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Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Purpose

Oak Lawn Community High School (OLCHS), in partnership with families and the community, is committed to fostering meaningful parent and family engagement to support student academic success. This policy outlines the expectations and strategies for engaging in the educational process and is incorporated into the district's Consolidated District Plan.

Joint Development of Plans

OLCHS will:

  • Invite parents and family members to participate in the development and annual review of the Consolidated District Plan and School Improvement Plans. This is done annually throughour Superintendent’s Advisory Committee and also our Parent/Teacher/Student Association.
  • We also discuss family engagement activities and solicit feedback at most community nights including Curriculum Nights, Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee meetings, Parent/Teacher Nights, Registration Nights, etc.
  • Provide accessible formats (e.g., translated materials, interpreters) to ensure inclusive participation.

Capacity Building & Support

OLCHS will:

  • Offer professional development for staff on effective family engagement strategies.
  • Provide schools with resources and technical assistance to implement family engagement activities.
  • Partner with local businesses, community leaders, and organizations to enhance outreach and support as evidenced by our Spartan Business Alliance (athletics), administrative membership in the Oak Lawn Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, and Community Partnership meetings with the Village of Oak Lawn.
  • Share best practices and success stories across schools to inspire innovation.
  • Utilize Parent Square for home language communication and translation into native languages.

OLCHS created and implemented a Community Relations Manager posistion to assist and implement our strategic planning related to community outreach.

Our social workers will continue to run our Mental Health Community Partnership that is comprised of mental health professionals throughout the local community.

Coordination of Other Programs

OLCHS will:

  • Discuss Title I engagement at parent meetings to inform families of their rights and the the school's programs.
  • Identify barriers to participation (e.g., language, work schedules, transportation) and assess family needs.
  • Use feedback to improve communication and engagement strategies.

Evidence-Based Strategy Development

OLCHS will:

  • Analyze evaluation data to identify trends and areas for improvement.
  • Implement evidence-based practices such as
    • Family engagement nights
    • Parent-Teacher home visits
    • Student-led conferences

Parent Involvement in School Activities

  • Establish a Superintendent Advisory Board that reflects the diversity of the school community.
  • Encourage parent participation in school committees, volunteer opportunities, and classroom activities. Including Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Athletic Boosters, Music Boosters, and Theatre Boosters.
  • Promote family-friendly events that celebrate student learning and cultural diversity.
  • Provide training for parents to support advocacy and engagement. Including the District’s Family Engagement Series (College Nights, FAFSA Assistance, etc.), Technology Parent Nights, and Community Technology Support Lessons.

Distribution & Accessibility

Family Engagement Policy will be available on the school website and in the main office. Staff will review the policy with parents annually at various stakeholder meetings. Policy is also shared at various parent nights such as; Current Student Curriculum Night, Incoming Freshman Curriculum Night, and Freshman Family Night.