Dandridge Elementary School
Family and Community Engagement Plan
 
     The Jefferson County Schools Family and Community Engagement Plan is based on the concept that families have a major influence on their children’s achievement in school and through life.  As a result of this influence, positive results with student achievement occur when schools, families, and community groups work together to support learning.  The Dandridge Elementary School Family and Community Engagement plan supports these beliefs.
     Opportunities exist for parents to review the state curriculum electronically on the county web site @ http://jc-schools.net.  Several paper copies are also available for review in the school library.  Parents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with grade specific curriculum and student textbooks each year during Open House.

      There are numerous ways that Dandridge Elementary School keeps parents informed:
• An up-dated student handbook is sent home each year with every child.  Parents and students are asked to sign the school/parent/student compact each year.
• Every nine weeks a report card is sent home in compliance with the JCS calendar.
• Interim progress reports are sent home between report cards in compliance with the JCS calendar.
• A weekly newsletter is sent home school wide conveying a weekly lunch menu and reminders of up-coming events and opportunities.
• Teacher/classroom specific newsletters are sent home monthly and/or weekly.
• Daily communication is made through assignment books and homework logs.

     Scheduled school wide events are planned for each school year including but not limited to:
• Open House is scheduled during the first month of school.
• Parent/Teacher conferences are held in the fall and spring of each year.
• Monthly PTO meetings are planned in cooperation with PTO officers and committee.
• Title I Parent Meeting is held each year. It is combined with the Evening with the Arts program (art display, music program), a Book Fair, and a free meal.
• Parents are given the opportunity to request three teachers for each child for the next school year.  This week is scheduled in the spring of each year.
• Parents are also encouraged/invited to volunteer in the classroom and assist with special events during the school year such as field day, fun day, field trips, etc.

  Opportunities for parents to participate in the decision making process of Dandridge Elementary School:
• Parents are invited to join the PTO at the beginning of the school year.  This organization works closely with administration and the PTO teacher committee to support on-going programs in the school.
• Parents are invited to serve on various committees that review and up-date the Dandridge Elementary School Improvement Plan and the school compact as needed.
• Parents will also be invited to serve on a school wide committee that will, among many things, be asked to examine the allocation of select school resources.

     Parents are encouraged to contact teachers and administrators with comments and concerns about Dandridge Elementary School.  We believe that the education and well being of our students is our primary concern.  Success in these areas is best achieved through a partnership with students, parents, teachers, administration, and community.