Considerable experience and related evidence indicates that meaningful involvement of parents, guardians, and other caregivers in the schooling of children improves the quality of education significantly. To support the goal of the school district to educate all students effectively, the schools and parents must work as knowledgeable partners. The Board of Education believes that closer connections of parents and others responsible for the home care of the children with our schools can result in enhanced academic performance, improved behavior, and reduced absenteeism.

Therefore, all parents, guardians, and caregivers of students enrolled in our school district are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their children.

To this end, the Board supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a parent involvement program in each school, which will involve parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles. They will include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:

• Communication between home and school should be regular, two-way and meaningful.

• Such communication may include monthly newsletters, required regular contact with all parents, two flexible parent-teacher conferences for each school year, drop in hours for parents, and home visits.

• Parents should play an integral role in assisting student learning.

• Responsible parenting should be promoted and supported.

• Parents should be welcome in every school and their input, support and assistance sought.

• Parent input should be sought regarding decisions that affect children and families.

Community resources should be made available to strengthen school programs, family practices and student learning.

The Board of Education supports professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies. The Board also recognizes the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation.

In addition to programs at the school level, the Board of education supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of a program to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the school district, using to the degree possible the components listed above.

The Superintendent will report annually to the Board of Education on parent involvement efforts.

Legal References: Connecticut General Statutes 

10-221Boards of Education to prescribe rule(s), policies, and procedures as amended by PA 97-290 and by PA 10-111, An Act Concerning Education Reform in Connecticut.

Policy Adopted: June 14, 2005

Policy Rev. Adopted: December 13, 2016

Hamden Public Schools     Hamden, Connecticut