Science utilizes the district’s English Language Learners (ELL) translators to ensure that information is available in languages other than English. Math and Science makes use of Transperfect. Transperfect is a call-in interpreting service. This service will be used when the school needs to contact parents for brief conversations. This allows the school and parents to have a conversation in the parent’s home language. If conversations take longer than 10 minutes, parents are invited to face-to-face conferences with an interpreter present. (2.2) Math and Science makes every effort to involve and communicate with parents. To accomplish this the school provides opportunities for meetings to be offered at a variety of times and in a variety of formats. These opportunities include, but are not limited to: mornings, evenings, in person, by phone, individually, in groups, live streamed, and/or home visits. Parents can make appointments with teachers and/or administrators when a need arises by calling the school office at 870-933-5845. (2.3) 3: Building Staff Capacity Describe activities that will be used with School staff to build their capacity to work with parents as equal partners. Guiding Questions * 3.1: How does the School build staff capacity to work with parents as equal partners? This may include workshops, conferences, trainings, webinars, and online resources that will be used to ensure ALL School staff (including teachers, specialized instructional personnel, principals, and other School leaders) are aware of: * the value and utility of contributions of parents [Title I schools] * how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners [Title I schools] * how to implement and coordinate parent programs and build ties between home and the School [Title I schools] * how to respond to parent requests for parent and family engagement activities [Title I schools] * that parents play an integral role in assisting student learning [all schools] * how to welcome parents into the School and seek parental support and assistance [all schools] * the School’s process for resolving parent concerns as outlined in the School handbook, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions [all schools] [ESSA § 1116(e)(3;14); A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(5-7); A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(3)(B(ii)] Math and Science ensures that professional development requirements are met for teachers and administrators, according to the schedule put forth by the Arkansas Department of Education. This professional development is documented and retained by the school for the purpose of license renewal. Math and Science faculty and staff are given professional development and training opportunities to build on their capacity to work with parents as equal partners. Teachers are trained and provided resources in how to reach out to and communicate with parents as equal partners, coordinate parent programs building ties between home and school, and how to welcome parents into our school to seek support and assistance. Training includes but is not limited to: * Capturing Kids’ Hearts * RISE training * Arkansas Department of Education’s FACE Advisory group * Arkansas Dept. of Education’s Social Media Awareness Campaign (SMACtalk) * Mental Health training * Suicide Awareness training * Covid-19 Safety Protocol training * Human Trafficking training Math and Science continues to implement and coordinate parent programs and build ties between home and school by, welcoming parents into the school, seeking support and assistance from parents, providing information in a format and language the parents can understand, responding to parent request for Family and Community Engagement activities, and recognizing that parents are full partners by including in the handbook the school’s process for resolving parent concerns. (3.1) 4: Building Parent Capacity Describe how the School provides opportunities to build parents’ capacity to play a role in their children’s academic success. This may include conducting workshops, conferences, classes, online resources, Academic Parent-Teacher Team meetings or providing equipment or other materials. Guiding Questions * 4.1: How does the School provide timely information about the following: * a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the School * the forms of State and Local academic assessments used to measure student progress, including alternate assessments * the achievement levels of the challenging State academic standards students are expected to meet [ESSA § 1116(c)(4)(B)] * 4.2: How does the School provide assistance to parents in understanding the following: * the requirements of Title I, Part A * how to monitor their child’s progress * how to work with educators to improve the achievement of their children. [ESSA § 1116(e)(1)] * 4.3: What types of materials and training does the School provide to help parents work with their children to improve their children’s achievement? This may include: * literacy training * technology training, including education about copyright piracy and safe practices * resources that describe or assist with the child’s curriculum * other activities such as workshops, conferences, online resources like tutorials or webinars, and any equipment or other materials, including parent resource centers [ESSA § 1116(e)(2)] * 4.4: Involve parents of students at all grade levels in a variety of roles, including without limitation: * involvement in the education of their children * volunteer activities * learning activities and support classroom instruction * participation in School decisions * collaboration with the community * development of School goals and priorities * evaluating the effectiveness of the School-level Improvement Plan [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(1); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.03] * 4.5: How does the School promote and support responsible parenting? The School shall, as funds are available: * purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative material regarding responsible parenting through the School library, advertise the current selection, and give parents an opportunity to borrow the materials for review * create parent centers [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(4)(A)] * 4.6: How does the School provide instruction to parents on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, including without limitation: * role play and demonstration by trained volunteers * the use of and access to Division of Elementary and Secondary Education website tools for parents [​https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/] * assistance with nutritional meal planning [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(5)(B)(ii)(a-d)] Math and Science provides parents with a description and explanation of the curriculum in use during the annual Title I meeting. Teachers upload weekly lesson plans to their individual websites that describe what is being covered each week. Math and Science provides individual student academic assessment results and interpretation of those results, and a description and explanation of the assessments used to measure student progress and achievement levels of challenging State academic standards. This is done through parent teacher conferences that are held each semester. Teachers and parents are encouraged to hold individual meetings as needed throughout the school year. During parent teacher conferences, teachers provide assistance and instruction to parents about Arkansas Academic Standards, state and local academic assessments including alternate assessments, strategies parents can use to support their child’s academic progress, and how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities. (4.1) During the annual Title I meeting, Title I Part A requirements are explained to parents. Parents may request additional information by contacting Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Rout atsarah.rout@jonesboroschools.net or 870-933-5845. Math and Science distributes progress reports regularly, and provides access for parents to student grades at all times through the online Home Access Center. (4.2) Monthly Capturing Kids’ Hearts newsletters are sent home with students. This newsletter provides information on how parents, families, and teachers can partner together to support their child’s academic achievements, how families can incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities, and additional strategies that families can use to support their child’s academic progress. Math and Science will provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children's achievement, such as literacy training and using technology (including education about the harms of copyright piracy), as appropriate, to foster parent and family engagement. (4.3) Parent and Family Engagement Nights will be held throughout the school year to ensure that parents learn strategies to support their child’s learning and academic progress and incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities at home. Parent and Family Engagement Nights will serve to provide materials and training to help parents work with their children to improve academic achievement. Parents are encouraged to participate in school related events such as field trips, completing surveys, volunteering opportunities, PATHS meetings, etc. Math and Science schedules monthly PATHS meetings on days and at times that benefit parents the most, to enable the parents and community members the opportunity to develop school goals and priorities. Math and Science will make use of flyers, e-mails, texts, and phone calls to provide information to parents about upcoming volunteer needs. Math and Science will provide volunteer training to parents and community members by staff members and/or volunteers in charge of the various school volunteer programs. The training will provide information to volunteers to ensure their volunteer experience is pleasant and successful. Math and Science will offer a Preview Night, during the spring semester, to allow prospective students and their parents an opportunity to view the campus and classes at Math and Science. This Preview Night also offers an opportunity for parents to meet and question all staff members about the academic programs and various aspects of Math and Science Elementary.