Family Engagement Policy and Plan for Shared Student Success School Year 2025-2026

Revision Date: 08/18/2025

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School 400 East Broad Street

Savannah, GA 31401

Phone: (912) 395-5500

 

Principal: Mrs. Erica Swindell-Foster Assistant Principal: Dr. Teresa Peyton

 

What is a Family Engagement Policy?

A Parent and Family Engagement Policy is a plan that describes how The Early Learning Center at Henderson

E. Formey Jr. School will provide opportunities to improve family engagement to support student learning. We value the contributions and involvement of families to establish an equal partnership for the common goal of improving student achievement. This plan describes the different ways that the school will support family engagement and how families can help plan and participate in activities and events to promote student learning at school and at home (Section1116) of Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015.

 

Where is the Family Engagement Policy available?

The Family Engagement Policy will be distributed to all families at the beginning of the school year through student communication folders. Additionally, copies are available in the Family Center, where you may also view it and provide feedback. The Policy will also be posted on the school’s website and shared at the Annual Title I meeting.

 

How is it jointly developed/revised?

The following actions were taken to involve parents/guardians in the joint development of school parent/family compacts that outline how school staff, parents/guardians, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the state’s high standards:

 

•  An invitation to attend the Annual Title I Family Forum was sent to parents in the spring of the previous

school year, offering parents/guardians the opportunity to help plan for the upcoming school year. • A final

Family Engagement Policy and School-Family Compact(s), with all the feedback incorporated, will be posted on the school website, presented at the fall Annual Title I meeting, sent home with all students to serve as an agreement between the school, parents, and students of the shared responsibility for improving student achievement.

 

 

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WHAT IS TITLE I?

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School is identified as a Title I school as part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Title I is designed to support State and local school reform efforts tied to challenging state academic standards and reinforce and enhance efforts to improve teaching and learning for students. Title I programs must be based on effective means of improving student achievement and include strategies to support family involvement. All Title I schools must jointly develop a written family engagement policy with all families.

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF TITLE I?

All students participating in the Title I, Part A program and their families are encouraged and invited to fully participate in the opportunities described in this policy. The school will provide opportunities for the participation of families with limited English, disabilities, and families of migratory children.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

The staff at The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School recognizes that the education of students is a responsibility shared with administrators, teachers, parents, and the community. Maximum learning occurs when parents are actively involved and supportive of the education of their children. In an effort to enhance and expand parental involvement at the school level, parents will be invited to attend several meetings throughout the year to provide input in the planning, review, and improvement of school-wide Title I programs.

To provide parents/guardians with continuous communication, opportunities for input, and to increase family engagement, the following mandatory Title I family meetings will be held each academic school year:

 

•  Title I Annual Meeting (Fall) – Introduces the School/Family Compacts, the Family Engagement Policy,

the Title I budget, and the School Improvement Plan. Information about the school’s curriculum,

assessments, and other important information is also shared at this meeting.

•  Family Forum (Spring) – Provides parents/guardians with the opportunity to provide input on School

Improvement Planning, the Family Engagement Budget, the Family Engagement Policy, the School Parent/Family Compact, and staff training.

 

1% SET-ASIDE FOR PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES

Each year, Savannah-Chatham County Public School System reserves 1% from the total amount of the Title I, Part A funds it receives to carry out family engagement requirements.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

In carrying out the parent and family engagement requirements established by Section 1116 of the ESSA, the district family engagement coordinator will communicate and collaborate with the Office for Student Support Services to ensure full opportunities for participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children including providing information and school reports in a language parents can understand.

 

 

 

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SCHOOL-FAMILY COMPACTS

As part of our family engagement plan, The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School and our families develop a school-parent/family compact, which is an agreement that explains how parents/families and teachers will work together to make sure students reach grade-level standards. The compacts are reviewed and updated annually based on feedback from parents, students, and teachers during the Title I

Annual Meeting and from the Annual Family Engagement Survey. The school-parent/family compacts also are reviewed with families during parent-teacher conferences.

 

GOALS FOR STUDENT SUCCESS

 

SCCPSS District Goals:

 

Goal 1: To Ensure all Students are College and Career Ready.

Goal 2: To Provide a Supportive Learning Environment that is Conducive to Teaching and Learning.

Goal 3: To Maximize Family and Community Engagement that Contributes to the Advancement of Student Growth and Success.

