Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation

Past Columns....

"Home and School and You" January 2010

Written by Bill Whelan, President
Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation

The PEI Home and School Federation wishes all Island families a happy and healthy new year. We take this opportunity to thank all parents, educators, administrators and staff for their support of home and school in 2009. It was a remarkable year for education, due in large part to parents who kept the conversation on education at the forefront.

What does the year ahead hold for education? For one thing, the PEI education system needs to become smarter in 2010. I say this with a great deal of respect for the dedicated professionals in public education across PEI. The reality is the system is in rapid transition, with a number of contractions (e.g. school closures), expansions (e.g. kindergarten) and re-organizations (e.g. school rezoning) taking place over a short time period. The challenge is how best to manage these changes.

To the federation, a smarter system is one that minimizes jurisdictional barriers so that educational goals can be more easily achieved. A system that involves parents more in the decision making process. For this to happen parents, principals, school boards and the department of education need to think about new ways to work together. If realized, the education forecast for 2010 and beyond looks promising. The federation believes that a smarter education system will produce better students, better citizens.

Such new partnerships are already well underway. A recent example occurred last month when the department of education asked the federation to organize a parent focus group to review the new report card for the primary math assessment introduced in 2009 and written by students in grade 4. Parents offered a number of recommendations, to help make the reports more understandable by parents, which will be implemented by the department in 2010. Parents should also be aware that they can access sample math assessment tests for grades 4 and 9 on the department of education’s website. Link on “Parents” and look for the “Provincial Assessment Program” link.

Also in December, the Western School Board released the findings of a school study committee established in October to determine how best to introduce kindergarten at Elm Street, Greenfield and Parkside Elementary Schools. The committee, which included parent representatives from the local home and school associations, also recommended changes to French immersion programming at the three schools. This report is available on the board’s website and there will be a public consultation meeting on January 13 at 7 pm at Parkside. Parents are encouraged to attend.

Also on the topic of kindergarten, the Eastern School District has called a special public meeting for January 6 at 7:30 pm at the district office to discuss school rezoning so schools can better accommodate the incoming kindergarten students. Options to be discussed are available on the district’s website. Parents are encouraged to attend.

New Years is also a time when the federation asks local home and school association members to think about resolutions. Parents are reminded that resolutions are the single most important tool that home and school can use to influence decision makers in government and school boards. Parents are encouraged to consider educational issues raised this year that could be turned into recommendations to improve the system for all students. Guidelines on how to write and present a resolution, and examples of previously passed resolutions are available on the federation’s website on the “Taking Action” page. All resolutions must be received in the Federation office by January 30, 2010.

Finally, parents are reminded that the nomination deadline for the federation’s Extra Mile Award is January 22, 2010. Please consider nominating a deserving teacher or staff member who goes the extra mile for students in your local school community. Nomination information is available on the federation’s website.

For more information on this and other items discussed in this article, check out the federation’s website or contact Shirley Jay at the federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" December 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President
Prince Edward Island Home and School Federation

Each year, school age children spend only about 30% of their waking hours in school. This doesn’t change from the elementary to secondary school years. Even though our kids start to look like grown-ups in secondary school, it doesn’t mean they don’t need help when it comes to schoolwork and education decisions. Experts agree that parents matter when it comes to their children’s education and learning at all grade levels. What are you doing with your 70% ?

According to the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) in the US, to be meaningfully engaged, parents must have access to information and be empowered to use it. To be successful, it is important that this information be put in a form that all parents can understand. The federation also believes this requires a system-wide shift from a "home push" model towards a "school pull" model. This is starting to happen on PEI, one school at a time, but could be accelerated by school boards. Perhaps this is something to discuss at your next home and school gathering.

