Looking for ways to boost students’ excitement about learning, involve more parents in their children’s education, and engage community partners to support school goals? Many elementary schools conduct Family Nights to address these aims, inviting students and their parents into the school for an evening with the teachers. Family Nights may focus on reading, math, science, character development, or other school improvement goals. Parents and children may participate in hands-on learning activities, learn strategies for success in school, and interact with teachers, other parents, and students. Many schools in NNPS conduct successful Family Nights and have reported several key features.
Well-publicized events typically draw high attendance. Leaphart Elementary School in Columbia, S.C., publicized its Family Literacy Night through fliers, notes, weekly newsletters, the school’s marquee, the school’s news program, and the principal’s daily announcements. Other schools have systematically telephoned parents to remind them of the event, sent out e-mails, and posted information about the Family Night on the school’s website.
Whether it’s breakfast for dinner, pizza, or spaghetti cooked by the PTO, if you supply food, they will come. Southside Elementary School in Buffalo, N.Y., held a Dictionary Dinner. Third- and fourth-grade students who attended with their families received a new Merriam-Webster Illustrated Garfield Dictionary and instructions from the school librarian on how to use it properly. This presentation was preceded by a hearty chicken dinner, prepared at cost by an alumnus of the school. Other schools have had businesses donate or discount food as an incentive to attend an event.
Regardless of the subject and content, Family Nights should always be active. When Roosevelt Elementary School in St. Paul, Minn., conducted the “Oops—Turn Me Off!” Science Family Night, the Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) transformed the cafeteria into a science lab with seven stations for parents and students to work on experiments. The event enlightened families about conserving energy. By providing hands-on activities, schools create richer learning experiences and encourage more students and parents to attend.
Successful Family Nights typically are planned by several partners in education. The ATP, PTA, math content coach, teachers, administrators, and community members got together to plan Family Math Night at Glen Haven Elementary School in Silver Spring, Md. The Montgomery County Credit Union set up a table with banking information for parents, and other local businesses supplied door prizes and refreshments. Community members served as translators for families whose native languages were Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Creole. By reaching out to other partners, the ATP-sponsored Family Night boasted an audience of 250 students and family members.
A key element of a successful Family Night, evaluation may be completed in a number of ways. Glen Haven Elementary asked participants to complete “Exit Cards” to share reactions and suggestions. Leaphart Elementary School videotaped parents’ comments as they left the Family Literacy Night. By assessing outreach and results, an ATP can learn how to improve any activity.
Family Nights provide a fun way to bring families and children together to learn about different subjects. Because of their versatility, Family Nights can be planned for any goal (academic, behavioral, or climate) in your next One-Year Action Plan for Partnerships, for the 2006-07 school year. For more ideas, explore the various Family Nights in the annual collections of Promising Partnership Practices.