While participating in the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, Ohio parent Maggie developed a plan for a family game night to guide families in structured play activities that improve students’ social skills. Read more about her plan below.
Introduction
I am a parent leader at Winton Woods City Schools. I am Branch Supervisor of Youth Services at a local library that serves the district, and PTA secretary. I am passionate about youth literacy, family and community engagement. I wanted to become a parent leader in order to be more strategic in community engagement efforts and the ways I support the school district.
At recent community conversations in the district, I heard an expressed need for an increase in connection between community members and a desire for a greater sense of belonging. Research indicates that increased community connection and belonging improves attendance, increases academic achievement, reduces behavioral issues, and enhances mental health.
Goal
The goal of the project is to provide an opportunity for connection and building a sense of belonging through involvement with the PTA.
Expected Outcomes
- Increased Family and Community Engagement – Attendance at PTA meetings and events will increase. Family and community volunteerism will increase.
- Increased Awareness of PTA Role in Schools – Families and educators will report knowledge of PTA sponsorship of school activities. Educators will report knowledge of how to request PTA support.
- Increased Connection and Belonging – Those participating in PTA events as attendees or volunteers will report making new connections with other families and community members. Participants will report a greater sense of belonging in the schools and community.
Potential Challenges
- Language and Technology Barriers – With over 30 languages spoken in the district, any communication plan can only go so far. Not all families have access to or utilize district electronic communication tools.
- Information Overload and Schedule Conflicts – Individuals encounter a massive amount of information on a daily basis, and any additional communications may contribute to overwhelm. Meeting and event times may conflict with other obligations and priorities.
Next Steps
- Seek approval to include PTA informational flyers with district registration information for all incoming students including transfers.
- Request district-wide standard for acknowledging donors and sponsors in school communications and at events.
- Ensure there is a clear method for families and community members to share input and provide feedback on events, and build in time at meetings and events for attendees to make connections with each other.
- Share about volunteer opportunities and opportunities for participation with community members.