At Grand Haven Area Public Schools parent involvement is critical to the success of all of our students. Research has shown that family involvement in education is twice as predictive of students’ academic success as family socioeconomic status. When parents are involved students have higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates; better school attendance; increased motivation, better self-esteem; lower rates of suspension; decreased use of drugs and alcohol; and fewer instances of violent behavior.

Parent involvement in our schools should continue to include the traditional approaches like PTA meetings, fund-raisers and volunteering in school. However, parent involvement in our schools must also focus on improving the academic progress and well being of the parents’ own children.

Grand Haven Area Public Schools has made parental communication and involvement a high priority. Parents must be encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their child’s education. The following expectations are to be considered guidelines for the development of Parent Involvement Plans for each of the district’s school buildings:

• Communication between home and school is regular, two-way, and meaningful.
• Use a variety of communication tools on a regular basis including email and the web.
• Establish opportunities for parents and educators to share information regarding student strengths and learning preferences.
• Provide clear information regarding course expectations, student placement, activities, services, and optional programs.
• Mail report cards and regular progress reports.
• Communicate with parents regarding positive student behavior.
• Provide opportunities for informal interaction between parents and staff.
• Conduct an annual parent survey to determine parent attitudes and concerns regarding the schools including barriers to involvement, level of parent involvement, and strategies to increase involvement.
  
• Parenting skills are promoted and supported.
• Support the strengths and needs of all parents.
• Recognize the roles and responsibilities of parents in the schools.
  
  
• Parents play an integral role in assisting student learning.
• Encourage parents to help in the learning process at home.
• Help parents connect to their child’s learning.
• Provide opportunities for parents to join committees, contribute their specialized skills, advocate for their children.
• Educate parents on State academic content standards, state and local assessments, requirements of Title I, Part A.
• Provide parents with materials and training to help them work with their children on academic achievement.
• Educate staff on how to reach out to, communicate with, and involve parents as equal partners.
• Coordinate parental involvement with other programs.
• Provide information for parents in understandable and uniform format.
  
• Parents are welcome in the school, and their support and assistance are sought.
• Provide a variety of meaningful and valuable volunteer opportunities for parents to volunteer (flexible for those not available during school hours).
• Involve parents in the development of the 31a and/or Title I, Part A planning process.
• Coordinate parental opportunities with other programs such as Head Start, Adult Ed, Open Door, preschool, STAR, HOST, STRIVE, career prep and Junior Achievement.
  
• Parents are full partners in the decisions that affect children and families.
• Involve parents in decision-making and advocacy.
• Enlist the participation of all parents.
• Involve parents in the school improvement process.
• Coordinate technical assistance and other support for schools through the district website by including classroom projects, academic standards, and grade level curriculum brochures.
  
• Community resources are used to strengthen schools, families, and student learning.
• Provide easy access for parents to community resources.
• Establish school-business partnerships.
• Involve students in service learning projects.