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Montclair Elementary
Parent and Family Engagement Plan 2025-2026
Involvement of Parents
Describe how the school will involve parents and families in an organized and ongoing manner in the planning, reviewing, and improvement of Title I programs including involvement in the decision-making of how funds for Title I will be used. (ESEA Sections 1116)
Focus Area
Evidence
X
Tentative dates/timelines
Parent and family engagement in the planning, reviewing, and improvement of Title I programs (including the decision-making process of how funds are used).
Title I Annual Parent Meeting
X
August/September/October
School Advisory Council Meeting (SAC)
X
4
Barriers
Describe the barriers that hinder participation by parents during the previous school year in parental involvement activities. Include the steps the school will take during the upcoming school year to overcome the barriers (with particular attention to parents who are disabled, have limited English proficiency, and parents/families of migratory children) {ESEA Section 1116}.
Barrier(s):
Including the
Specific Subgroup
X
Plan of Action (Steps to overcome)
Language
X
Translations provided for written communications and translator available for conferences and family events
Disabilities
Transportation
Child Care
X
Activities for younger children provided at events.
Schedule
X
Meetings at a variety of times of the day to accommodate parent’s schedule
Homelessness
Communication
X
2 weeks notice for events, social media, call outs
No WiFi Availability
Other
Flexible Parent Meetings
Describe how the school will offer a flexible number of meetings, such as meetings in the morning or evening.
How will the school provide, with Title I funds, transportation, child care, or home visits, as such services related to parental engagement {ESEA Section 1116}.
Flexible Meetings
Description of Meetings/Activity
X
Morning meetings
Meetings will be offered before school
X
Afternoon meetings
Meetings will be offered during/after school
X
Evening meetings
Meetings will be offered in the evenings
X
Transportation
Title I funds budgeted for transportation
Child care
Title I funds budgeted for child care
Home Visits
Title I funds budgeted for home visits
Other
Building Capacity of Parents
Describe how the school will implement activities that will build the capacity for meaningful parent/family involvement, and building relationships with the community to improve student academic achievement. Describe the actions the school will take to provide materials and training to help parents assist parents/families to work with their child. Include information on how the school will provide other reasonable support for parent/family engagement activities under {ESEA Section 1116}.
Parent Engagement Budget: $TBD
Open House Conferences (Elementary Schools)
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Activity
Person Responsible
Materials/Training
Provided
Date
Documentation
Evidence
0
Open House Conferences
(elementary)
School-based contact
FOCUS information, School Family Compact discussed
September Open House date
Sign in sheet, agenda, feedback forms
Parent Engagement Activities
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Topic
Title of Activity
Person Responsible
Materials/Training
Provided to Parents/Families
Tentative Date/Time
(is it flexible?)
Documentation
Evidence
(announcement, agenda, sign in sheet, evaluation, etc.)
1
Family Data Conference Night
Shenika Johnson
Student data, strategies for improvement and at home practice
Late September, Early October
Advertisement, Sign in sheet, Agenda, Evaluation
2
Family Literacy Night
Shenika Johnson
ELA strategies for improvement and at home practice.
Late January/Early February
Advertisement, Sign in sheet, Agenda, Evaluation, pictures
Other Activities
Describe the other activities, such as parent resource centers, the school will conduct to encourage and support parents and families in more meaningful engagement in the education of their children {ESEA Section 1116}.
Parent Resource Center (PRC)
A dedicated space in our media center with books, flyers, internet access, and materials to support parenting, academic help, and community resources.Parent-Teacher Conferences
Scheduled meetings to discuss student progress and collaborate on support strategies.Quarterly Workshops for Parents
Sessions on topics like FOCUS portal, internet safety, mental health awareness, and financial literacy.Volunteer Opportunities
Parents can volunteer in classrooms, at events, or on school committees.School Newsletters / Communication Apps
Regular updates through emails, printed newsletters, or apps like ClassDojo, Remind, or ParentSquare to keep families informed.Staff Development
Describe the professional development activities the school will provide to educate the teachers, specialized instructional support personnel, principals, other school leaders and other staff leaders and other staff with the assistance of parents/families and the school. How to value and utilize the contributions of parents/families. How to reach out to, communicate with and work with parents/families as equal partners. How to implement and coordinate parent/family programs, and build ties between parents/families and the school. {ESEA Section 1116}.
Focus Areas for Staff Development
A
Value and utility of contributions of parents and families.
B
How to reach out to, communicate with and work with parents/families as equal partners.
C
Implementing and coordinating parent/family programs.
D
Building ties between parents/families and the school.
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Topic - Title of Activity
Person Responsible
Anticipated Parent Engagement Focus Area
(list the focus area/s)
Tentative Date
Documentation
Evidence
(agenda, sign in sheet, etc.)
