Parent/ Family Involvement
We understand not every parent can take off work to volunteer or be involved in the classroom directly.
Below are ways we offer information and welcome two way communication
in order to work together as a community for your child.
· Home Visits- Home visits are offered to all students before school starts each year. This helps staff, child, and family get to know each other so that together both we can design and carry out the best educational program in school and at home. Home visits also allow children to meet pre-k staff in their own familiar environment.
· Newsletters & Webpage- Newsletters are sent home monthly. They have information about learning themes, snack schedule, upcoming events, birthdays, field trips, and more. There is always an extra newsletter on the Parent Board outside of the classroom or you can see the website at https://jpartridge7.wixsite.com/viennaprek
· Parent Board- A small bulletin board outside of the classroom holds current newsletters, extra copies of papers sent home, sign-up sheets, and a “What We Did Today” board to keep families up to date on what is happening in the classroom daily. Post-it notes are provided so families can make themselves a reminder note of upcoming activities or jot down questions or suggestions for Pre-K staff.
· Class DOJO- Class dojo is an app that allows pre-k staff to share pictures, notes, and reminders straight to your phone. This app is password protected, giving each family a unique security code in order to access information and view photos.
· Classroom Volunteers- Classroom volunteers are always welcome! Classroom volunteers simply watch and play. This gives you an opportunity to see how your child interacts with others and enjoys school. It’s pretty eye opening and heart touching to see your “baby” follow routine and rules, taking responsibility, pretending to be a detective, or encouraging a friend.
· Guest Speakers- Guest speakers can help children learn about the world around them by sharing information about their travels, hobbies, or occupations. Please let us know if you play an instrument or have a hobby or talent that you’d be willing to share with the class.
· Field Trips- In order to provide adequate supervision and safety for each child, at least one volunteer is required for each student on field trips far enough from school that they require transportation. Families are always welcome but not required to join us on our many walking field trips to places such as the police station, fire station, and post office.
· Birthdays and Parties- Families are welcome to join the child on their birthday and watch their friends sing “Happy Birthday” during a special snack. You may bring snacks and drinks for your child on this day, or any day if you chose to do so. If not, Pre-k staff will provide a special snack for your child. For the protection and safety of the children, snacks must be commercially produced and packaged. Home prepared snacks unfortunately cannot be accepted.
· Parent-Teacher Conferences- Conferences may be scheduled as needed or during the days set by Vienna Grade School’s calendar (typically Tuesday and Thursday nights) to discuss your child’s strengths, needs, or interests. Other times can be scheduled at family request.
· Parent Forum/ Parent Advisory Committee - At the beginning and end of the year, pre-k staff will meet with all families to welcome questions and comments as well as share teaching strategies, guidance techniques, and more. Twice a year, pre-k staff will also meet with a smaller group of parents chosen at random to participate in a small group Parent Advisory Committee. The sharing of information and suggestions enables the staff to plan a more constructive and meaningful program for children, as well as build a strong bridge between home and school.
