What is Title I?
So, your child attends a Title I school. What does that mean?
Title I is a federal program that provides financial assistance to support instructional programs in school divisions and schools with high percentages of low-income students. The purpose of Title I is to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education.
Translation: Title I students receive services and support above and beyond those of a non-Title I school. This is great news for your student! At Andrews, Title I funds pay for things like the extra math and reading support positions (Math and Reading Interventionists), FREE family fun and educational events throughout the year, the Family Engagement Specialist position and so much more.
Program documents
Grade Specific Home-School Compacts, Family Policy and Other Important documents can be viewed by clicking on links below. Should you want a printed copy, please contact Ms. Howard.
Our Program Framework
Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8 Family Engagement Mission:
Hunter B. Andrews PreK-8 Family Engagement Program will cultivate a cohesive team of school staff, families, and community partners centered around our school motto, "ONE BAND, ONE SOUND," that will focus on increasing family engagement and student achievement.
CONSTANTINO'S 5 SIMPLE PRINCIPLES
TO ENGAGE EVERY FAMILY
Principle 1: A Culture That Engages Every Family
The collective beliefs, attitudes, norms, values, actions and assumptions of the school organization explicitly embrace and are committed to ensuring the notion of families as a foundational core component to improvement and greater student learning and performance.
How does Andrews currently implement Standard 1?
Various workshops and events to include day and evening times.
Flexibility for volunteers
Consider every family's needs by offering links to community resources such as Social Services, USDA Food Distribution locations, clothing resources, shelter, utility assistance and local employment opportunities
Community involvement (Hampton University Football, Mayor's Book Club, etc.)
Every family will have a safe and comfortable environment!
Principle 2: Communicate Effectively and Develop Relationships
There is consistent evidence of creating environments in the school that are welcoming, respectful and conducive to family engagement. The school places an emphasis on effective communication with every family and stakeholder within the learning community and seeks to build trusting relationships with all families.
How does Andrews currently implement Standard 2?
Visibility & Availability
Open/Nonjudgemental & Trusting
Active listening/Communication
Offering varying forms of communication (flyers, School Messenger calls, text, word of mouth, website, email, newsletters, Class Dojo, Parent/Teacher conferences, etc.)
Stepping "out of the box" into the community by meeting with families in their homes or nearby
Principle 3: Build Family Efficacy
Families are recognized as essential members of the learning team for each student – they feel welcome and valued by the school. The school understands that families are important resources because they know their children and the greater community well.
How does Andrews currently implement Principle 3?
Weekly Snack Pack Distribution
Parent volunteers/Lunch Buddy Program
All Pro Dad Partnership
Mayor's Book Club
Volunteer Opportunities
Internet & Computer Usage for Parents
Employment Listings
HERE! Program (notes/phone calls/workshops)
Academic-focused events (Math and Reading)
Principle 4: Engage Every Family in Decision Making
The school recognizes the entitlement of parents to be consulted and participate in decisions concerning their own children. The school is genuinely inclusive in its approach to decision-making. It recognizes that this type of process creates a sense of shared responsibility among parents, students, community members, educators and administrators.
How does Andrews currently implement Principle 4?
Action Team - Decision Making
PTSA
Fall Surveys - feedback from families
Include parents on school committees
Principle 5: Engage the Greater Community
The school places a strong focus on building and creating partnerships external to the school. The school recognizes the strengths and talents that exist in the communities that influence student learning and development and seeks to use these to strengthen and support the school, students, and their families. It also recognizes that the school can be a focal point for communities to come together and engage in capacity building and renewal. The school views itself as an important community asset and has community representatives on the school’s governing body. There is a clear recognition from the school that the greater community plays an integral role in the educational success of the school.
How does Andrews currently implement Principle 5?
Faith-based partnerships with community churches (Third Baptist Church and Saint John's Episcopal Church)
Community Partnerships with local universities, businesses, and organizations (Hampton Sherriff's Department, Change Makers United, ShoeLady.Org, Old Point National Bank, and Hampton University)