Involving Parents in the School: Tips for School Councils
Parental Involvement: A Checklist
Use this handy checklist to review your current parental engagement activities, and to stimulate discussion and ideas for future activities and events.
Have we used surveys and other information-gathering tools to assess what parents need and want, and to ask for their opinions and suggestions?
Have we determined the barriers which may impede some parents from participating?
Do we understand the needs of parents whose first language is other than English?
Have we explicitly invited parents to volunteer in a variety of school activities?
Do we know which of our communications parents are using, and what forms of communication parents would like more of?
Do we routinely gather parent contact information and use it effectively to keep parents informed?
Do we have an organized plan for parent engagement activities this year?
Do we know who has assumed responsibility for each activity within the plan?
Do we respond immediately when parents indicate a willingness to volunteer or participate in other ways?
Do we have a school information package for newcomers?
Do we have an organized method for meeting and welcoming new families?
Do we actively encourage parents to attend School Council meetings?
Do we acknowledge and involve parents who attend Council meetings for the first time?
Do we provide information or an information event specifically geared to the needs of New Canadians?
Have we successfully addressed barriers to parent participation such as childcare, transportation, language services and off-site / off-hours events and programs for those who cannot attend regular events?
Do we regularly provide school events that showcase student work and activities, address issues of concern, and provide information of interest to parents?
Do we occasionally involve the community in the life of the school through such events as career and community fairs?
Do we offer training for volunteers to ensure that they feel confident and equipped for their roles?
Do we provide parents with the information they need to work effectively with school staff, and to support their children at home?
Do we celebrate our multicultural community by offering events that feature varied traditions, customs and sports?
Do we prominently display information about School Council in a high visibility area of the school?
Do we ensure that School Council has a presence at all school events?
Do we have a School Council newsletter and/or ensure that School Council is represented in the school newsletter?
Does the School Council have a presence on the school website?
Do we send frequent reminders to parents to ensure that school and School Council events remain highly visible and top of mind?
Do we participate as guest speakers wherever possible in the community, outside of school?
Do we recognize the efforts of parents and School Council members, to encourage greater involvement and participation?