The Kindergarten Transition Communications Working Group wants to hear from parents about the 2010 kindergarten transition into the schools. The federation would appreciate if local home and school associations would canvas parents in the school to see what questions they might have; anything that relates to kindergarten, no matter how small, is welcome, and the team is committed to finding answers to all questions. Please email your questions to Peter Rukavina, the federation’s representative on the working group at reinvented+kindergarten@gmail.com. More information on kindergarten transition plan can be found at http://bit.ly/pei-kindergarten

In response to requests from parents, the federation has drafted provincial fundraising guidelines. These draft guidelines are designed to establish a process for the generation and distribution of funds raised through initiatives organized by local associations. This month a copy will be sent to home and school associations and school principals for their input.

The federation held two “ideas” workshops in November for the parent engagement opportunity fund. Remember parents can access up to $350 per school this year. Here are a few project ideas to consider: design a home and school website or webpage on your school’s website; partner with other home and schools or parent councils in your community to bring in a curriculum consultant from the Department of Education to discuss homework assistance for parents; or create a parent resource corner in your school library.

Check out the federation’s website for parent “webstories”, that describe school-based activities and events supported by the federation. Projects are organized into categories including literacy, mathematics, health, homework, arts and family/community events. It is a clearinghouse of ideas that can help get more parents involved in your school. Parents can also learn about new ways they can make a difference in their child's life.

As the new year approaches it is a great time for parents to start thinking about home and school resolutions. The federation can help your association draft a resolution requesting actions to be taken by government and school boards. Consider educational issues such as class size, amount of homework and teacher-parent communications. Resolutions can contribute to changes in resources, personnel, school development and culture, and education programs. See “How to write and present a resolution” and other resolution information on the “Taking Action” page on the federation’s website. The deadline for submissions is January 30, 2010.

This is also the time for local associations to consider nominating a teacher or staff member for the federation’s Extra Mile Award. This award recognizes individuals who go the extra mile, over and above the call of duty to have a positive impact on the education of our youth. Two awards are presented annually, one in the Eastern School District and a second in the Western School Board. Nomination information is available on the federation’s website and the deadline is January 22, 2010.

For more information on this and other items discussed in this article, check out the federation’s website or contact Shirley Jay at the federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" November 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

In early October, the federation met with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to discuss the results of the provincial common assessments. The good news is that 85 % of grade 3 students are reading at grade level. The not so good news is that only about half of grade 6 students are reading at grade level and the average mark on the grade 9 math assessment is 62 %. Why are so many children struggling in school? That is the million-dollar question? And the solution won’t cost a cent. Student performance will improve if parents get more involved. It is time to roll up your sleeves and get down to work. Talk with your children about how things are going at school and with the teacher about how to support your children’s learning at home.

The federation’s Semi Annual meeting on October 14 was well-attended and included a lively 90 minute discussion with parents, Minister Greenan and Deputy Minister Sullivan-Curly on hand washing, school fees, school bus safety, cellphone use in schools, the concept of one English language school board and a high school exam exemption program. The Federation also passed a motion asking the departments of Education and Health, to review the occupational therapy assessment and ongoing support services provided to school aged children.

The 7th Annual Atlantic Caucus of Home and School/School Council Federations meeting took place in St. John’s, Newfoundland, on October 17, 2009. Representatives from the Home and School Federations in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Federation of School Councils in Newfoundland Labrador participated in the meeting. The discussions focused on the use of energy drinks by children and youth, the need for improved parent involvement and the need for consistency in school fees. This high level of regional collaboration and cooperation among parents talking about education builds a better understanding of the many challenges that face children, parents, teachers and administrators in all four Atlantic provinces.

The Western School Board’s Roundtable on Parent Involvement on October 24 was a success with over 40 participants attending. Parents received an update on the PEI Youth Substance Use and Addiction Strategy before breaking up into discussion groups. One group looked at the question of how schools can involve more parents in school development planning. The school development plan is initiated by the principal and runs on a three-year cycle. As part of the plan, schools can focus on a couple of key goals for the future such as improving reading comprehension, numeracy and parent involvement. Parents are encouraged to inquire about the priority areas for their school. This is also a great topic for discussion at your next home and school meeting.

