In support of strengthening student academic achievement, Zarrow International receives Title I, Part A funds and therefore must jointly develop with, agree on with, and distribute to parents and family members of participating children a written parent and family engagement policy that contains information required by section 1116(b) and (c) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The policy establishes the school’s expectations for parent and family engagement and describes how the school will implement a number of specific parent and family engagement activities, and it is incorporated into the school’s plan submitted to the local educational agency (LEA).
The Zarrow International agrees to implement the following requirements as outlined by Section 1116:
- Involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under Title I, Part A, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parent and family engagement policy and the joint development of the schoolwide program plan under Section 1114(b) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
- Update the school parent and family engagement policy periodically to meet the changing needs of parents and the school, distribute it to the parents of participating children, and make the parent and family engagement policy available to the local community.
- Provide full opportunities, to the extent practicable, for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing information and school reports required under Section 1111 of the ESSA in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats upon request and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand.
- If the schoolwide program plan under Section 1114(b) of the ESSA is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, submit any parent comments on the plan when the school makes the plan available to the local educational agency.
- Be governed by the following statutory definition of parent and family engagement and will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with this definition:
Parent and Family Engagement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:
(A) Parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning
(B) Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school
(C) Parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child
(D) Other activities are carried out, such as those described in Section 1116 of the ESSA
DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE SCHOOL WILL IMPLEMENT REQUIRED SCHOOL PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY COMPONENTS
JOINTLY DEVELOPED
Zarrow International will take the following actions to involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely manner in the planning, review, and improvement of Title I programs, including opportunities for regular meetings, if requested by parents, to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their child and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible.
- To involve parents, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under Title I, Part A, including the planning, review, and improvement of the school parent and family engagement policy and joint development of the schoolwide program plan under Section 1114(b) of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Zarrow International School (ZIS) Zarrow PTA board (PTA) will meet 8 times per semester. The ZIS PTA currently has a full board this year.
- To provide full opportunities, to the extent practicable, for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, ZIS provides information and school reports required under Section 1111 of the ESSA in an understandable and uniform format, including alternative formats upon request and, to the extent practicable, in a language parents understand. In addition, ZIS works with district parent involvement coordinators, homeless liaisons, and language and cultural liaisons to ensure parents are supported in every way.
- To be governed by the following statutory definition of parent and family engagement, ZIS will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with this definition:
Parent and Family Engagement means the participation of parents in regular, two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:
A. Parents play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning by participating in a. Reading partner programs like Jr. Great Books
b. Science Enrichment Programs
c. My Community Guest Presenter
d. Holidays around the world
e. Parent-Teacher conferences
B. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school by being given a choice of several different committees to serve on in support of teaching and learning and social-emotional wellbeing of all ZIS students and staff. For Example: Wellness Team, Safe Schools Committee, Healthy Schools Committee, PTA, Hospitality Committee, SAF Committee, Cultural Education Committee, just to name a few.
C. Parents are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child. This is done through many of the committees listed in section B above.
ZARROW FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PLAN 2025-2026
PURPOSE: Zarrow International Elementary School shall promote parent involvement in accordance with Title I, Every Student Succeeds Act of 2016, and work as equal partners with parents in providing quality learning experiences for every student, every day, without exception.
MISSION STATEMENT: Zarrow is a child- centered learning community committed to the development of socially responsible global citizens who are lifelong learners.
VISION: We believe in a school where everyone takes part in the love for learning through positive interactions that create a joyful community. We believe in developing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring bilingual young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Zarrow Elementary stakeholders believe and acknowledge that parent involvement raises students' academic achievement. Additionally, parents become empowered, teacher morale improves, and communities grow stronger when parents take an active role in educating their children. To this end, Zarrow Elementary shall involve parents in the education of their children at all grade levels in a variety of ways. It is our desire that Zarrow Elementary shall create an environment of supportive and collaborative parent involvement.
Creating a comprehensive school plan for parent engagement is essential for fostering a strong partnership between the school and families. Below is an elaboration of the initiatives to promote parent engagement at Zarrow International School:
1. Monthly Newsletter: The School leader will send out a monthly newsletter to parents. This newsletter will serve as a valuable tool to keep families informed about school updates, events, achievement data, attendance data, and other important information. It can include articles from teachers, students, and parents, highlighting achievements and sharing success stories.
2. Monthly Meetings with PTA Board: Regular monthly meetings with the PTA board allow for open communication between the school leadership and the parent association. This forum can be used to discuss upcoming events, budget allocation, and any concerns or ideas brought up by parents. It’s an opportunity for collaboration and decision-making.
3. Quarterly Meetings with PTA General Membership: Quarterly meetings with the PTA general membership ensure that all parents have a voice in the decision-making process. These meetings can focus on larger issues and provide a platform for parents to share their thoughts and concerns with the school leadership.
4. Monthly Meetings with HZIS Foundation: The monthly meetings with the HZIS Foundation demonstrate a commitment to engaging with stakeholders. These meetings can discuss fundraising initiatives, resource allocation, and long-term planning for the school.
5. Beginning of Year Session for New Families: Hosting an informative session at the beginning of the school year for new families is a great way to introduce them to the school community. Providing tips on supporting children in the Spanish immersion program and connecting them with a buddy family and resources can help them feel welcomed and informed from the start.
6. All-School Fair in October: The all- school fair (Eagle Fest) in October serves as a fun, family-friendly event that brings the entire school community together. It provides an opportunity for families to socialize, get to know each other, and engage with the school in a relaxed setting.
7. Pre-Meeting Events: Holding free events before general PTA meetings, such as ice cream socials and chili cook-offs, is an excellent strategy to boost attendance and engagement. These events create a friendly atmosphere and encourage parents to participate in meetings.
8. Free Childcare for Meetings: Offering free educational childcare during general meetings is a thoughtful gesture that makes it easier for parents to attend. It removes a potential barrier to participation, especially for those with young children.
9. Parent- Teacher Conferences: Providing free childcare during parent-teacher conferences makes it more convenient for parents to meet with teachers and discuss their child’s progress.
10. Dinner Club Nights: Dinner club nights offer a relaxed and social setting for parents to connect and build relationships. It’s a great way to strengthen the sense of community among families.
11. Skate Night: Hosting skate nights three times a year is another fun, family-oriented event that promotes bonding and a sense of belonging.
12. In-Classroom Volunteer Opportunities: Encouraging parents to volunteer in classrooms, the library, or for science enrichment activities allows them to actively contribute to their child’s education and creates a sense of involvement.
It’s clear that Zarrow is committed to promoting parent engagement through a wide range of initiatives, ensuring that the school and parents work together to provide the best education experience for the students. This comprehensive plan should help strengthen the school’s parent/guardian community even further.