Title I Information
Title I Information
Embedded Files
Benjamin Syms Middle School has participated in the Title I program since September 2015. Title I provides federal funds that allows us to offer a variety of resources and specialized staff that work to support student achievement and family needs.
What is Title I?
Title I, as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, is a federally funded program designed to assist students for greater achievement in reading and math. In addition, the Title I program has always encouraged and recognized the importance of family engagement in student success! With the reauthorization of this program families will have more opportunities to become more engaged in their child’s education.
What does Title I do for Syms?
Title I funds the Family Resource Center (located in D30), provides instructional materials for teachers, laptop computers for students (to use in school) and other 21st century technology and media resources such as the Promethean boards located in each classroom and iPads. Additionally, Title I provides specialized staff to support families (Mrs. Anderson, Family Engagement Specialist), students (Mr. Foster, Math Interventionist), and staff ( Ms. Brittany Foster, Literacy Support Specialist and Ms. Queen, Math Support Specialist).
What and where is the Title I Family Resource Center?
The Family Resource Center (FRC) is located in Room B25 across from the cafeteria. Materials that would normally be available for families to check out will remain unavailable for check out at this time. We are reviewing and updating available resources so that we can offer a better variety of options for families to utilize. In lieu of this option, the FES will collaborate with grade level teachers to locate materials online and/or create packets that families can pickup directly from the school and keep to use at home with the student.
Does Hampton City Schools have a Family Engagement Policy?
Yes! This document lets parents know how we as a school will support you and your students. Our school's family engagement policy is reviewed by a team of stakeholders and distributed to families annually:
Our School's Family Engagement Policy
What are Grade Level Home & School Compacts?
The Syms Home & School Compacts are sent home annually to assist families, students, and teachers in working together on strategies that can be used throughout the school year in the classroom and provide an easy way you can support learning at home. Each grade level compact comprised of key math and reading goals, as well as, strategies to achieve these goals together.
23/24 Home & School Compacts:
Our Program Framework
Our Program Framework
The Family Engagement Program at Syms Middle School seeks to provide support that enhances student achievement, empowers families for self-sufficiency, and creates a cohesive atmosphere that will build partnerships for all around success.
A Closer Look at the New Five Simple Principles for Family Engagement and What We Currently Have In Place In HCS
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 has HCS Title I Schools currently implemented Principle 1?
Embrace all dynamics of the family (changed the name from Parent Involvement to Family Engagement)
Scheduling events to include day and evening events.
Flexibility for volunteers
Consider every family's needs (food, clothing, academic resources)
Community involvement (Hampton University students, faith-based partners, military, resource officials, 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 has HCS Title I Schools currently implemented Principle 2?
Visibility
Availability
Open/Nonjudgemental
Trust
Respect of knowledge of both parties
Active listening/Communication
Using multiple modes of communication (ex. flyers, ConnectEd, word of mouth, website, email, newsletters, Parent/Teacher conferences, etc.)
Stepping "out of the box" into the community
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 has HCS Title I Schools currently implemented Principle 3?
Parent and community Volunteers
Resume Writing Workshops for Parents
Internet Usage Training Session for Parents
HERE! Program (notes/phone calls)
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 has HCS Title I Schools currently implemented Principle 4?
Create forums for families to voice concerns with admin concerning school changes
"Chat and Share" in the morning with admin
Action Team - Decision Making
Fall Surveys - feedback from families
Include parents on school committees
Include poll on newsletters/website
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 has HCS Title I Schools currently implemented Principle 5?
Patient First
Bayport
G.I.R.L.S. Club, Inc.
Hampton Public Library
Hampton Omega Foundation
Virginia Peninsula Foodbank
Local businesses
Newport News-Hampton Continentals
Community agencies and members
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