The federation is organizing information sessions on “how to” submit a proposal to the parent engagement opportunity fund. They will run the week of November 23, in Summerside and Charlottetown. Local home and school associations are also reminded that membership fees are due at the federation office by November 30. Check out the federation’s website for updates and for web-stories on parent engagement activities and events from across the province.

---------------

"Home and School and You" October 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

What does it take to raise a reader? Experts offer three tips, encourage your children to read anything that interests them, talk with your children about what they are reading and show them that reading is worthwhile and important. It is that simple. Is your child reading at grade level? Do you know?

What about math? The federation recently partnered with the Department of Education to help inform parents of the revised PEI math curriculum for grades 1, 2, 4, 7 and 8. New textbooks and resources were introduced in these grades in September 2009. Revisions for grades 3, 5, 6 and 9 will be rolled out later. The curriculum is designed to help students see math as an everyday skill and to help students link math concepts to everyday life. The federation believes that the success of this curriculum revision will depend on whether or not parents get involved at home. Think math learning opportunity the next time you and your children review the weather forecast, check out sports statistics or bake cookies.

The Western School Board and the federation are co-sponsoring a roundtable on parent involvement at Athena Consolidated School on Saturday October 24 from 9 am to 2 pm. This is the first time the Western School Board and federation have joined forces to bring together parents, students, school staff, trustees and senior management to talk and share ideas. Topics for discussion include transitioning kindergarten into the school system, effective classroom and parent communications, home and school as a partner in school planning and effective reporting on student progress. Parents can register through their school by contacting the principal.

Parents are reminded of the federation’s Semi-Annual provincial meeting on Wednesday, October 14 at Central Queen’s Elementary School, Hunter River, 6 - 9 p.m. The theme this year is Grassroots Education, a back to basics direction for home and school associations, a refocusing on education and learning. The Minister and Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development will be on hand to answer questions and respond to our 2009 resolutions. Registration information is available on the federation’s website and the deadline is this Friday, October 9.

Over 40 parents gathered in Summerside and Charlottetown in September to participate in leadership workshops to learn how to get the most out of their local home and school associations. Parents walked away with a renewed understanding that fundraising is not what home and school is about. Participants discussed ways to make meetings and activities more interesting and relevant to help boost parent involvement. Parents interested in learning more about home and school can download the workshop slides from the federation’s website.

Finally, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is proposing to revise the senior high school graduation requirements to include a pilot project that would see the number of periods increase from 4 to 5 a day, the number of credits required for graduation increase from 20 to 25 and the number of instruction hours per course decrease from 110 to 92.5 hours. The federation is asking parents for input by October 21.

For more information on this and other items discussed in this article or to register for the semi-annual, check out the federation’s website or contact Shirley Jay at the federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" September 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

Shopping for school supplies, what a great family activity. There is something about a rainbow of duo-tangs that makes my girls giddy. It’s September and I think we can all remember a time in our childhood when the start of a new school year was greeted with both excitement and
apprehension. Now as parents, we experience the same feelings, but for different reasons. Remember that a positive attitude sets the stage for the entire school year. Help your kids say good-bye to summer and hello to a new teacher, classmates and routines, and for many a new school. Get to know your child’s teacher. Get involved in the school. Keep your kids motivated and support them throughout the school year. The federation is calling on all moms and dads to put education first.

This fall the federation is organizing a series of “how to” leadership workshops for parents. Check out the federation’s website for details. Topics will include strategies on how to organize your local home and school association, how to get more parents involved and to partner with
local community organizations. Parents can submit topic ideas by contacting Shirley Jay.