(4.4) Math and Science will provide a Parent Center that contains materials and resources that can help parents learn how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment. Math and Science will maintain a Parent Center that is located inside of the Library Media Center. The materials available in the Parent Center are available for check out by parents to help involve and assist parents in helping their children achieve academic success. At Math and Science parents may check out materials from the Parent Center for a two week period of time. Parents may also use the computers to check grades or to visit educational websites. Math and Science will promote and support responsible parenting by purchasing parenting books, magazines, and other informative materials regarding responsible parenting, as funds are available. Math and Science will also advertise the current selection, and give parents the opportunity to check out the materials for use and/or review. (4.5) The Math and Science Cafeteria sends home monthly breakfast and lunch menus to not only inform parents what nutritional meal options students have at school, but to also provide ideas to be used at home. Parents may request additional assistance and resources from the Math and Science Parent Center. Parents may request additional assistance and resources from the Math and Science Parent Center including, but not limited to, individual meetings, role play, and demonstrations by trained volunteers. Parents are made aware of the Arkansas Department of Education website (http://www.arkansased.gov) several times throughout the year through handouts and notes sent home with students. Parents may request additional assistance and resources from the Math and Science Parent Center. (4.6) 5: Coordination Describe how the School will coordinate with other organizations, businesses, and community partners, including alumni, to provide additional supports, services, and resources to families. Guiding Questions * 5.1: How does the School investigate and utilize community resources in the instructional program? [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 5.06] * 5.2: How does the School coordinate and integrate programs and activities with other Federal, State, and local programs? Some examples include: * public preschool programs such as Head Start * organizations/activities to help students transition to elementary, middle, high, and postsecondary schools or careers * wraparound services that allow families to send their children to school ready and able to focus on learning [ESSA §1116(e)(4)] * 5.3: In what ways does the School enable the formation of a Parent Teacher Association or organization and ensure leaders of said organization will be included in appropriate decisions? [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(8)(B)(ii)] Each year Math and Science investigates and utilizes various community resources within its instructional program. Math and Science coordinates and integrates parent and family engagement programs, activities, and strategies with early childhood programs. Math and Science works with various community members, including alumni, to provide students with a Career Fair each year. This event allows students the opportunity to learn about various career fields. Math and Science engages in the following activities that use community resources that strengthen school programs, practices, and learning: Math and Science works with Jonesboro University Rotary Club and Carter Temple CME Church to provide underserved families with a backpack of food each Friday. Several anonymous individuals donate items of food for these backpacks as well. Math and Science works with First Baptist Church to provide extra help to students who struggle in school by pairing volunteers from First Baptist Church with struggling students through Lunch Buddies and/or Reading Buddies. Math and Science works with various local businesses and organizations (such as Gamble Home Furnishings, Hytrol, Craighead County Homemakers Association, and First United Methodist church) to provide school supplies and snacks to students as needs arise. (5.1 and 5.2) Math and Science enables the formation of a parent teacher organization. This organization is called Parents And Teachers Helping Students (PATHS). Parents, family members, and school staff are invited to attend the regularly scheduled PATHS meetings. PATHS leaders will be utilized in appropriate decisions. (5.3) ​6: Annual Title I Meeting (Title I schools) Describe the details regarding the Annual Title I meeting used to inform parents of the requirements of Title I, the School’s participation, and the parents’ rights to be involved. Guiding Questions * 6.1: How and when (month/year) does the School conduct the Annual Title I meeting, ensuring that parents are informed of the following? (*Include a link to the detailed agenda, meeting minutes, and/or slide deck for this year’s Annual Title I Meeting, if available.) * the requirements of Title I and the School’s participation * the parents’ rights under Title I (The Right to Know Teacher Qualifications, Right to Request Meetings) [ESSA § 1116(c)(1)] Math and Science will hold their annual Title I meeting in September, 2023. At this meeting the principal, Mr. Marcus Jones, will inform parents of the requirements of Title I and the school’s participation. Parents will also be informed of their rights under Title I. Mr. Jones will also discuss the 2023-2024 School Improvement Plan with parents. At this meeting parents will be provided with a copy of the 2023-2024 Family and Community Engagement Plan as well as show how to access it online. At this meeting parents will be provided with a copy of the Parents’ Right to Know. (6.1) 7: School-Parent Compact (Title I schools) Describe the process School will follow to jointly develop with parents a School-Parent Compact as required under Title I, Part A. Guiding Questions * 7.1: How does the School jointly develop a School-Parent Compact which does the following: * Outlines how parents, the entire School staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement * Addresses the importance of regular two-way, meaningful communication through: * conferences (no