Parental Task Force
Task Force on Parental InvolvementSchools & Parents Working Together To Raise Student Achievement
How did the Task Force get started?
During the winter of 2003, the Elmsford Public Schools initiated the Task
Force on Parental Involvement. This group includes parents from all three
schools, teachers, and administrators. Its purpose is to plan strategies
to increase parental involvement in the schools with a focus on the objective
of raising student achievement.
When the task force began, one of its first tasks was to survey the parent community to determine ways in which parents would like to be involved in their children's education. Surveys were distributed to all the current parents in the district in English and Spanish. The data was analyzed, a report was sent to parents and the results were posted on the district's website.
The task force then developed an action plan to respond to the information collected. It was apparent that the task force needed to work closely and collaboratively with the Elmsford PTA . This relationship is firmly established and the two groups, whose members often overlap, co-sponsor and work cooperatively on programs for parents.
Why do we need a Parental Involvement Task Force?
The staff in the Elmsford Public Schools believes in the importance of
working with parents to enhance the learning process for students. The
principles that follow are the outgrowth of extensive educational research:
- When parents are involved, students achieve more regardless of:
- socioeconomic status
- ethnic/social background
- the parents education level.
- The more extensive the parent involvement, the higher the student achievement.
- The benefits of involving parents should not be confined to the early years.
- Schools and parents need to communicate effectively to facilitate student learning.
As parents and educators we believe in these principles and they serve as the foundation for our work in this area.
How often does the task force meet?
The task force is very sensitive to the fact that there are many demands
on families in our community. We meet approximately 4 times per year and
our meetings are from 7:00-8:30 PM. Most of our events/workshops
are in the evenings, but we have held events on weekends.
What if I have a individual concern about my child? Is the task force
the place to voice that concern?
In an overall sense, the task force is not the appropriate forum to voice
individual concerns. Our purpose is to find ways to encourage parents,
through a variety of programs and venues to participate in their children's
education. However, it you do have an individual concern about your child's
educational program you should do the following:
- If you have a classroom issue, contact your child's teacher.
- If you have questions/concerns about the school contact the building principal or assistant principal.
- If your questions/concerns are directly related to curriculum or special education, contact the Director of Instructional Services.
- If your issue is transportation or facilities, contact the business office.
- If you have tried the appropriate venue and are still concerned, contact the Superintendent.
What has the Parental Involvement Task Force accomplished?
The Parental Involvement Task Force worked collaboratively with the Elmsford
PTA to do the following:
- Host a reception for parents new to the district
- Sponsor a Family Fitness Day on the South County Trail Way.
- Host a meeting on the Development of Pro-social Skills at a PTA meeting
In addition, the Task Force:
- Created, distributed and analyzed the results of a parental interest survey;. The results will be used to plan future programs. The survey revealed that parents were interested in topics that included but were not limited to: brain compatible learning, developing study skills, helping their child with homework, stress management and nutrition.
- Created an advisory subcommittee on curriculum and special events whose input has influenced planning of a variety of programs at the elementary and secondary level. A document was written that addressed the issues raised.
Is the Parental Involvement Task Force open to new members?
All parents and staff members are welcome to participate in the Task Force
at any time. Check the district's website at www.elmsd.org
for dates and times.
The work of the task force is implemented using a team approach. The following parents/staff serve as facilitators and can be contacted for more information:
- Sandra Blanco - Dixson School
- Patty Young - Grady School
- Faye Beamon - Hamilton School
- Maria Fernandez - Spanish-Speaking Liaison
- Dr. Carol Franks-Randall - Superintendent of Schools
Email:
parentinvolvement@elmsd.org
Phone: (914) 592-6632