Dr. Steven Constantino's 

5  Simple Principles to Engage Every Family

Standard 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 is Burbank Elementary School currently implementing Standard 1?

• • • Inclusive Communication: Burbank Elementary actively communicates with families through multiple channels, including newsletters, social media, and ParentSquare, ensuring that all families receive important updates and information.

    •  Family Engagement Programs: The school hosts regular family engagement events, such as the Community Giveaway and workshops, which encourage families to participate in school activities and learn about available resources.

    • Collaborative Partnerships: Burbank collaborates with community organizations and local businesses to create partnerships that support families and provide additional resources, enhancing the school community.

    • Feedback Mechanisms: The school gathers input from families through surveys and meetings, allowing them to voice their opinions and needs, which helps inform future programs and initiatives.

    • Culturally Responsive Practices: Efforts are made to celebrate the diverse cultures within the school community, fostering an inclusive environment where all families feel valued and represented.

    • Access to Resources: Access to Resources: Burbank provides access to community resources, including food assistance and educational materials, ensuring that families have the support they need to thrive.

    • Staff Training: Staff members receive training on family engagement best practices, enabling them to effectively collaborate with families and foster strong relationships.

Standard 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 is Burbank Elementary School currently implementing Standard 2?

• Regular Newsletters and Updates: Send out newsletters and updates via email, Parent Square and social media to keep families and other stakeholders informed about school activities, important dates, and student achievements.

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Organize regular conferences to allow teachers to meet with parents to discuss student progress and address any concerns, fostering open communication.

• Community Events: Host events like family nights, workshops, or cultural celebrations to strengthen relationships and encourage family participation.

• Feedback Surveys: Gather input from families through surveys to help Burbank understand their needs and improve engagement efforts.

• Personalized Communication: Reach out individually to families, providing tailored information about their child’s progress and ways to support learning at home.

Standard 3: Empower Every Family

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 is Burbank Elementary School currently implementing Standard 3?

• Inclusive School Culture: Foster an environment where families feel welcomed and valued by encouraging their participation in school events and decision-making processes.

• Family Resource Centers: Family Resource Center can provides families with access to information, support services, and community resources that empower them to engage more fully in their children’s education.

• Workshops and Training: Offer workshops on topics like child development, academic support strategies, and community resources to help families feel more equipped to support their children’s learning.

• Volunteer Opportunities: Actively involve families in school activities, such as volunteering in classrooms or organizing events, to help them feel like essential members of the learning team.

• Open Communication Channels: Provide multiple avenues for families to share their insights and feedback reinforces their role as valuable partners in education.

• Celebrating Diversity: Recognize and celebrate the diverse backgrounds of families through events or programs to strengthen community ties and ensure that all families feel represented and valued.

Standard 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 is Burbank Elementary School currently implementing Standard 4?

• Family Engagement Action Team: Serves as a platform for families to voice their opinions and contribute to school policies and practices, fostering a sense of shared responsibility.

• Active PTA Involvement: Key role in decision-making, allowing parents to participate in discussions about school initiatives and community events.

• Fall and Spring Surveys: Conduct regular surveys, providing families with opportunities to give feedback on various aspects of the school experience, helping to guide decision-making based on their insights.

• Parent Participation on School Committees: Include parents on committees to ensure diverse perspectives in planning and decision-making processes, making the school environment more inclusive.

• Open Forums and Meetings: Host regular meetings where families can discuss concerns and contribute ideas to reinforce their role in shaping the school community.

Standard 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 is Burbank Elementary School currently implementing Standard 5?

• Faith-Based Partnerships: Collaborate with local faith-based organizations to provide additional support for families and students, offering resources such as mentorship programs, after-school activities, and community service opportunities.

• Community Partnerships: Establish relationships with local nonprofits and organizations to help the school access valuable resources and programs that enhance student learning and well-being.

• Engagement with Area Businesses: Partner with local businesses to provide students and families with real-world learning experiences, internships, opportunities for career exploration, and sponsorship of school events or programs.

• Collaboration with Hampton Public Library: Work with the library to promote literacy and learning through joint events, reading programs, and access to additional resources for students and families.

• Community Events: Host events that bring together families, community members, and local organizations to help foster a sense of belonging and collaboration, reinforcing the school’s role as a community hub.

• Partnership with Academies of Hampton: Collaborate with secondary schools to allow Burbank to provide students with early exposure to various academic pathways to help spark interest in different fields and prepare students for future educational opportunities.