fewer than 2 each year) * frequent reports on progress * reasonable access to staff * opportunities to volunteer * observation of classroom activities [ESSA § 1116(d)] * 7.2: How do families access the compact in order to understand the shared responsibility for improved student academic achievement? * including parent-teacher conferences in elementary Schools, at least annually * Include a link or insert the language of the compact to demonstrate this requirement has been met. [ESSA § 1116(d)(2)(A)] Math and Science staff, parents, and students work together to develop a School/Parent/Student Compact. This compact outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students share the responsibility for improving student academic achievement. Parents are provided a copy of the School/Parent/Student Compact at the beginning of the year through the Open House packet as well as through the beginning of the year paperwork that is sent home. For families that do not return their form, contact will be made by Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Rout. Parent teacher conferences are held twice a year at Math and Science for the purpose of teachers and parents communicating about the academic progress of students. The first parent teacher conference is scheduled for October 19, 2023 from 2:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The second parent teacher conference is scheduled for March 14, 2024 from 2:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Report cards are provided at the end of each nine weeks. Progress reports are provided at the halfway mark of each nine week quarter. These reports are provided to inform parents of their student’s progress in each academic area. Parents may contact teachers at any point they feel necessary to maintain open communication about their child’s academic progress. Teachers will maintain a contact log outlining their attempts to contact parents concerning student academic progress. Parents may contact the school office at any point they feel necessary to schedule a time to talk to a teacher and/or administrator about concerns. To create and offer opportunities for volunteering, parents are encouraged to fill out a survey during the months of August and September of each school year. This survey asks parents to provide their contact information, personal interests, areas of expertise, and availability. Parents are encouraged to observe classroom activities. Math and Science builds and develops partnerships to help children achieve the challenging State academic standards by providing parents, families, staff, and community members several varied roles to fill such as Check In/Check Out mentors, Lunch Buddies, Reading Buddies, Book Club leaders, and volunteering within classrooms. (7.1) School-wide parent/teacher conferences will be held this year on October 19, 2023 and March 14, 2024. These conferences will offer parents the flexibility of in-person or virtually and offer a wide-range of available times. (7.2) The Math and Science School - Parent Compacts will be included in the Open House Packet which will be distributed at the beginning of the school year and will also be available to parents throughout the year online at Math and Science Parent Information page (https://www.jonesboroschools.net/Page/254). (7.2) 8: Reservation of Funds (Title I schools) Describe how the School uses Title I, Part A funds set-aside for parent and family engagement programs and activities. Guiding Questions * 8.1: If the School is a recipient of set aside funds for parent and family engagement (as part of receiving a Title I, Part A allocation greater than $500,000): * How is the School spending those funds? * How does the School determine the priority of how funds are spent? * Who is involved in determining that? [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(A)] * 8.2: How does the School provide opportunities for parents and family members to be involved in providing input into how the funds are used? [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(B); ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(C); ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)(i-v)] During the annual Title I meeting, Math and Science parents receive information about the Title I budget. This includes how the part of the Title budget that is allotted for family and community engagement activities and programs is used. This information includes, but is not limited to, the current budget, examples of past purchases, and an explanation of acceptable uses of funds. Parents and family members of Math and Science students are given multiple opportunities to provide input about the spending of Title I Family and Community Engagement funds such as the survey provided during fall parent teacher conferences, during PATHS meetings, and/or by contacting the Family and Community Engagement Coordinator, Sarah Rout at sarah.rout@jonesboroschools.net or 870-933-5845. (8.1 and 8.2) Assurances Please read the following statements closely. By checking these boxes, the School understands the legal requirements and will meet them accordingly. * A.1: The School understands that annually by August 1, the public School’s Engagement Plan shall be developed, or reviewed and updated. [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02.3] * A.2: The School understands that the following must be made available to families and the local community on the School or District website no later than August 1st: * the School Engagement Plan * a parent-friendly explanation of the School and District’s Engagement Plan * the informational packet * contact information for the parent facilitator designated by the School. