School 2 Home Communication Forum eNewsletter
Vol. 1, No. 4 March 2008
Tools You Can Use
When teachers and other school staff actively work to identify and address barriers to parental involvement, they can promote family connections with schools. Review these successful strategies, courtesy of the National Center for Family and Community Connections with Schools.
In the Spotlight
Reaching Hard-to-Reach Parents
It's a conundrum: Parents who are viewed as "hard to reach" often see schools as "hard to connect with." How can schools change this impression? Join us on Wednesday, March 19th at 1 p.m. EST, to learn how. Read more about the next S2H Virtual Round Table.
 
Connecting with Parents of At Risk Youth
If you want to reach at-risk youth, it's important that you also connect with their parents and family members. Nobody knows this better than Bill Lamperes, who has spent a good chunk of his 40 years in education in alternative schools. Lamperes now leads the Peoria Transition Center in Peoria, Illinois. In a S2H Webinar this month, Lamperes will share what he has learned about engaging at-risk youth and their families in the life of schools. Read more.
 
Strategies for Involving Parents of Middle and High School Students
The S2H Forum is creating a storehouse of information, best ideas, strategies, and practices that are designed to bolster parental involvement in schools. Learn more.
S2H Update
Members Share Their Expertise
On February 11, 2008, the S2H Communications Forum hosted its first Virtual Round Table. Up for discussion: How schools use communications tools to enhance parent and community involvement, boosting student achievement along the way.
 
Are You Smarter than an 8th Grader?
Can you answer the following question: Which is most likely a characteristic of a nation run by a dictator?
A. The press can criticize the government.
B. Citizens have many rights and freedoms.
C. Political parties compete openly for power.
D. There are few checks on the power of the ruler.
If you know the answer, you are on your way to passing the 8th-grade state-level social studies assessment in Kentucky. This fun approach to helping parents learn more about required state assessments is just one of the interesting features you'll find in Parent Connection, a publication of the Jefferson County Public School District. Read more.
 
Bridging a Better Bridge
Sometimes you have to start from scratch to get exactly what you want - and need - to enhance communication with parents and community members. Read about one district's experience with building a communications system that works for them.
 
Mapping Students' Progress
The road to high school graduation is a long one, paved with many challenges and achievements. How can students and parents determine if they nearing the end of their K-12 expedition? Educators in Montgomery County, Maryland, have found a way. Learn more.