Parent involvement is key
In Arlington ISD, the community is a family. And family is what we’re all about.
That’s why moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, aunts and uncles gathered across the district for National Parent Involvement Week.
There are many ways to bridge the gap between home and school.
In fact, many campuses across the district celebrate parent involvement all year round.
Peach Elementary started off the week with a Moments with Moms event. Moms were able to walk their students to class followed by a Mommy Moment in the library to enjoy a cup of coffee with other moms and Peach principal Ayesha Ramos.
Later in the week, the school hosted a similar event for Peach dads and a parent workshop.
From saying “Good morning” to “Have a great day,” Sherrod Elementary’s Dad’s Club members also know how to kick off the morning.
The dads make arriving at school much more than just a morning drop-off.
“It’s a bonding thing,” said third grade dad Keith Schleutermann.
As one of the many opportunities for parents to get involved in their child’s school, Dad’s Club parents assist with morning drop-off, attend school lunches and even shadow their kiddo’s classrooms.
“It starts their day in a positive way,” said Sherrod principal Karen Hicks. “I can see the difference in the well-being of the kids. It makes a huge impact on them when they see that their parents want to be active in their education.”
With 15 Dad’s Club members in the new club at the school, there’s lots of love to go around at Sherrod.
“It feels really good, and it gives me a chance to be a part of something,” said first grade dad James Bell. “I get to see things from another perspective and meet some of the other kids.”
Dad’s Club member Adil Dlghardgui made special shirts for members to represent the club while participating on campus, too.
“We are leading by example,” Schleutermann said. “It is amazing how when one dad steps up, they all step up. It is extremely rewarding.”
The school also has a Mentoring Moms Club in the works.
“We’re building trust,” said Sherrod family engagement liaison Kirsten Harman. “We want parents to trust that we’re taking good care of their children and that we can make educational decisions together.”
This is Harman’s first year at the school, but she has already helped parent involvement become a huge part of the culture at Sherrod.
“This is key for students’ success,” Hicks said. “The more their parents are involved, the better the partnership is between the parents and the school so that we can work together to make sure that every kid is successful.”
Sherrod, Peach and many other campuses across the district also hosted Thanksgiving luncheons for friends and family to enjoy today, which is National Parent Involvement Day. The annual feast always draws huge crowds to campuses so families can have lunch with their students.
There’s no better way to celebrate Parent Involvement Week than by bringing the community together and giving our thanks!
Learn more about Arlington ISD’s Family and Community Engagement.