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02.4] * A.3: The School understands that a parent-friendly summary/explanation of the Engagement Plan should be included in the current student handbook. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a); ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02] * A.4: The School understands its obligation for ensuring professional development requirements related to parent and family engagement are met and that records are maintained accordingly. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1703(a); A.C.A. § 6-17-709)] * A.5: The School understands its obligation to obtain signatures for each parent acknowledging receipt of the District’s Engagement Plan summary/explanation. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1704(a)(3)(B)] * A.6: The School Principal understands their obligation to designate and pay a licensed staff member to serve as Parent Facilitator: * to help organize meaningful training for staff and parents, * to promote and encourage a welcoming atmosphere, and * to undertake efforts to ensure that engagement is recognized as an asset to the School. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(c)(1-2)] * A.7: The School understands its obligation to encourage school staff to use volunteer surveys to compile a volunteer resource book. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(6)(B)(ii)] * A.8: The School understands its obligation to conduct no fewer than two parent-teacher conferences per school year. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(3)(B)(ii)] * A.9: The School understands its obligation to incorporate the Engagement Plan into the School Improvement Plan. [ADE Rules Governing Parental Involvement Section 3.02.2] * A.10: The School understands its obligation to schedule regular parent involvement meetings at which parents are given a report on the state of the School and an overview of: * what students will be learning * how students will be assessed * what a parent should expect for his or her child’s education * how a parent can assist and make a difference in his or her child’s education. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(5)(B)(i)(a-d)] * A.11: Any School serving high school students understands its obligation to educate parents about their role in decisions affecting course selection, career planning, and preparation for postsecondary opportunities. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(7)(B)(ii)] * A.12: The School understands its obligation to welcome parents into the School, and more specifically, not have any school policies or procedures that would discourage a parent from visiting the School or from visiting a child's classrooms. [A.C.A. § 6-15-1702(b)(6)(B)] * A.13: The School understands that all Title I, Part A funded engagement activities and strategies should remain consistent with all information set forth in this parent and family engagement plan. [ESSA § 1116(a)(3)(D)] * A.14: The School understands its obligation to submit to the State any comments from parents who deem the Title I Schoolwide Plan unsatisfactory. These comments can be sent to ade.engagementmatters@ade.arkansas.gov [ESSA § 1116(b)(4)] * A.15: The School understands its obligation, if requested by parents, to provide opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible. [ESSA § 1116(c)(4)(C)] School Information School Name: Jonesboro Math and Science Magnet School Engagement Facilitator Name: Sarah Rout Plan Revision/Submission Date: June 8, 2023 District Level Reviewer Name, Title: Cindy Thomas/District School Improvement Specialist District Level Approval Date: Committee Members, Role (Select "Repeat" to open more entry fields to add additional team members) First Name Last Name Role (Teacher, Staff, Parent, Student, or Community Member) Sarah Rout FACE Coordinator Rickey Greer Principal Jennifer Engelken Assistant Principal Andrea Brown Parent Adam Brown Parent Dominique Farr Parent Derrell Farr Parent Sarah Goad Parent Michaela Gonzalez Parent Andrea Jones Parent Ashley Thompson Parent References State * Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1701 et seq. * Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Parental Involvement Plans and Family and Community Engagement Federal * Elementary and Secondary Education Act, as amended by Every Student Succeeds Act, 114 P.L. 95, 20 U.S.C. §§ 6312,6318, 6320 Find additional guidance on the DESE Parent and Family Engagement Requirements webpage. For any questions about completing this form or meeting legal compliance, please contact the DESE Engagement Unit at ade.engagementmatters@ade.arkansas.gov or visit our website #EngagementMattersAR ________________ District Reviewer Responses Section 1 - Jointly Developed * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 2 - Communication * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 3 - Building Staff Capacity * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 4 - Building Parent Capacity * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 5 - Coordination * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 6 - Annual Title I Meeting * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 7 - School-Parent Compact * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses] Section 8 - Reservation of Funds * Changes Required * Compliance is Met [Text box for responses]