Family Engagement Policy and Compact

(In Accordance with Every Student Succeeds Act, Title 1, Part A, Section 1112, Parent Right to Know)

Date: August 21, 2024

Dear Parent: 

On December 10, 2015, President Obama signed the new federal education act, titled  Every Student Succeeds Act.  This new law includes many new programs and changes for all public schools in the United States.

The new laws permit you, as a parent or guardian, the right to request information about the licensure, other qualifications and teaching assignments of your child’s teacher and any paraprofessional (instructional assistants) who may work with your child.

If you are interested in requesting this information, please contact Principal Earnest at earnest@aps.edu.

Sincerely,
Gabriella Blakey
Superintendent
Albuquerque Public Schools

Revised March 22, 2024The purpose for our Family Engagement Policy is to increase parent awareness in instructional practices, community resources, and volunteer opportunities. We want family involvement in family events, student achievement and planning our Title I policies.

1. Title I Annual Meeting
   • Held in September with our Partnering With Families event.
   • Inform families about Title I and school-wide expectations, and Family rights and responsibilities
   • Inform families about the MTES 90 day plan, Title I resources, school wide Positive Behavior Support plan, and Curriculum
2. Between School and Home Communication
   • MTES utilizes a variety of ways to communicate with families. School wide communication is provided in English, Spanish, and other student home languages.
   • School Website
   • Weekly Hopping (Sunday Emails)
   • Classroom newsletters
   • Agendas
   • Coffee With the Principal
   • School Messenger (phone “robo calls”)
   • Class Dojo
   • School Marquee
   • Emails , phone calls, printed fliers
3. Classroom/School Volunteers
   • Background checks through APS required and are valid for 2 years.  Apply early in the year to maximize opportunities! (This is an APS policy  and subject to change.)
   • If you need financial assistance, MTES has limited funds allocated to assist families.
   • Please see either the Secretary in the front office or the family liaison for assistance
   • Volunteers are needed school-wide as well as for our academically based field trips throughout the year
4. Family Involvement Events
   • MTES offers many opportunities  (some, but not all, listed below) for our families to engage in fun, educational events throughout the year. We encourage our families to reach out to staff if they would be interested in helping to plan these events.
   • Partnering with Families
   • Fall Festival
   • Coffee with the Principal (TBA)
   • Explora!
   • MARS Night (Math, AVID, Reading, Science)
   • Community Outreach Day (Spring)
   • Instructional Council (call the office for day/times)
5. Before and after school
   • Before and after school care is pending. Thank you for your patience.
   • Before school clubs will be offered upon availability and subject matter and will be determined after the start of the school year. If you are interested in leading a club, please contact the principal or family liaison.
6. Parent Teacher Association
   • PTA started  2022-2023 school year.
   • Contact family liaison for information on how to join or contact the PTA.

Mark Twain Elementary School

Family Compact:

• I will make sure my student is attending school daily and is on time.
• I will play an active role in my student’s education.
  • Participate in student teacher parent conferences.
  • Assist with my child’s homework
  • Respond to notices from the school
  • Participate in school activities with my student.

• I will read school communication and engage when I have questions or concerns as listed in the Staff compact section of this form.
• I will utilize school and community resources to help my student succeed.
• I will follow APS and Mark Twain Family Guidelines located in our Student/Family Handbook.

Student Compact:

• I will follow the FROGS guidelines in all areas of the school as presented by staff.
  • I will be a good Friend to my peers.
  • I will Respect myself and others: bodies, personal property, and school property.
  •  I will be On task.
  • I will be a Good Student by following all campus expectations.
  • I will be Safe at school.
• I will additionally be Responsible, Outstanding in character, Caring, and Kind.

Staff Compact:

• I will create a welcoming atmosphere for students, families, visitors, and co-workers.
• I will always conduct myself in a courteous and professional manner.
• I will have high expectations for ALL students while supporting individual student needs.
  • 90 Day plan (I will align my instructional practices with the schools 90 day plan
  • Modifying instruction/materials as needed or appropriate
• I will communicate in a convenient, consistent, clear, respectful, and timely manner.
  • Monthly newsletters
  • Partnering with Families (curriculum night)
  • School events
  • Email or phone communication
  • Dojo school wide
  • Conferences
  • Standard based progress reports/progress monitoring with explanation of its meaning
  • On a monthly basis as stated on the 90 day plan
• I will provide encouragement in a positive environment.
• I will be in attendance and on time daily.
• I will provide FROGS recognition for students during FROGS assemblies

Administrator Compact:

• I will create a welcoming atmosphere for students, families, and staff.
• I will support communication that is convenient, consistent, clear, respectful, and timely manner.
  • Weekly What Hopping emails
• I will act as an instructional leader by supporting staff in all areas of the school.
• I will act as an instructional leader by supporting teachers with feedback, support and resources.
  • Walkthroughs and observation
  • Providing professional development opportunities
  • Monthly Data dialogues
• I will involve parents in the educational process, while being culturally responsive, in a variety of ways. Including but is not limited to
  •  Instructional council meetings
  • School events
  • Curriculum