parent volunteers, participation

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parent volunteers, participation
By Susan

Parental involvement is a very integral part of our Title I program. We do our best to get parents involved, but it's difficult. Last year we had two book making events that were quite successful. They lasted 90 minutes,
we did a modeling of a reading lesson for the parents with the kids, then sent the kids back to the tables with their parents to make the book to take home.
We gave away a few door prizes.
I send home a letter at the beginning of the year asking for parent volunteers. I usually get one or two. I may ask this year if there are parents who would like to do some things at home, like

cutting out laminated material, making a game. I'm not sure.

The final thing I do to get parents involved is to send home a weekly folder. On one side I put a copy of the daily activities we have done throughout the week. On the other side I put a blank sheet of paper for parents to write down any questions or comments they might have. Many parents write nothing all year, but I had quite a few this year that wrote me on a fairly regular basis to keep in touch. I then write a response, date it, and send it home the next week, unless a parent needs to hear from me sooner. Regardless of whether or not they write anything to me, the folder must be signed and returned on a weekly basis. Out of 75+ students last year I average
about 75-85% of parents who signed on a regular basis. I hope this helps. Keep trying.