Family Engagement Policy

Building a Better Future

We understand how important it is to work together with our families to offer our scholars the best possible educational opportunities. Our Parent Involvement Policy is designed to highlight the various ways we can invite parent input as we shape our school programs—through the Parent/Student/Teacher Compact, parent meetings, and written communications.

This policy also outlines how we share information and provide support and training to help parents stay connected with their child's educational journey.

Parent/Scholar/Teacher Compact

We believe in the importance of joining the efforts of parents, staff, and scholars. These stakeholders have created a Parent/Scholar/Teacher Compact outlining the commitments of all members to ensure the success of every student at Dinkins Middle Magnet School. The compact is on file at the school, posted throughout the building, will be distributed to parents at the beginning of the year, and reviewed at Parent-Teacher conferences.

Parent Participation

We respect and value the opinions and ideas of all parents; and we seek input from all our stakeholders for our School Improvement Plan. Our school’s leadership team meets regularly to evaluate and revise this plan which guides curriculum and teaching.

A parent and a community representative will serve on our leadership team. Each year we review the Parent Involvement Policy and School Compact, and request input from parents. We encourage and solicit volunteers throughout the year for various school activities and programs.

Communications

We believe that communication between home and school is critical for ensuring the success of each child at Dinkins Middle School. Our school website, report cards, parent-teacher conferences (held at different times of the day), written notes, phone calls, and emails are all ways in which our teachers and parents communicate about students’ progress.

Teachers send home newsletters or other written communications to inform parents about classroom activities and curriculum. Each year we hold an Annual Meeting. At this meeting, parents’ rights to be involved are outlined and encouraged. Parents’ opinions are valued and encouraged. The school makes every attempt to respond to parents in a timely manner.

Parent Meetings and Trainings

In addition to our Annual Meeting, Dinkins Middle Magnet School offers opportunities for our parents to receive additional information and training through events such as school and district sponsored parent meetings, Parent Volunteer Training/Orientation, Literacy/Math nights, and other school and district family events. Training and materials are provided for parents to work with their child at home on grade-level academic standards.