The federation recently received a Community Foundation of PEI grant to support the development of Parent Reading Coach (PRC) programs on PEI. The federation would also like to recognize generous donations from Aliant, Fitzgerald & Snow, Master Packaging and Vector Aerospace totaling over $1700 in support of parent reading coaches. Designed by Tiffany Bastin, a teacher in Oromocto, these programs assist educators to raise literacy levels with the assistance of parent coaches. The parent coaches attend training sessions that address the difference between decoding (being able to read the words) and comprehension (understanding what the text means), how to introduce a book and how to use our school-wide reading strategies with their children. For more information, check out the website virtualcoach.edublogs.org. Local home and school associations are encouraged to discuss this with parents and teachers at their school.

A total of 57 Island schools, over 80 %, participated in the first round of the federation’s parent engagement opportunity fund. This is an overwhelming response. These parent-led, school-partnered projects are examples of how school communities can come together to support
education and learning. A complete list of funded projects will be posted on the federation’s website this month. It is a rich resource for parents, teachers and administrators.

The transition team established by the provincial government to oversee the transition of kindergarten into the school system has home and school representation. The federation is asking parents what they think about the government’s plan for kindergarten. Our role is to support
parent’s interests and ideas to ensure that their values impact the decision making process. Give us a call or email.

Home and School members will have an opportunity to talk with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development at our Semi-Annual provincial meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 14 at Central Queen’s Elementary School, Hunter River, 6 - 9 p.m. Resolutions passed at the April 2009 Annual Meeting will be discussed and members are encouraged to raise any other issues.

Parents are encouraged to check out the federation’s website throughout the school year for information on activities and events.

---------------

"Home and School and You" June 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

With the end of the school year just around the corner, the federation encourages parents to look back on the school year and think about how things went for them and their children. What went well? What are some of the challenges? What are the possible opportunities? The federation would like to hear from parents on this to better inform our provincial board.

At our recent AGM a motion was passed by parents "that the federation continue its dialogue with the Eastern School District around school lockdown procedures to ensure that parents concerns are communicated and acted upon." In response to the school board’s draft lockdown policy, the federation communicated the need to include language on parent’s responsibilities during a lockdown. Also communications to parents should include a letter to parents, a lockdown backgrounder document and a copy of the school lockdown response plan go home to parents and that all this information should be easily visible on the school’s website. For the school board’s response, see the federation website.

On May 22, the federation met with the minister and deputy minister of education. The federation asked the minister to consider a minister’s directive on lockdown communications as a way to work towards a more consistent message to parents. The federation also reiterated our recent resolution on school closures, requesting that the department delay the implementation of school closures by one year. The department responded that this was not possible under the current regulations. Parents interested in the one school board resolution, can view the premier’s response posted on the federation’s website.

Also in May, Shirley Jay and Mait MacIssac facilitated a workshop at UPEI on parent engagement for academic administrators. Principals suggested that they work to develop a model to encourage parents to partner with the school and to establish clear expectations for parents on how they can help support their children. The federation will work with school boards to help get this message out to our local home and school associations.
The federation submitted a position paper to the provincial “Standing Committee on Social Development,” on the issue of banning the sale of energy drinks in the province. The federation’s position is that energy drinks represent an unacceptable threat to learning and to the health of Island children, and should be banned. Our complete submission is available on our website. A second round of public consultation on this important issue is now underway with a submission deadline of June 30.

The Comprehensive School Health Research Group at UPEI, in partnership with the PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and the University of Waterloo, has received approval for grade 7 and 9 classes to participate in the School Health Action Planning and Evaluation System /Youth Smoking Survey. The PEI project aims to establish a local comprehensive system to measure school health that provides student and school level health information. The project obtains information on tobacco use, physical activity, healthy eating, and mental fitness. The information provided by students may be used by schools and health officials to plan programs and interventions, and to provide information on effective health policies. The federation is now working with SHAPES to help get the word out to parents. For more information, visit www.upei.ca/cshr/html/shapes_yss-pei.html.

