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.

Ten Rainbow Schools will share a total of $9,450 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 a conference for parents by parents with a focus on mental health.

“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
Step It Up Families
This initiative will enable A.B. Ellis Public School families to engage in, explore and experience 21st century learning, including coding and technology, the role of mindfulness and mental health in education, and how the arts support and foster learning.

Alexander Public School
Diversity in Books Campaign
A variety of books will be added to the school library to promote and foster deeper understanding, empathy, and compassion towards diverse lifestyles. Book titles will be carefully selected to meet all age groups, including parents/guardians in the community.

C.R. Judd Public School
Physical Fitness – Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds
C.R. Judd Public School is combining fun and family time with free physical fitness classes led by qualified instructors. This initiative will promote mental and physical health. Events will take place during the evening so families can participate together.

Central Manitoulin Public School
Growth Mindset Workshop
Central Manitoulin students and families will learn about growth mindset together. Participants will practice effective praise with challenging activities, including art, casting with a fly rod, and cross fit games.

Chelmsford Valley District Composite School
Social Media Bootcamp for Parents
Staff will host an evening for parents/guardians to learn about the latest trends in social media platforms, including how their teens are using apps and what apps they are using. Guests will also explore apps and platforms available for parents/guardians to better communicate with their teens.

Lively District Secondary School
Navigating High School
Lively District Secondary School is taking a proactive approach to help parents/guardians support their children’s academic and social well-being during the transition to secondary school.

Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School
Parents Discovering Wellness
With “Parents Discovering Wellness,” parents/guardians will be empowered to support their children’s well-being through improved communications. The goal is to build emotional support systems within the family to instill resiliency in children.

Monetville Public School
Everyday I’m Calculating – Family Day
Students, parents, staff and representatives from Public Health Sudbury & Districts will join together for a family day of games and workshops to promote a healthy lifestyle. Parents will also learn about the importance of engaging in math games to increase math fact fluency.

Queen Elizabeth II Public School
Mental Health Wellness Evening
Queen Elizabeth II Public School will host a “Mental Health Wellness Evening” in May for families and community members. The focus will be on reducing the stigma around mental health, building resiliency, and promoting coping strategies through play.

S. Geiger Public School
Unlearn Paint Night
To coincide with Education Week, staff and students at S. Geiger Public School will host a parent-child paint night with a local artist. Together, participants will create a beautiful landscape of the La Cloche area.

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Media Contact:

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