NNPS members complete UPDATE to renew membership and provide important information about program development. The comment section of UPDATE encourages two-way communication between NNPS members and staff, but the large number of school members prohibits individual responses. The most frequently asked questions can be answered in this newsletter, however, so keep reading to see what's on members' minds.
The most frequently asked question on 2004 UPDATE focused on how to involve more parents. Fortunately, the most important step in addressing this question has already been taken—join NNPS. Take other important steps by following NNPS guidelines: ensure several parents are members of your Action Team for Partnerships (ATP); write a One-Year Action Plan linked to school goals that lists parent ATP members as leaders of specific activities, but not as the only people responsible for implementing those activities; and recruit family members who are not ATP members to help with each partnership practice listed in the action plan.
Other suggestions to involve more families include: determine through surveys, informal conversations, and other ways if families feel welcome in the school. If they do not, make the changes that will create a family-friendly environment for all families. Broaden the definition of volunteers to include work anywhere, anytime for the students, and match volunteers' interests, talents, and availability with classroom and school needs. More parents will be involved in their children's education when they feel positive about the school, their ability to contribute to students' learning; and the purposefulness of the partnership activities the school plans.
The second most frequently asked question can be summed up in three words: Where's the money? Not surprisingly, NNPS school members want to secure more funds for their comprehensive partnership programs. For Title I schools, the first step is to find out how the district is allocating its funds that must be spent on parent involvement. Is your school receiving the money it is due for parent involvement under NCLB requirements? If the answer is "no," talk with someone in the district Title I office to see how funds for involvement can be obtained. If the answer is "yes," or if your school is not Title I, think about how your community can help support your partnership program.
Often the best route to receive community support is to solicit in-kind donations. Restaurants and grocery stores can donate refreshments for meetings, celebrations, and other activities. Book stores might donate gift certificates as reading program incentives. Printers may offer their services when you need to produce a brochure, event program, or other written materials. The list goes on, but the point remains the same: it is often more productive and satisfying for all involved to focus on in-kind donations rather than cash.
If you have exhausted all of the likely resources and the ATP still needs money, consider writing a grant proposal for a local foundation. Many grant opportunities have geographic stipulations, because the organizations or foundations want to invest in their own backyard. Determine exactly what the ATP wants and for what purpose, and write a clear and concise proposal, including how the organization's support will contribute to the betterment of the school and to student success. Submit the grant proposal, and keep trying until the ATP receives the funds it needs.
Your ATP completes UPDATE once a year, but you may ask questions any time. E-mail NNPS staff at nnps@csos.jhu.edu. Our goal is to provide the information you need to build and sustain comprehensive partnership programs linked to student success.