Goal 4: To Build Professional Capacity in Order to Achieve a Premier Student- Focused Workforce

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School Goals:

 

Insert Goals from School Improvement Plan – will need to be reviewed after summer break to ensure that none of the goals have changed. “Translate” the goals into family-friendly language.

 

Goal 1: Improve academic achievement for all students.

 

Goal 2: Reading: Kindergarten students will meet reading expectations (Proficient) on Amira & G-Kids Assessments. First grade students will meet reading expectations (Proficient) on Amira Assessment.

 

Goal 3: Math: Kindergarten students will meet math expectations (Proficient) on  MAP & G-Kids Assessments. First grade students will meet math expectations (Proficient) on MAP Assessment.

 

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School believes that family engagement means the participation of parents and family members in regular two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities, including ensuring:

•  That parents/families play an integral role in assisting their child’s learning.

•  That parents/families are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s education at school.

•  That parents/families are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate,

in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.

 

 

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FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER

HOURS: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Come visit the Family Resource Center to check out books, study materials, and activities to use at home with your child. Computers are available for parents to log into PowerSchool/Parent Access and explore educational resources.

 

If you need support, please reach out to our Family Engagement Contact: Kaycee Johnson, 912-395- 5500, kaycee.johnson@sccpss.com

 

2025-2026 FAMILY ENGAGEMENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

At Henderson, we will do the following to help engage and support our families:

• Ensure that all information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is published in both English and Spanish and posted on the school website and included in the monthly school newsletter for all parents.

•  Provide quarterly training to the entire staff on topics such as the value and utility of family

contributions, effective communication with families as equal partners, and coordinating/ implementing family programs that form connections between home/school.

•  Work with Head Start, Bright from the Start, the English Language Learning Program, our

            Homeless Liaison, and Migrant, Neglected, and Delinquent federal programs.

 

• Provide information on college and career resources and Kindergarten Orientation through our Family Resource Center

•  Provide families with resources and opportunities to learn about the Georgia Standards of Excellence

•  Ensure that families learn about their child’s test results and how to interpret scores by

   providing workshops and handouts to families and posting information on the school website

 

•  Advertise offerings at least 2 weeks prior to events, via monthly calendars, flyers, E-Flyer via e-mail and Website, school marquee, callouts, etc.

•  Staff will provide strategies for families in our district’s balanced resources to support

learning at home

•  Will offer training opportunities in technology

 

•  Provide necessary materials and handouts for families at events to help them work with their children to improve their achievement

•  Information will be shared with families on-line, in person group meetings, home visits, newsletters and/or telephone calls

 

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School Family Engagement Policy • Page 4 of 7

 

 

 

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School will host the following events to build the capacity for strong family engagement to support a partnership between the school, parents, and the community to improve student academic achievement.

 

Title I Annual Meeting – September 2025

We invite you to a time of learning and sharing about our Title I program, including our parent and family engagement policy, the schoolwide plan, the school-parent compacts, and parents’ requirements.

Invitations will be emailed and posted in the monthly school newsletter, class dojo, or sent home in the student folders.

 

Curriculum Night/Open House – August 2025

Learn about the curriculum used in your child’s classroom - the academic standards, assessments, materials, and more!

Holiday Math Fun – December 2025

Learn how to make math fun at home.

Parent-Teacher and Student Conferences – January/February 2026

Scheduled updates on your child’s progress.

Seasonal Events –TBA

Thanksgiving Feast, Holidays Around the World, Black History Month, Trunk or Treat, etc.

 Parent Appreciation – Month Day, Year

A celebration of family engagement and the recognition of its impact on school and student success.

Scholastic Book Fairs – Fall 2024 and Spring 2026

Promote reading and support our school by building your home library on Parent Day. District Events – TBA

Student Success Expo, Teddy Bear Clinic, Books, Blankets, and Family Fun (Daffin Park)

 

Title I Annual Family Forum – Late February/Early March

Provides an opportunity for parents/family members to participate in discussions with the principal and staff regarding the school improvement plan, family engagement policy, school-parent/family compacts, and the family engagement budget.

 

Building the Foundation

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School will take the following measures to promote and support parents/families as an important foundation of the school to strengthen the school and reach our school goals. We will:

•   Communicate effectively by ensuring that information related to academic standards/assessments,

events, etc. is published in a language and format accessible to parents and is communicated in multiple ways.

•  Offer training for parents and family members to help further enhance their various educational levels.

