T.C. Boushall Middle School

 Students of Boushall Middle School have a 65% turn in rate for homework and major class projects.  Results on recent assessments demonstrate a lack of studying and mastery of basic skills.

 To assist teachers in improving student comprehension which is demonstrated by increased benchmarks and Standards of Learning scores.  To build the student’s self esteem and level of confidence.

 Parents will assist students with homework and class projects at least 4 nights a week.  Parents will read any relevant material with their child 3-4 times per week allowing the child to read aloud to enhance their self confidence.  Parents will increase their support of school programs by 50% attending PTA meetings, parent/teacher conferences, as well as school concerts.

 A:A1.1 Articulate feelings of competence and confidence as learners.  A:A1.2 Display a positive interest in learning.  A:B1.4 Seek information and support from faculty, staff, family and peers

1. Establish a daily family routine. Examples: Providing time and a quiet place to study, assigning responsibility for household chores, being firm about bedtime and having dinner together. 2. Monitor out-of-school activities. Examples: Setting limits on TV watching, checking up on children when parents are not home, arranging for after-school activities and supervised care. 3. Model the value of learning, self- discipline, and hard work. Examples: Communicating through questioning and conversation, demonstrating that achievement comes from working hard. 4. Express high but realistic expectations for achievement. Examples: Setting goals and standards that are appropriate for children's age and maturity, recognizing and encouraging special talents, informing friends and family about successes. 5. Encourage children's development/ progress in school. Examples: Maintaining a warm and supportive home, showing interest in children's progress at school, helping with homework, discussing the value of a good education and possible career options, staying in touch with teachers and school staff. 6. Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members. Examples: Reading, listening to children read and talking about what is being read.

 86% of the general public believes that support from parents is the most important way to improve the schools  Lack of parental involvement is the biggest problem facing public schools.  Decades of research show that when parents are involved students have: 1.Higher grades, test scores, and graduation rates 2. Better school attendance 3. Increased motivation, better self-esteem

 Although most parents do not know how to help their children with their education, with guidance and support, they may become increasingly involved in home learning activities and find themselves with opportunities to teach, to be models for and to guide their children.  When schools encourage children to practice reading at home with parents, the children make significant gains in reading achievement compared to those who only practice at school.  Parents, who read to their children, have books available, take trips, guide TV watching, and provide stimulating experiences contribute to student achievement

I _(parent’s name)___ pledge to assist in the learning and success of my son/daughter in school. More specifically, I will: 1. Attend parent meetings. 2. Help my child with materials given to me. 3. Make myself available for home visits. I will also encourage my son/daughter to: 1. Attend school on a regular basis and be on time. 2. Be interested in school activities. 3. Get enough sleep each night. 4. Listen to stories and books that are read by him/her. Parent/Caregiver Signature______________________ Date____________ School________________________ Address______________________ Telephone number______________

 ASCA. (2005). The ASCA National Model: A Framework For School Counseling Programs, Second Edition. Alexandria.  Department of Education, M. (2001). WHAT RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT PARENT INVOLVEMENT IN CHILDREN’S EDUCATION. Retrieved from Michigan Department of Education: _Involvement_Fact_Sheet_14732_7.pdf