School Goals for Parent EngagementGoal #1:

Welcoming Environment

Provide a welcoming environment for families and invite them to participate as equal partners in

their children’s education

June 2013

Identify the benefits and components of a welcoming environment

Learn how to assess a school’s environment and develop a plan

Objectives

June 2013

It creates a positive, student-centered school climate.

Parents become stronger partners and are involved both at the school and helping their children at home.

Parents and community have a sense of belonging and become loyal members of the school community.

Trusting relationships among staff and families lead to improved student outcomes.

Benefits of a Welcoming Environment

June 2013

Physical EnvironmentWelcoming School StaffCommunicationSchool-Wide Practices

Key Components of a Welcoming Environment

June 2013

The Walkthrough is a tour that a team of staff and/or parents and community takes to assess the key components of a welcoming environment at the school.

A checklist is used by each team member to record their findings to provide input for recommendations on enhancing the school’s environment.

Welcoming Environment Walkthrough

June 2013

1. Conduct Welcoming Environment Training2. Create Welcoming Environment Team3. Conduct Welcoming Environment Walkthrough

Each team member completes the Welcoming Environment Checklist

4. Team debriefs and collaborates to complete the Welcoming Environment Recommendation Form

5. School develops and implements Welcoming Environment Plan

6. Reevaluate school’s Welcoming Environment at the beginning of each semester

Walkthrough Process

June 2013