•   Partner with early childhood programs, feeder schools, college and career-ready resources, or other programs to help prepare parents and their children for successful school transitions.

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School Family Engagement Policy • Page 5 of 7

 

 

•  Provide necessary materials and handouts for parents/guardians at conferences, meetings, and activities to help parents work with their child to improve their child’s achievement.

 

•  Collaborate with Community Partners to provide information and introduce resources to benefit families.

•   Based on parent/guardian feedback, provide staff training to improve communication with parents and ideas to increase family engagement with reading and math activities for our students outside of the classroom.

•  Collect feedback from parents and family members at all events, place input cards around the building,

and post a suggestion form on the school website to respond to parents’ requests for additional support

for parent and family engagement activities.

 

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT STANDARDS

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School and our parents have adopted the National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnerships as the school’s model in engaging parents, students, and the community. These standards are:

 

1.  Welcoming All Families

2.  Communicating Effectively

3.  Supporting Student Success

4.  Speaking Up for Every Child

5.  Sharing Power

6.  Collaborating with Community

 

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The school council is an advisory body created to offer advice to the principal on matters about student achievement and school improvement. The school council initiative was created by the Georgia State Legislature as a method of involving parents, teachers, and community stakeholders in the educational

process. It is governed by state law; O.C.G.A § 20-2-85 and O.C.G.A § 20-2-86. The school council is made up of elected parents, appointed community/business members, elected teacher representatives, and the school principal, with the parent group constituting the largest segment. If you would like to learn more about the school council, please contact our principal.

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School’s school council members

are: Mrs. Erica Swindell-Foster, Principal

Insert Member’s Name, Role Insert Member’s Name, Role Insert Member’s Name, Role Insert Member’s Name, Role Insert Member’s Name, Role Insert Member’s Name, Role Insert Member’s Name, Role

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School Family Engagement Policy • Page 6 of 7

 

 

 

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

 

We want to hear from you! If you have any suggestions or if there is any part of this policy that you feel is

not satisfied with the goals for academic achievement, please provide us with your comments in the space provided and leave this form in the Main Office:

 

Name: (optional)                                                                                       Telephone Number: (optional):                                    

 

Comments:                                                                                                                                                                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

School Parent/Family Compact Kindergarten & First Grade

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. /Formey Jr. School Year 2025 - 2026

Revision Date: 08/18/2025

 

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. students participating in the Title I, Part A program, and their families, agree that this compact outlines how the parents, the entire school staff, and the students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement as well as describes how the school and parents/families will build and develop a partnership that will help children achieve the State’s high standards.

 

JOINTLY DEVELOPED

The families, students, and staff of the Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School developed this School-Family-Student Compact for Achievement. Teachers provided home learning strategies, families suggested ideas to fit their needs to assist learning, and students told us what they needed to help them learn better at home. A Family Forum is held each year with families to review the Compact and offer feedback. Families are also surveyed several times during the school year for input. Families are strongly encouraged to provide comments at any time.

To understand how working together can benefit your child, it is first important to understand

the districts and school’s goals for student academic achievement.

 

SAVANNAH-CHATHAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM’S GOALS:

Information to insert here will be provided at the beginning of the school year. GOAL 1: To Ensure all Students are College and Career Ready.

GOAL 2: To Provide a Supportive Learning Environment that is Conducive to Teaching and Learning.

GOAL 3: To Maximize Family and Community Engagement that Contributes to the Advancement of Student Success.

GOAL 4: To Build Professional Capacity to Achieve a Premier Student-Focused Workforce

 

THE EARLY LEARNING CENTER AT HENDERSON E. FORMEY JR. SCHOOL GOALS:

Improve academic achievement for all students.

READING

•  Kindergarten students will meet reading expectations (Proficient) on Amira & GKids Assessments.

•  First grade students will meet reading expectations (Proficient) on Amira Assessment.

 

MATH

•  Kindergarten students will meet math expectations (Proficient) on MAP & GKids Assessments.

•  First grade students will meet math expectations (Proficient) on MAP Assessment.

