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Washington Elementary and the Title 1 program recognize that children have successful educational experiences when parents and teachers work together to assist and support the children in their academic endeavors. The following are ways that Title 1 works in partnership with the parents to promote the educational success of the students.

Communication/School Climate: Communication is a key element in the building of the parent/school partnership. In the fall, this letter is sent to all parents of Washington Elementary students. An additional letter will be sent to all parents of students selected for participation in additional Title 1 programs. At this time, parents are asked to commit to ways they will be able to help their children at home. Throughout the course of the year newsletters, telephone calls, email, Title 1 report cards, availability at Open House, and conferences are provided to ensure school/parent communication.

Parent Education: Parenting requires continuing support to assist children’s educational needs. Parent nights are offered throughout the course of the year. These parent nights offer many suggestions of ways parents can help their children at home. The monthly newsletters contain suggestions for assisting their children in a variety of ways. Parent conferences also allow the time for parents to receive assistance in how to support their children’s learning.

Involvement in School: Parent involvement is encouraged. The Title 1 program has an open-door policy. Parents are welcome to come and observe their children work in the program. To help enhance this involvement, the Title 1 department is open for visitation during parent conference week. Feel free to stop by and see first hand what kinds of things your children are learning at school and how you can support this at home.

Learning at Home: The Title 1 program encourages students to practice their skills at home with the help of their parents. Students are encouraged to participate in the STAR home reading program. Teachers send homework that supports the reading curriculum.

Parent Input: Parents will have an opportunity to indicate activities that they feel would be helpful to them in helping their children at home. At the end of the year, parents are surveyed to evaluate the activities provided.

Extended Learning Opportunities: Students in grades two, three, four and five have opportunities for learning beyond their regular school day. After School Reading Club and Accelerated Reader are programs we use to assist students who need additional reading support. Students are selected to receive this support through test results and teacher input. Students are tested using the Gates-MacGinitie in first grade and the STAR reading test in grades 2-5. Additionally, students in the upper grades are also given an IRI to determine instructional reading levels.