1
School-based contact PD
District Title I staff
A, B, C, D
July/August
Agenda, sign in sheet, and evaluation
2
Elementary Conferences
Video PD
Shenika Johnson
A, B, D
August Teacher pre-planning
Sign-in and reflection (Google Form)
3
HomeSchool
Connection Topics
Each Month
Shenika Johnson
A, B, D
ongoing
Feedback, climate
survey, Sign in and
Agenda
4
Building Ties
between home and
school
Link to Title 1
D
ongoing
Sign in and climate
survey
Communication
Describe how the school will provide parents of participating children the following:
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Timely information about the Title I programs;
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Description and explanation of the curriculum at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the achievement levels students are expected to obtain;
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If requested by parents, the school provides opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children and
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If the school-wide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, the school will submit the parents’ comments with the plan that will be made available to the local education agency {ESEA Section 1116}.
Communication Focus Areas
Type of Activity
X
Evidence of activity
How does the school communicate timely information about the Title I program?
Title I Annual Parent Meeting
X
Google Slides/Screenshot; Advertisement, Agenda, Minutes, Sign in Sheet
SAC
X
Advertisement, Agenda, Minutes, Sign in Sheet
Electronic Communication
X
copies of logs/emails
Mail Out to Parents
Family Nights
X
Flyer, RSVP, FOCUS Emails/Call outs/Marquis Picture/Picture of engaged families/surveys
School Website
X
Screenshot
School Messenger
X
LOGS and Scripts
Flyers
X
copies with date sent noted
Other
How does the school communicate timely information about curriculum, assessment, and achievement?
Title I Annual Parent Meeting
X
Google Slides/Screenshot; Advertisement, Agenda, Minutes, Sign in Sheet
Family Nights
X
Flyer, RSVP, FOCUS Emails/Call outs/Marquis Picture/Picture of engaged families/surveys
Newsletters
X
copies
Open House (elementary)
X
Sign in sheet, agenda
SAC
X
Advertisement, Agenda, Minutes, Sign in Sheet
Website
X
Screenshot
FOCUS
X
logs
RTI Parent Meetings
X
documented logs and signature pages
Conferences
X
logs
Other
How does the school offer opportunities for regular meetings for families to participate in making decisions and give feedback?
SAC Meetings
X
Advertisement, Agenda, Minutes, Sign in Sheet
PTA Meetings
Conferences (elementary)
X
Conference sign in sheet, student data, conference agenda with notes
Other
Accessibility
Describe how the school will provide full opportunities for participation in parental involvement activities for all parents. Include how the school plans to share information related to school and parent programs, meetings, school reports, and other activities in an understandable, uniform format and in a language that parents/families can understand.
Describe the opportunities that families have to fully participate in their child’s education.
Families can participate in their child's education in a variety of meaningful ways, including:
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Attending School Events and VOLUNTEERING: Families can take part in orientation, open house events, and school performances to learn about the school environment, meet teachers, and celebrate student achievements.
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Joining School Advisory Council (SAC): By participating in SAC meetings, families can help shape school policies, programs, and improvement plans, ensuring their voices are heard in school decision-making.
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Engaging in Family Nights: These events offer fun, educational activities where families and children can learn together and build stronger school connections.
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Parent-Teacher Conferences: These meetings give families a chance to discuss their child’s academic progress, behavior, and needs directly with teachers, helping support learning at home.
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Using the FOCUS Parent Portal: This online tool allows families to monitor grades, attendance, and assignments in real time, fostering better communication and support between home and school.
Through active involvement in these areas, families can support their child's academic success, build strong relationships with educators, and create a positive school experience.
Describe how the school will share information to families in an understandable, uniform format, and in different languages as needed.
The school will share information with families in a clear, consistent, and accessible manner to ensure all families stay informed and engaged. This includes:
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Information will be shared through newsletters, school websites, emails, phone calls, text messages, and the FOCUS Parent Portal to ensure families receive updates in the format they prefer.
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Communications will be written in plain language, free of educational jargon, and formatted consistently so families can easily find key information such as dates, times, and action steps.
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All important documents and messages will be translated into the home languages of families, as needed. The school will also provide interpreters for meetings, conferences, and events to ensure full understanding and participation.
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The school will offer support through bilingual staff, front office assistance, and virtual help sessions to answer questions and guide families through resources.
By providing information in a family-friendly, inclusive, and multilingual format, the school ensures that all families can participate fully in their child’s education.
Annual Parent Meeting
Describe the specific steps the school will take to conduct an annual meeting designed to inform parents and families of participating children about the school’s Title I program, the nature of the Title I program (schoolwide or targeted assistance), Adequate Yearly Progress, school choice, and the rights of parents are covered at the annual meeting.