 

 

School Year 2025-2026• Page 2 of 4

COMMUNICATION ABOUT STUDENT LEARNING:

is committed to frequent two-way communication with families about children’s learning. Sways you can expect us to reach you are:

 

School Communication Tools

•  Phone Calls/ Text Messaging

 

•  Progress Folders

 

•  Bright Arrow Communication Tool

 

•  Class Dojo

 

•  E-Newsletters

 

•  Event Flyers

 

•  Monthly Calendars

 

•  Parent-Teacher Conferences

 

•  Peach Jar

 

•  Progress Reports

 

•  SCCPSS District Website

 

•  Social Media Avenues

 

•  Updated School Website

 

** If you ever have questions or concerns regarding your child’s education, please reach out to your teacher.

You can also contact your school counselor, or administration at 912-395-5500.

 

ACTIVITIES TO BUILD PARTNERSHIPS:

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School offers ongoing events and programs to build partnerships with families.

 

Get Involved

Families are encouraged to volunteer during school-wide events (Read Across America, book fairs, PTA events, Holidays Around the World, etc.) and can begin the process of volunteering by creating an account in VISTA. If you would like to volunteer, participate, and/ or observe in the classroom, please contact the Family Engagement Coordinator at 912-395-5511.

 

•  Parent-Teacher Conferences – *parents must attend at least one parent teacher conference per year •

Parent Workshops

 

School Year 2025-2026 • Page 3 of 4

    

o Parent Resource Center

 

o Volunteering / Observing

 

o Open House

 

o Title One Meetings

 

o Online/virtual formats (webinars)

 

o Multi-media activities (podcasts, teacher-created videos)

 

o Literacy and Math Activities

 

o Scholastic Book Fair

 

o Family Engagement Events

 

o Curriculum Nights

 

To ensure the safety of students and staff, all visitors must report to the office upon arrival.

 

Parents may not enter any area of the building at any time, other than the office, without a scheduled appointment, especially during arrival and dismissal.

 

New volunteers (not previously cleared) must sign up/register in advance and must sign in based on requirements for all visitors.

 

Interested volunteers must register through our secure online portal called the Volunteer Tracker. Once your registration is complete, an application link will be emailed to you.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION/APPLICATION

 

New to VISTA? If this is the first time that you have used this application, you must register your email address first. Please visit this website to register:

 

VISTA VOLUNTEERS: https://appgarden2.app-garden.com/VolTrackGA625.nsf

 

 

 

        School Year 2025-2026 • Page 4 of 4

 

To help your child meet the district and school goals, the school, you, and your child will work together too:

SCHOOL/TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Early Learning Center at Henderson E. Formey Jr. School will:

•  Provide a list of Fry Words to help students with fluency.

 

•  Provide parents and students with weekly reading skills practice.

 

•  Provide Math Resources / Information to Promote Student Growth

 

•  Treat each child with dignity and respect.

 

•  Be aware of each child’s needs.

 

•  Communication with the parent about his/her progress

 

PARENT/FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES:

We, as parents, will:

•  Practice Frye words with their child to help reinforce fluency.

 

•  Monitor that their child is reading 10 minutes daily using material provided by the teacher.

•  Ensure your child is using math resources/information provided by the teacher.

 

•  Encourage good attendance.

 

•  Encourage positive attitudes toward school.

 

•  Encourage reading at home and completing homework.

 

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

I, the student, will:

•  Practice Frye Word List

 

•  Read 10 minutes daily using materials provided by the teacher and write each day. •

Work on knowing my numbers when I see them and count to 100.

•  Come to school on time every day.

 

•  Be Polite.

 

•  Complete My Schoolwork

 

 

Family Compact Signature Page

 

As a sign of your commitment to working together to help your child succeed, please sign this signature page and return it to your child’s teacher. Thank you!

Student’s Name: _______________________________

Parent’s Signature: _____________________________

Staff Signature: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________________

 

Savannah-Chatham County Public School System

Family Engagement Policy

Parents and Families Matter

 

As your partner in education, we have provided this resource to help you and your child get the most out of their educational experience with the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System. To learn more about SCCPSS programs and to access important resources, visit the District’s website at www.sccpss.com.

SCCPSS is looking for volunteers to donate their time at our schools. Our VISTA  program helps identify volunteers who provide valuable support, resources, and experiences for our students and schools, creating connections that strengthen our schools. Learn more and register to volunteer by visiting  the VISTA page on the Family & Students page at www.sccpss.com.

Locate the VISTA link on the Family & Students page of the SCCPSS website.

 WHAT IS FAMILY ENGAGEMENT?

 Family Engagement is the participation of parents/guardians and/or other family members in regular, two-way, meaningful communication involving student  learning and other school activities, including   making sure:

· That families play a role in assisting their child’s learning.

