Row 1: Leslie Cameli (NNPS Key Contact), Deb Whang, Amy VanderVeen, Susan Stuckey (Principal), Janet Anderson, Sheryl Robinson, Amy Connelly, and Susie Fischer. Row 2: Lynn Gissler (NNPS Key Contact), Stephanie Birch, Claire Dunnett, Jennifer Madson, Cheryl Fortman, Celeste Akre, Lisa Wisinski, Brian Kessler, Christine O'Neil, Sue Kouri, and Connie Eilers.
Meet the Challenge to Involve More Families
Highlands Elementary School, a seven-time award winner, improves its partnership program every year. In 2007, Highlands SFCP (School, Family, Community Partnerships Team) conducted Cultural Experience Night, an activity designed to involve more and different families in the school and with students. Over 150 participants explored 20 cultures from around the world, including life in the school’s “sister city” in Nitra, Slovakia.
Each student was given a “passport” that was stamped when traveling from country to country. Students and families enjoyed creative and interactive exhibits, home-made ethnic foods, games, dances, and other performances. The activity supported school improvement goals to involve families and create opportunities for students to learn about different cultures and to embrace the similarities and differences among people. The educators observed that students gained greater cultural awareness, sensitivity, and respect for others.
Reach Results for Student Success in School
To help boost students’ math skills, Highlands SFCP created take-home Family Math Backpacks for 2nd graders. Two backpacks were placed in each classroom and one in the Parent Resource Center. The backpacks were designed to reinforce students’ knowledge and skills of key math concepts and to improve performance on the state’s standardized math test. Educators identified specific skills that needed attention and developed activities that supported classroom learning. SFCP purchased supplies, developed instructions and a survey for parents, and assembled the backpacks. The games, manipulables, and activities in the backpacks guided parents to assist their children, at their own math level, to master math requirements, including early geometry skills and writing to explain math responses.
By focusing on students in the 2nd grade, the educators and parents aimed to prepare students for the skills that will be taught and tested in 3rd grade. Feedback from the project has been very positive. One parent commented on the survey form, “I love math backpack games. They are fun for the whole family.” A second grade teacher reported, “Students enjoy having the opportunity to take home the backpack. They are eager for their turn!” One family recommended that an inventory sheet be included to be sure that all contents are returned. This suggestion will be incorporated into next year’s project.
See Highlands Elementary School’s history of Partnership School Awards from 2001 to 2006 and examples of activities in Promising Partnership Practices on the website, www.partnershipschools.org, in the section Success Stories. Visit the school at www.naperville203.0rg/Highlands.