Rainbow Schools receive grants to enhance parent involvement

Innovative parent involvement projects are being implemented in Rainbow Schools thanks to funding provided by the Ministry of Education’s Parent Engagement Office. Eight Rainbow Schools will share a total of $6,555 in Parents Reaching Out Grants to support School Council and Parent Involvement Committee initiatives to further engage parents/guardians in their child’s learning.

"Parents, as the first teachers in the home, are important partners in the learning process," said Jean Hanson, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “Research has shown that the involvement of parents and guardians in their child’s education has a positive impact on student achievement and overall school performance.” 

While each project varies from school to school, the initiatives have one thing in common – they are intended to enhance communications between the school and the home and help to create a welcoming environment for parents/guardians. “We commend School Councils for hosting activities to further engage parents/guardians in Rainbow Schools,” added Director Hanson. “With their efforts and the support of the Ministry of Education, we have a number of exciting projects taking place in our schools once again this year.”

Assiginack Public School – Teaching Old Dogs New Math Tricks
The curriculum has changed since most parents/guardians went to school. To bridge the gap, Assiginack Public School has purchased fun and interactive games based on math curriculum objectives for parents to support math education.  Parents will be able to borrow the games to make learning fun for their children and enhance their own math skills. During Education Week, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, parents will be invited to attend an information session that will explain how each game works. Parents will learn how they can engage students in math.

A. B. Ellis Public School – Parental Resource Centre
A parent resource centre will be established at A.B. Ellis Public School to provide parents with materials on important topics including parenting, positive discipline, aggressive behaviour, special needs, bullying, and other topics.  An official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, May 6, 2010 at 5 pm.  All community members are welcome to attend.

C. R. Judd Public School – Reading Is For Everyone
Making reading materials available to people of all ages is the main focus of “Reading is for Everyone.”  Parents/guardians will have access to books and resources that support readers of all levels to encourage children to read on their own. New reading material will be added to the collection annually to ensure the library appeals to a range of young readers. Parents/guardians will be invited to take part in a reading intervention training session at the school on Tuesday, April 13th, from 6 pm to 7 pm. The session is designed to help parents/guardians teach their children to read.

Lively District Secondary School – Parent Conference on Special Education
The School Council at Lively District Secondary School will host an information session for parents on the transition from secondary school to post-secondary school for students in special education. Various community agencies, post-secondary institutions and Rainbow District School Board staff will share pathways to student success. Resources to assist parents in supporting and becoming involved in their children’s education will be provided.

Central Manitoulin Public School – Every Child Learns Differently
Central Manitoulin Public School hosted a workshop, “Every Child Learns Differently” on Monday, March 1, 2010. The workshop provided parents with information about children’s strengths and how they learn differently.

Lansdowne Public School – Lansdowne School Community Family Nights
The Lansdowne Public School School Council will host two family nights to increase family communication and build a strong school community.  Each evening will begin with a meal for the participants to share together.  Families will then have the option of participating in a family learning activity, workshop or presentation. All members of the Lansdowne Public School community are welcome to attend, including present students and those attending Kindergarten in the fall. Childcare will be provided for younger children. There will also be transportation and light refreshments.

MacLeod Public School – Parents’ Guide to MacLeod Public School
MacLeod Public School will develop a Parents’ Guide to enhance communication between the school and the home.  The guide will include key information for each grade, including special events, extra-curricular activities and co-instructional activities.  The guide will be available on the school’s website, macleod.rainbowschools.ca. Printed copies will be available in the school’s main office.

Manitoulin Secondary School – Aboriginal Celebration Evening
Manitoulin Secondary School hosted an Aboriginal Celebration Evening for parents on Thursday, March 25, 2010 to give parents a better understanding of school initiatives for First Nation students.  The evening included a message from Chief Joe Hare, a tour of the school, and information sessions on opportunities for aboriginal students, healthy lifestyle initiatives, and different leadership groups at the school.

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Media Contact:

Jean Hanson, Director of Education,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7215.