· That families are encouraged to be       actively involved in their child’s education

· That parents/families are full partners in their child’s education and are included, as appropriate, in decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the education of their child.

· The carrying out of other activities, such as those outlined in Section 1116 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), occur.

 

 

 

 

 

Family-School Events

AUGUST

Documents that will be sent home:

 · Grade Level School-Home Compacts for your child’s school

· Your child’s school’s Family Engagement Policy

· SCCPSS’ Family Engagement Policy

· Notification to Parents/Guardians of English Language Learners (ELL)

SEPTEMBER

· Annual Title I Meeting (at each site)

FEBRUARY—MARCH

· Annual Evaluation Surveys

· Family Forum (at each site)

THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL YEAR (AUGUST-MAY)

· Parent/family workshops (at each site)

· Information posted on websites

· Events advertised two weeks in advance, in multiple ways

· Quarterly staff training on building capacity to work effectively with parents/families

· Notification to Parents of English Language Learners (ELL)

 

Visit the SCCPS website for useful information and to find out what is going on in your District...

« Registration Information

« School Calendars

« Student/Parent Tools

« School Nutrition Info & Menus

« Student Program Information

« How to Get Involved/Volunteer

« Assessment Calendars

Þ School Counselors

Þ Library Media Services

Þ And many more topics

If you have questions related to events, activities, or support related to   Title I schools  or District family engagement, please contact the Compensatory Programs/Title I office @ 912-395-5635.

 

Building Family and School  Capacity

For Parents/Guardians/Families

SCCPSS will work as a district and through its schools to provide assistance to parents in understanding state and district academic information such as how Georgia Milestones and the Georgia Standards of Excellence connect to their student’s learning and progress, as well as information regarding the Title I program. SCCPSS will provide workshops for parents to gain knowledge about the challenging state academic standards, local academic assessments, as well as the required assessments for Georgia students including monitoring student progress and alternative forms of assessment.  The dates and delivery method of these workshops will be advertised on websites, press releases, and social media.  Examples of events are Student Success Expo, Superintendent’s Kick Off and Family Engagement Day which are held as district-wide events.

 

Two SCCPSS schools (Brock ES and Low ES) use the Academic Parent-Teacher Teams (APTT) family engagement model. APTT strengthens teacher-family relationships by focusing on student academic growth and achievement. APTT elevates the traditional parent-teacher conference by inviting all families from the same classroom to meet together rather than individually. The meeting includes a team-building activity to build rapport with the teacher and among parents; review of specific grade-level skills that must be mastered; anonymous review of every child’s status on the focus skills; teacher modeling and parent practice of at-home activities to improve the focus skills; and 60-day goal-setting for each child. Families receive take-home materials to support at-home practice. After 60 days, families are invited to a second meeting to receive progress updates and learn about another skill.  APTT meetings take place three times during the school year. The District’s Family Engagement Leadership Team (FELT) trains, guides, and monitors the implementation of the APTT model in SCCPSS schools.

 

SCCPSS will also conduct workshops such as literacy training and maintain district and school websites that will contain academic content resources and materials, APTT activities, and ways to help parents work with their children at home to improve academic achievement.  Copies of materials will be made available at all schools for those families who may have limited internet access, including copies in the student’s home language. Additionally, workshops and webpages will assist parents with understanding the online student information system and other digital educational resources (including education about the harms of copyright piracy). Dates and times for these workshops will be determined and announced by each individual school.  On the district level workshops and information will be shared at events such as the Back to School Showcase, Student Success Expo, and Family Engagement Day.

 

A  districtwide Family Engagement Advisory Council comprised of parent representatives from each school will provide advice on all matters related to family engagement programs. Community leaders and business partners will be invited to serve on this council.   This event is open to all parents of all students.

 

SCCPSS will provide reasonable support for family engagement activities as requested by parents/families with the support of local school staff and community partners.  This will include workshops and information related to community resources, English language learners, SPED, GED, mental health & behavioral workshops sponsored by the district and local schools.

