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 $10,900 in Parents Reaching Out Grants to support School Council initiatives to further engage parents/guardians in their child’s learning.

In addition, the Board has received a $10,000 Regional Parents Reaching Out Grant for the Parent Involvement Committee to host “Parents as Partners: Learning Together.” Parents/guardians will have an opportunity to attend various sessions. They will gain awareness of education initiatives, dig deeper into timely topics, and learn strategies they can use at home to support their child’s progress in school.

“Parents are important partners in the learning process,” said Norm Blaseg, 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 and the Parent Involvement Committee for hosting activities to further engage parents/guardians in Rainbow Schools,” added Director Blaseg. “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.”

A.B. Ellis Public School
Transition to High School Event
Students and parents/guardians were invited to an information session designed to help students make key decisions in the transition from elementary to secondary school.

Algonquin Road Public School
Parent Toolkit: Math Edition
Algonquin Road Public School will host an evening workshop where parents/guardians will explore activities, fact sheets, and other resources from the CODE Parent Tool Kit series “Inspiring Your Child to Learn and Love Math”.

Assiginack Public School
Everyone Can Code
Assiginack Public School will host an evening of coding fun for parents/guardians and their children. Together, they will explore various coding applications to develop an understanding of the process. A lending library with various coding devices and books will be available for use.

Carl A. Nesbitt Public School
STEAM Night
STEAM gives students and parents/guardians the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. A focus on creative problem solving, with an emphasis on imagination, made for a fun-filled and educational day spent with family.

Central Manitoulin Public School
Mental Health Resources for Students and Families
Posters showcasing student art will be hung around the school to promote mental health. Brochures will be developed and sent home with students. Staff will also host an information session for parents/guardians to increase awareness for supporting children inside and outside of the classroom.

Ernie Checkeris Public School
STEAM Night
STEAM gives students and parents/guardians the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that integrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. A focus on creative problem solving, with an emphasis on imagination, made for a fun-filled and educational day spent with family.

Lansdowne Public School
Family Math Fun and Lending Library
Lansdowne Public School will host a special day for families to explore the world of mathematics. A math games lending library will be made available so students can learn and enjoy math at home. The Family Connections Strategy will continue to offer childcare and transportation to families for all school events throughout the year, in an effort to encourage family participation in student learning.

Lively District Secondary School
Empowering Our Teens Workshop
The School Council at Lively District Secondary School will host a Teen Empowerment Workshop for students and parent/guardians. The day of workshops will help parents/guardians take a proactive approach to help their teens navigate and alleviate social and academic pressures.

Manitoulin Secondary School
Parental Supports for Post-Secondary Success
Manitoulin Secondary School will host evening workshops to help parents/guardians and students prepare for the post-secondary experience. Planned workshop topics include financial management, time management, managing emotional stress and making good choices.

Monetville Public School
MAKER Space
A Maker Space is a 21st century initiative designed to engage students in creativity, innovation and collaboration. Parents/guardians and community partners will be invited into the school monthly to engage in a hands-on project-based inquiry with students.

R.H. Murray Public School
Family Fitness Nights
Throughout the 2017-2018 school year, the Murray Muscles Team will host Family Fitness Nights. These events will engage the community in a fun and enthusiastic way. All participants will sweat, while learning about physical literacy and brain development.

S. Geiger Public School
Welcoming Parents Open House
Staff at S. Geiger Public School, along with representatives from the Sudbury & District Health Unit, welcomed the local community in for a sit-down spaghetti dinner and a book fair. Families toured the newly renovated facilities, visiting classrooms and learning more about the one-to-one technology available at the school.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 674-3171, ext. 7217.