Gramma What Busy Days You Have Strong Parental and Family Roles

Welcoming Atmosphere It is important to remember that for some adults coming into a school brings back negative memories and bad feelings. An uncomfortable encounter can send the best of us right back to feeling like the bad kid who wasn’t even sure what they did wrong. Create a welcoming environment by having welcoming signs in a variety of languages, pictures of a variety of cultures, and staff throughout the building greeting and welcoming family members. A multi-lingual and diverse staff who are excited to work with all students and offer home visits for conferencing add to a welcoming environment.

Family Member Roles and as Resources We send home notes asking for volunteers, listing ideas and very few ever call. However, when you stop family members in the halls when they are in the school for conferences or special events and take the time to greet them and talk with them they often will agree to help with something at the school. Some schools have clubs or enrichment classes that meet at the same time once a week. A number of schools offer a parent resource room with books and magazines for parents and a comfortable place to sit.

Creative Scheduling One school offered Saturday School once a month so family members who work during the week could volunteer. School would be closed on Mondays those weeks. Hosting extended family days or events can help get other family members into the school and comfortable with returning. Grandparent or relative day can help bring in additional family members who might be more than willing to come back and volunteer if given the chance.

Family Nights Hosting evenings of fun and entertainment for the whole family can help to increase family member participation in the school. Four to six times a year themes can be planned that would be of interest to the parents; BINGO, guest speakers, picnics etc. Providing a meal and having the children perform is a sure way to bring in many families. Students can perform ethnic dances, sing, do a play or a skit or show their artwork.