SCCPSS will coordinate and integrate the district’s family engagement programs with the local preschool program and other federally- and state-funded preschool programs in the district by inviting faculty and staff from those programs to attend planning meetings focused on family engagement activities. In the spring, each elementary school will host a Kindergarten Orientation so parents may tour the schools and receive information to help prepare them and their children for kindergarten.  Coordination of services will include Student to Work Job Fairs, Business Partner Events, Student Leadership Program, Chatham County Youth Commission, Summer 500 City of Savannah Youth Employment Program, PTA/PTSO, Title I, Title II, Title III, Title IV, 21st Century, CTAE, IDEA, and other agencies.

 

For School Staff

SCCPSS will conduct  trainings during the school year for school family engagement personnel, with the assistance of parents,  to learn and discuss strategies to increase family engagement, improve school-family communication, in the value and utility of contribution of parents, how to work with parents as equal partners, and build ties with parents and the community.  These trainings will be redelivered to staff that includes principals, teachers, other school leaders, specialized instructional support personnel, and other staff of schools. Trainings will also be provided  for appropriate school staff and faculty that will focus on creating welcoming environments and improving two-way communication with families.

 

Schools and Families Working Together

            Jointly Developed with Parents/Guardians anD Family Members

During a series of meetings all parents were invited to participate and provide suggestions and ideas to improve this district’s family engagement policy, Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan ( CLIP), School Improvement Plan/Title I Targeted Assistance Plans and Title I family engagement fund allocations for the 2025-2026 school year. 

 

The district /schools sent a flier home with each student informing parents of the meetings and posted the announcement on the district’s website.  Additionally, the district’s public relations department did a media release concerning the date, locations and times of the meetings.

 

The district’s Family Engagement Advisory Council reviewed the district family engagement policy before the end of the school year and contributed feedback. All feedback received was included with the policy for this school year. 

 

Upon final revision, elements of the district family engagement policy was incorporated into the CLIP which was submitted to the state.  Parents are welcome to submit comments and feedback regarding the policy at any time on the Family  Engagement section of the district’s web site.

 

The district family engagement policy was posted on the district and school websites, distributed during the Annual Title I school meetings held in September, and made available in the school’s family resource centers.

Technical Assistance to  Schools

The district Title I program specialist will provide coordination, technical assistance and other support necessary to all Title I schools to ensure family engagement requirements are being satisfied and that strategies and activities to build effective  family capacity which leads to student     achievement and school performance are being implemented. 

 

When necessary meaningful consultation will be conducted with local employers, business leaders, institutes of higher    education or individuals with expertise in effectively engaging parent and family member in education.

 

During the year school administrators and school family engagement staff will receive training on developing meaningful two way communication and consultation with families.  This will include building capacities for strong staff and family   engagement with EL families.

 

Accessibility

In carrying out the family engagement requirements established by Section 1116 of ESSA, the Title I District program managers will communicate & collaborate with schools to ensure full opportunities for participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children including providing information and school reports in a language parents can understand. District Title I letters, information and        materials will be made available in a format and language that all parents can understand. This includes providing information and school reports required under Section 1112€(4) in a format and extent practicable, in a language parents understand.

 

Adoption of Family Engagement Policy

In carrying out the family engagement requirements established by Section 1116 of ESSA, the Title I district program managers will communicate and collaborate with schools to ensure full opportunities for participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children including providing information and school reports in a language parents can understand. District Title I letters, information and materials will be made available in a format and language that all parents can understand.  This includes providing information and school reports required under Section 1112€(4) in a format and extent practicable, in a language parents understand.

 

This districtwide family engagement policy has been developed jointly and agreed upon with parents of children participating in all schools to include Title I Part A programs as evidenced by the collaboration of parents, school and district personnel .

This policy was adopted by the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) in  June 2025 and will be in effect for the 2025-2026 academic school year.  The District will make the policy available to all parents of participating Title I, Part A children on or before August 31, 2025.

 

Reservation of Title I  Family Engagement Funds

SCCPSS will reserve one percent from the total amount of the Title I, Part A funds it receives in FY26 to carry out family engagement requirements listed in this policy and as described in Section 1116 of the ESSA.  Furthermore, SCCPSS will distribute 90 percent of the amount reserved to all Title I schools to support their local-level family engagement programs and activities with priority being given to high need schools. The district will provide clear guidance and communication to assist each Title I school in developing an adequate family engagement budget that addresses their needs assessment and parent recommendations. 

 

In the fall, each school will send out a One Percent Family Engagement Budget survey  to families and each spring, schools will conduct a Family Forum during which the one percent family engagement budget is discussed.  Parent/Guardian/Family feedback forms and minutes will be collected from this meeting.  The survey and meeting feedback will be used to determine areas of family engagement need for the upcoming school year. 

