Written by Catherine Stewart, O.P. principal, Westside Catholic School, Diocese of Evansville, [email protected]
As our new year begins, I’ve spent time reflecting on the question, “How do we intentionally and consistently engage parents throughout the year?” For most parents, a sense of belonging is necessary before they become actively engaged in school activities; this sense of belonging also is fundamental to deepening parents’ faith. There is no “one-size-fits-all” way to belong. Busy schedules, a variety of commitments or being somewhat introverted, some parents prefer to belong by participating in activities that can be accomplished at home on their own time. Other parents enjoy the social aspect of belonging and prefer to attend meetings and/or events held in school or at church. There is also the group that prefers to participate in both at-home activities and at-school activities.
Intentionally being present and greeting parents as they drop off their children or pick them up or chatting with them wherever I happen to meet them is the best way to become aware of their needs. Most parents do not explicitly state what they need or their “belonging” preferences, however, with careful listening, I can infer their needs. Being aware of which parents participate in which activities is another indication of their preferences.
This year, we are intentionally creating a variety of activities that hopefully meet the needs of all of our parents. Some of the activities that I share in this article were done in the past and others we are trying for the first time. All of our activities are designed to create and deepen our relationships with our parents as we partner with them in educating the whole child.
At-Home Activities
- Our first outreach to parents is when their child is baptized. The newly baptized child’s name is given to one of “our fourth graders,” who begins to create a relationship with the baby by sending holiday cards throughout the year and by inviting the parents and the baby to spend 20–30 minutes in our fourth grade classroom. The following year, the student and the family continue the relationship and are invited to the fifth grade classroom and this relationship continues until the baby enters kindergarten and the student graduates.
- Another way my co-principal and I reach out to our families is to video short segments of the two of us discussing a book that updates parents on a variety of topics. We market this as “A Coffee Minute with the Dynamic Duo.” Parents can view the video on their own time, and it allows us to share current parent best practices with our families.
- This year our diocesan Catholic schools’ theme is “Rooted in the Catholic Faith.” Each month we are focusing on a different virtue. Not only will this virtue be talked about at school, but we are also sending home a 10-minute family activity for parents and their children. We are hoping that the excitement of the child will encourage the families to do the activity.
At-School Activities
- Every other month, one of our grades is responsible for all of the service roles at a weekend Mass. Our families eagerly take their turns and enjoy seeing each other at these Masses and interacting with parishioners and school staff.
- At the beginning of the school year, the parents of our 3- and 4-year-olds sign up for a 10-minute time to individually bring their child’s supplies to the classroom and spend time with the teacher. This creates a positive one-on-one relationship which continues to grow throughout the year.
- Our school day begins with a morning meeting in which all of our students gather in the gym for prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, an introduction to the saint of the day, individual students’ birthday’s celebration and announcements. We offer parents the opportunity to join us either in person or via Zoom or Google meet.
- We offer opportunities for parents to join us in the evening for Mix and Mingles. There’s usually a short presentation (10-15 minutes) followed by discussion questions. After the discussion there’s social time built in at the end of this event.
- New families also receive “family buddies,” who are “seasoned families” who answer their questions, attend school events with them and basically provide support as they become members of our community.
In conclusion, honoring each parent’s preference of belonging and creating and offering a variety of activities throughout the school year is the key to helping parents become actively engaged in their child’s education and deepening their sense of belonging which in turn deepens their faith.
