EPISODE #2: Parent Engagement
This episode explores how parents/guardians are engaged and involved in their child’s learning at our schools. From online communication about what children are learning in the classroom, to information sessions that strengthen a parent's ability to support their child’s academic success and emotional well-being, parent engagement is essential to education.
Video Transcript
Director's Cut Episode # 2 - Parent Engagement
Parents and guardians play a vital role in their child’s education at the Halton District School Board. When parents are engaged and involved, everyone, including students, families, teachers, schools and communities, benefit. Our schools become positive places for students to learn, grow and succeed.
Parents and guardians are vital partners who contribute to the work of our educators, schools, and communities. As leaders and mentors, they influence and support students’ academic achievement and success. There is an increasing amount of educational research that shows positive parent-guardian engagement can lead to improved student achievement, reduced absenteeism, and restored confidence among parents in their children’s schooling.
In the Halton District School Board, parents and guardians engage in their child's learning in many ways. From online communication about what children are learning in the classroom, to information sessions that strengthen a parent's ability to support their child’s academic success and emotional well-being, parent engagement is essential to education.
Google Guardian
Teachers in the Halton District School Board have access to a suite of online software that enables them to connect with parents and guardians and provide regular updates about what their child is learning in school, upcoming assignments and tests, and future lessons. One of these tools is Google Guardian.
Social Media
Social media is an increasingly effective method of communicating and engaging with parents and guardians. Twitter enables educators to share, in real time, what learning looks like in their classroom each day so parents and guardians have a window into their child’s learning.
Annual Parent Involvement Conference
Recognizing the value and importance of parent and guardian engagement, the Halton District School Board hosts an annual Parent Involvement conference in October. This daylong event helps equip parents and guardians with the tools, knowledge and expertise to support their child’s learning. It provides an opportunity to network, share ideas, offer input and enjoy informative presentations on a number of education related topics. The Board’s Parent Involvement Committee makes parental engagement a priority by providing ongoing system-wide support and promoting communication between parents and guardians, the Board, and members of the community.
HDSB Mobile App
An important communications tool for the Halton District School Board is our HDSB Mobile App, which provides essential school information directly to parents' smartphones. In the App, parents can subscribe to their child’s school to receive school notifications, calendar updates and report their child’s absences. The App links parents to popular web content like school bus transportation, social media and school cash online. The HDSB Mobile App is available for download on the App Store and Google Play.
Hawthorne Village PS International Reading Activity
Schools understand they can help students better perform with support from the parent and guardian community. At Hawthorne Village Public School in Milton, families have opportunities to help engage students with their experiences and backgrounds through an international reading program.
Throughout the school year, families visit the school to read a book to younger students in their first language. This activity helps build inclusivity and cultural understanding so students can see themselves reflected in their daily learning.
School Parent Information Sessions
Schools in the HDSB recognize the importance of providing parents and guardians with opportunities to learn about effective ways to support their child’s learning. This can be achieved through events like parent information sessions that cover topics such as strategies for supporting math and literacy at home, or addressing youth mental health, social media etiquette and online safety. These sessions are held throughout the year and communicated to parents by the school.
In Conclusion
We know that parent and guardian engagement plays a pivotal role in a child’s school experience. Your dedication and willingness to be a positive and important pillar in your child’s education helps the Halton District School Board create a learning environment that is collaborative, transparent, inclusive and responsive.
In partnering with our parents and guardians, it is our goal to help students explore and enhance their potential, passions and strengths to thrive as contributing global citizens.