Christine Cardinal, Family Involvement Coordinator; Maria Castro, Principal (St. Paul Public Schools)
Row 1:Josephine Elizondo, Eric Nybakken, and Debra Pridgen. Row 2: Maria Castro (Principal), Yia Thao, Cecilia Fogarty, and Christine Cardinal (Team Chair). Row 3: Dona Synstegard, Dorris McCarty, Michael Palmer, and Kao Her.
Roosevelt Elementary School joined NNPS in 2000 and has been part of the Saint Paul Public Schools Network of Partnership Schools, guided by the district's leaders on partnerships (see Saint Paul's 2003 Partnership District Award). The diverse school includes Latino, Asian, and African American students.
The Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) meets monthly. Members select one of the six types of involvement to become an expert in for the school. ATP members regroup to conduct specific activities scheduled throughout the year. Each new member is given NNPS materials on how the team and program are organized.
The school's leadership structure is interconnected. Some ATP members also serve on the school's Leadership Committee or Family Support Team. All family and community involvement activities are linked to the school goals in the School's Continuous Improvement Plan (SCIP), including improving students' reading and math achievement. The team writes a One-Year Action Plan based on school goals, and also creates a matrix indicating how the planned activities address the six types of involvement and the aims of the SCIP for Leadership, Focus on Students, Instruction, Staff Development, Family and Community Involvement, and Monitoring School Improvement.
Activities focus on the special interests of some families and the common interests of all families, as the school builds a climate of welcome and respect for all. Among many activities, the ATP conducted an African-American Family Night to focus families on children's academic and social development and needs. There was a speaker/performer, support from a restaurant, and childcare and transportation provided. Topics included student attendance, family involvement with children on literacy, and other ways for parents to support their children's learning and success in school.
The ATP organized a Math Event for all families of 2nd and 3rd grade students. Other team members coordinated Hispanic Mom's Night with help from the community group, CLUES (Chicanos Latinos Unidos En Servicio), with district leaders, principal, and teachers attending. Other ATP members organized Second Cup of Coffee -a monthly activity for parents to ask question and to discuss school activities such as testing, homework, and upcoming activities. Some families, who cannot come to evening events, come to the morning activity. At most events, childcare, refreshments, transportation, and books and materials (in English, Spanish, and Hmong/English) are provided. The ATP evaluates all activities, and, for some events conducted a follow up survey to learn whether parents used the information and materials. The ATP continually works to solve the challenge of engaging families who are not typically involved. It evaluates its program using NNPS' annual UPDATE survey to reflect on progress and next steps.
Roosevelt's partnership program includes many community connections, including the Girl Scout Council of St. Croix Valley and Neighborhood House/St. Paul. The Assistance League of Minneapolis' program, Operation School Bell, provides clothing to elementary school children in need. Senior citizens from Health East Residence visit and read with students. Over the past five years, reading volunteers from the Department of Labor and Industry have assisted our students. These connections have brought the school and community closer together and have helped students improve reading scores.
This is a comprehensive, organized structure. Family and Community Involvement encompasses a wide range of activities. Support from families and community is the backbone of our children's achievement. We believe in the strength the partnership provides. Sharing promising practices, getting district and national support, conferencing, networking and using the NNPS website all combine in making our programs for families excellent.
A teacher wrote: Roosevelt Elementary School's Partnership Program of school, family, and community partnerships has increased student self esteem, academic progress, parent involvement, and pride in our school and community. … We are no longer an isolated entity. We are a vibrant, living organization meeting the needs of students, families, and community.