Nau Charter School
Parent Involvement and Resources
As one of Imagine Schools’ “6 Measures of Excellence,” parent involvement and parent satisfaction is an integral component of the educational program. An expectation for parents to volunteer will be communicated as the school develops.
As a school of choice, we view our parents as customers. Parents are an integral part of the school and we believe that the work and values taught and shared during the school day should be extended into the home. Every effort will be made to make parents partners in their children's education. An active parent teacher partnership will be developed and monthly meetings held in which the principal and several school staff representatives will attend.
Parent involvement may include but is not limited to the following:
School volunteer in-service and appreciation breakfast
Various evening social events
School Improvement Plan Committee
Task Forces such as: School Development, Academic Achievement, Character Education and School Finance
Workshops for parents such as: FCAT Parent Night, Technology and Curriculum
Governing Board Meetings
Parent volunteer hours
We will communicate with parents and families on a consistent basis. Parents and guardians are aware not only of what students need materially, physically, and emotionally to be successful learners, but also of what students are learning and how they might learn best. Family members will acquire news and information relevant to parenting through hands-on materials and through e-mail and Internet access. Our website will provide parents with information about the academic programs addressed at school in each grading period; ideas about ways that they can monitor and support student learning; access to up-to-date information about schoolwork that is due, future test dates, current and future student projects; and links to parent-information websites that can enhance parent involvement skills. We will offer in-service sessions for parents to help them learn how to use the Internet to stay involved in school events and their children’s education. Parents are encouraged to speak to and resolve any issues with their student’s teacher. If the issue is not resolved they may speak with the principal. If the issue is still not resolved they may address the issue with the Region Director. If the situation is still not resolved to the parents liking they may request to speak before the Governing Board in a public meeting. The school strives to provide open communication with our parents and to resolve all conflicts as close to where the issue began.
Vital to our students’ success will be the involvement of their parents. Research has shown that students attending schools with strong parental involvement perform better and achieve more. As such, parents and/or legal guardians will be expected to contribute at least 30 hours per school year to the students and school’s success through both “in” and “out” of school volunteer opportunities. The Nau Charter School will ensure that these opportunities are varied and available during the day, evening and weekends to accommodate the busy schedules of our families.
Additionally, the Nau Charter School will establish a PTA/PTO to encourage parent participation and advocacy. The organized structure of the PTA/PTO will provide program ideas, resources, support and volunteer leadership training. The Nau Charter School, through the PTA/PTO, will establish consistent, communication channels between parents, teachers and administrators using a variety of proven techniques and methods. All parents and guardians will be encouraged to participate in the PTA/PTO to make sure that the needs of the students and their families always come first.
Finally, student achievement will also rely on the joint efforts and teamwork of the entire St. Lucie County community. Neighborhood businesses, local residents and others interested in our students’ success will be welcomed partners at the school. The Nau Charter School will maintain close relationships with local business and civic groups to serve as Partners in Education. We will encourage community volunteers including local high school students and senior citizens to support our students in their quest for excellence. It is our belief that diversity adds to our strength, so significant efforts will be made to ensure the school is an inclusive environment for those who want to participate. Our goal is to design programs that create a sense of cooperation, trust and shared experiences that will transcend life at school and help to improve the entire community in which we live.
A School Climate Survey is performed annually and allows parents, students, and teachers to provide input about the school and its management. The survey results serve as a guide for improving school services.