Parent Involvement Increases in L’Anse Creuse
 
Understanding that a student will improve academically through a team-based, academic approach between the school and parent, L’Anse Creuse Public Schools has increased its parent involvement opportunities at each school building. “Our parent involvement activities have gone beyond the traditional school parties, field trip supervision and attendance at various school events,” states Nina Shipley, L’Anse Creuse Learning Consultant. “Each building has developed unique opportunities for parents to become a part of the learning community and team with the staff to develop lifelong learners.”

A child’s parent is his or her first teacher as demonstrated by the latest research on parent involvement. Based on an article published by the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory on parent and community involvement, “Schools, families, and communities across the country--from rural Washington to suburban Missouri to New York City--are developing partnerships that help children and youth, families, and neighborhoods succeed.” Building on this concept, the majority of the schools within L’Anse Creuse offer workshops, training opportunities, parent resource libraries and parent advisory groups. “Tenniswood Elementary offers a Parent Academy where homework strategies in math, reading and social studies are provided,” says Karen Nelson, principal.  “This is our way of connecting with parents and providing the support that both they and their child needs to successfully team with our curriculum efforts.” 

Regular workshops and seminars are available throughout the district to keep parents up to date on the latest in research standards and advances in education. As an example, South River Elementary school will host a Love & Logic seminar for parents. L’Anse Creuse High School-North offers regular parent support meetings led by Principal Dave Jackson and, recently, the staff at L’Anse Creuse Middle School-East hosted a drug awareness seminar. “These topic-related seminars are terrific ways for parents to keep updated on current issues related to child development and trends affecting a student’s education,” says Director of Community Relations & Programs, Michelle Irwin.

Social and athletic activities are another means for parental support demonstrated throughout the district, connecting them to their school community. Both Atwood and Donald J. Yacks Elementary schools sponsor parent basketball nights, while various buildings host a number of parent networking opportunities. States Principal Lou Ann Fanning of Atwood Elementary, “Our parents get together to discuss issues related to the school and their children’s learning through our Muffins with Moms and Donuts with Dads programs. These are very well received and parents seem to really appreciate the opportunity.”

For a complete list of all the activities available for parents and students, please visit our Web site at www.lc-ps.org and go to the calendar section.  Monthly events are also listed on Channel 15 on WOW.