1. School Goals for Parent Engagement Goal #1: Welcoming Environment Provide a welcoming environment for families and invite them to participate as equal partners in their children’s education June 2013

2.  Identify the benefits and components of a welcoming environment  Learn how to assess a school’s environment and develop a plan Objectives June 2013

3.  It creates a positive, student-centered school climate.  Parents become stronger partners and are involved both at the school and helping their children at home.  Parents and community have a sense of belonging and become loyal members of the school community.  Trusting relationships among staff and families lead to improved student outcomes. Benefits of a Welcoming Environment June 2013

4.  Physical Environment  Welcoming School Staff  Communication  School-Wide Practices Key Components of a Welcoming Environment June 2013

5.  The Walkthrough is a tour that a team of staff and/or parents and community takes to assess the key components of a welcoming environment at the school.  A checklist is used by each team member to record their findings to provide input for recommendations on enhancing the school’s environment. Welcoming Environment Walkthrough June 2013

6. 1.Conduct Welcoming Environment Training 2.Create Welcoming Environment Team 3.Conduct Welcoming Environment Walkthrough  Each team member completes the Welcoming Environment Checklist 4.Team debriefs and collaborates to complete the Welcoming Environment Recommendation Form 5.School develops and implements Welcoming Environment Plan 6.Reevaluate school’s Welcoming Environment at the beginning of each semester Walkthrough Process June 2013