Funds reserved by the district will be used to provide books, pamphlets and various materials for families related to increasing family engagement especially among economically disadvantaged families.  Workshops and supporting programs will also be provided to reach families at school and in the community .  These activities & strategies will be provided  primarily through District events listed on the included calendar.

Additionally, professional development is provided to family engagement school personnel during the school year by community organizations such as Healthy Kids, Early Learning College, Salvation Army, the housing authority and other agencies.  Tours are conducted of community agencies  to include family shelters, health care facilities, and neglected and delinquent children support properties.  The information from these trainings is then provided to school staff.

 

 Opportunities for Meaningful Parent/Family Consultation

Input and suggestions from parents/family members are an essential component of the district and school improvement plans that are developed each year. All parents of students eligible to receive Title I services are invited to attend two meetings (described below) to share their ideas and suggestions to help the district, schools, and students to reach our student academic achievement goals.

District Title I Meetings , Student Success Expo in January, and Family Engagement Day in April.

 

All parents are welcome to hear the latest updates from SCCPSS  as well as review and provide input into the district family engagement policy and the Comprehensive LEA Improvement Plan for the school year. Notices regarding these meetings will be advertised in multiple ways by the district and Title I schools. The district will also communicate information regarding these meetings on the school district website.

 

Family Forums ~ February/ March

Each spring, Title I schools will host a forum for parents/family members to participate in roundtable discussions to review the schoolwide plan, the school-home compacts, building school staff capacity, the school’s family engagement policies, and to provide input on the family engagement budget and programs. Each Title I school will advertise in multiple ways to notify about dates and times of the forums. Information regarding the Family Forums will also be made available on the school websites. Parent input on the use of Title I funds to support family engagement programs may also be provided through the annual school and district evaluation survey. The survey will contain questions related to the family engagement budget as well as a place for parents/families to provide comments.

 

All school, district Title I meetings and forums documents , handouts, agendas and presentations will be posted on websites for parents/families to view and provide input if they are unable to attend events. 

  

 About the Family Engagement Policy

In support of strengthening student academic achievement, the Savannah-Chatham Public School System ( SCCPSS) has developed this family engagement policy. This policy establishes the district’s expectations for meaningful family engagement and guides the strategies and resources that strengthen school and parent partnerships in the district’s schools.  This policy will describe SCCPSS’s commitment to engage families in the education of their children and to build capacity in its schools to implement family engagement strategies and activities designed to achieve the district and student academic achievement goals. 

 

When schools, families, and communities work together to support learning, children tend to do better in school, stay in school longer and enjoy school more.  Title I, Part A provided for family engagement at every level of the program, such as in the development and implementation of the district and school plan, and in carrying out the district and school improvement provisions.  Section 1116 of the Every Student Succeeds Act ( ESSA)  contains the primary requirements for schools and school systems to involve parents in their children’s education.  SCCPSS will work with its all schools to ensure that the required school-level family engagement policies meet the requirements of Section 1116(d) and each include, as a component, a school-parent compact.

 

Neglected & DelinquenT Children

Parents, parent proxies, or legal guardians of     students in neglected facilities will be informed of all family engagement activities provided by the LEA (Savannah-Chatham County Public School System). To the extent practicable, school-based Family Resource Centers shall be available to these parents, with educational resources  available for check-out.

 

Family Engagement Annual Evaluation

Each year SCCPSS will conduct an evaluation of the content and effectiveness of this family engagement policy and family engagement activities at the district and school levels. This review will be conducted by each school through an annual evaluation survey and Family Forums held at Title I schools in the spring of each year. 

 

In addition to conducting surveys, each Title I school will hold a Family Forum to collect parent feedback on family engagement and to facilitate a discussion on the needs of families of children eligible to receive Title I services related to designing strategies for increased student achievement and effective family engagement. 

 

Additionally, parents and family members will be asked how they can assist with the learning of their children including engaging with school personnel.  This will include strategies on how to support school and family interaction.

 

SCCPSS will use these findings to design evidence-based strategies to improve effective family      engagement to remove possible barriers to parent/guardian/family participation which include economic disadvantages, disabilities, limited English proficiency, limited literacy or other background issues. This information will be used to revise its family  engagement policies, family engagement budget, and school-parent compacts.  To take the survey visit www.sccpss.com.