Phase 1: Hold at least one live, in-person* meeting
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Held by mid October (by Friday of the second full week of the month)
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Conducted before or after a school event or as a stand-alone event
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Publicized in a timely manner utilizing a coordinated combination of at least two of the following (or similar) invitation formats to best reach all families in the weeks preceding the event(s):
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School Messenger automated phone service
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School Calendar
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Newsletter/Flyer
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email/FOCUS messenger
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Marquee/a-frame signs
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Website/Social Media
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Documented evidence families are informed of the school’s participation as a Title I school, the requirements of the Title I, Part A program, and the right of parents to be involved by maintaining evidence of
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Invitations (copies, screenshots, scripts, messenger reports, etc)
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Agenda
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Sign-in sheets (or other attendance records from virtual participants)
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Minutes/notes/presentation slides customized for the school
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Summary of survey results
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*in-person meetings may be supplemented with simultaneous virtual broadcasts or wholly virtual if in-person events are restricted.
Phase 2: Post “Missed Meeting” informational slide to the school’s website after the live meeting.
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Presented using district-created Slides template
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Posted for a minimum of two weeks following the live annual meeting; or the last two weeks of October at the latest
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Posted in a prominent location of school’s website
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Customized with school’s updated information and documents
Coordination and Integration with Other Federal Programs
Describe how the school will coordinate and integrate parent and family engagement programs and activities that teach parents how to help their children at home {ESEA Section 1116}.
Program
Coordination
X
Head Start
LEA cofunds Head Start for 200 children. These services are provided in schools with our highest poverty. Family events provide guidance and modeling of emergent literacy development activities.
Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten
Title I Part A co-funds VPK services, by extending full day services in schools with our highest poverty. Family events provide guidance and modeling of emergent literacy development activities.
X
Title I, Part C
Migrant families participate in a LEA Advisory Council for English Language Learners. Translators are available for teacher conferences as well as to assist with translation of documents to be provided for families. Family events provide guidance and modeling of emergent literacy development activities.
X
Title I, Part D
Resources are provided for parents whose children are enrolled in Neglected & Delinquent programs.
X
ESOL-Title III
Provides supplemental resources for English Language Learners (ELL) such as services and paraprofessionals.
X
Title IV, Part A
Provides students with a well-rounded education, supports safe and healthy students, and supports the effective use of technology. Schools benefit through Capturing Kids’ Hearts training and the services of the secondary schools guidance TSA.
Carl Perkins Career and Technical Education Act
Provides funds to increase the quality of career and technical education.
Title IX, Part A
Provides hygiene items, school supplies, enrollment assistance, social work, and advocacy. Assistance for housing, food, clothing, and other emergency support are available for families referred under Title IX.
X
IDEA
Provides students with disabilities a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) that is tailored to their individual needs including an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), placement in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), appropriate evaluation, parent and teacher participation, and procedural safeguards.
X
Assurances about the Parent and Family Engagement Plan
I, Elizabeth Greenberg, do hereby certify that all facts, figures, and representations made in this application are true, correct, and consistent with the statement of assurances for these waivers. Furthermore, all applicable statutes, regulations, and procedures; administrative and programmatic requirements; and procedures for fiscal control and maintenance of records will be implemented to ensure proper accountability for the expenditure of funds on this project. All records necessary to substantiate these requirements will be available for review by appropriate district, state and federal staff for a minimum of five (5) years. I further certify that all expenditures will be obligated on or after the effective date and prior to the termination date of the project. Disbursements will be reported only as appropriate to this project, and will not be used for matching funds on this or any special project, where prohibited.
Assurances
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The school will be governed by the statutory definition of parent and family engagement, and will carry out programs, activities, and procedures in accordance with the definition outlined in ESEA Section 8101;
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Involve the parents of children served in Title I, Part A in decisions about how Title I, Part A funds reserved for parental involvement are spent {Section 1116 (a)(3)(b);
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Plan was jointly developed/revised with parents and distributed to our families and the local community {Section 1116 (b)(1);
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Engage parents and families, in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of programs under this part, including the planning review, and improvement of the school parent and family engagement policy and the joint development of the school wide program plan under Section 1116 (c)(3);
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Use the findings of the Parent and Family Engagement Plan review to design strategies for more effective parent and family engagement, and to review, if necessary, the school’s Parent and Family Engagement Plan {Section 1116 (a)(E);
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If the plan for Title I, Part A, developed under Section 1112, is not satisfactory to the parents and family of participating children, the school will submit parent and family comments with the plan when the school submits the plan to the local educational agency [Section 1116(b)(4)];
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Provide to each parent an individual student report about the performance of their child on the state assessment {Section 1112 (e)(1)(B)(i);
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Provide each parent timely notice when their child has been assigned or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet applicable State certification or licensure requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned {Section 1112 (e)(1)(B)(ii)}; and
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Provide each parent timely notice information regarding their right to request information on the professional qualifications of the student's classroom teachers and paraprofessionals {Section 1112 (e)(1)(A).
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