The federation will present two School Board Driver Awards in June, one to a bus driver in the Eastern School District and a second one in the Western School Board. An auction will be held on June 5 at Prince Street’s "Spring Fling." They have on a new online bidding feature this year at: http://princestreetschool.ca/. If your Home and School Association is interested in doing something similar, please contact Peter Rukavina.

As this is the last news column of the school year, the federation wishes everyone a happy and safe summer. Parents are also reminded that the summer period is a great opportunity to continue to support your children’s learning. Check out the family education network’s website for fun summer activities.
http://school.familyeducation.com/summer/family-learning/36089.html

Looking to the fall, I believe it was education researcher, Debbie Pushor, from the University of Saskatchewan who suggested that parents could write a letter to their child’s teacher at the beginning of the year, offering some insight into their child’s likes and dislikes, and what information they feel is important for the teacher to know about their child. Something to think about over the summer.

Parents are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts about the issues mentioned in this column by calling Shirley Jay at the federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" May 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

The Federation recently held successful leadership sessions in Summerside and Charlottetown for members of local home and school associations. The focus of the sessions was the new $25,000 Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund launched by the federation in February. Grants of up to $350 are available to all schools in the province’s three school boards to help fund events, projects or training in support of parent engagement. For more information on the fund or to download an application kit, please see the federation website.

All Home and School Associations are invited to nominate a member from your Association for two upcoming Federation awards. The Volunteer of the Year Award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional service to the well-being of children and youth as a Home and School volunteer and has made a significant contribution to improving the school environment for children. The Life Membership Award is for outstanding service to the Federation. Information on both awards can be found on the Federation’s website and the submission deadline is March 13.

In February, Anne Farrell-Gaudet from Parkside Elementary and Susan Keizer from Tracadie Cross Consolidated received 2009 Extra Mile Awards from the Federation. Letters of support written by their students were read during the school receptions and there wasn’t a dry eye in the gym. Simply put, PEI has great teachers.

The Federation’s Annual General Meeting will be held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel on Saturday April 18, from 8:30 am – 2:30 pm. The theme of this 56th annual AGM is Conversations on Education. It will feature a presentation by Tiffany Bastin, Literacy Specialist, on the successful Parent Reading Coach program developed in Oromocto, NB. This program was designed for parents to assist teachers in raising student literacy levels. The parent coaches attend training sessions that address the difference between being able to read the words and understanding what the text means, how to introduce a book and how to use school-wide reading strategies with their children. Following the training, each coach agrees to volunteer at least one hour a month in the school. Valerie Delory, a parent reading coach from Oromocto will also share her experiences.

Also at the AGM, a number of important resolutions brought forth by local associations will be considered. All resolutions will be sent to local associations in the next week and parents are encouraged to discuss the resolutions in advance of the AGM.

The latest results of the Pan-Canadian Assessment Program again reveal a literacy gap between boys and girls. While 88% of Canadian 13-year-olds read at or above the expected level of proficiency, girls continue to outscore boys. The report highlights differences in reading preferences, attitudes and behaviours between girls and boys. In response to the persistent literacy gap, experts are developing innovative ways to encourage boys to read more. For more information on these results and on a recent survey on Canadian attitudes towards learning, parents are encouraged to visit the Canadian Council on Learning at www.ccl-cca.ca.

Finally, local home and school associations and representatives on Provincial Standing Committees are reminded that their annual reports are due to the federation office by March 9. Parents are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts about the issues mentioned in this column by calling Shirley Jay at the federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" April 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

It is important for parents to know that the federation is neither for nor against school closures. Our mission is to ensure that every child in the province receives the same, high quality education. After listening to presentations at the Eastern School District’s school organization plan meetings, it is clear to the federation that system-wide changes in education are necessary. One observation is that the public consultation model is deficit in its approach, in that parents have played no part in framing the key questions around school closures. The federation would prefer a public engagement model, which gives parents a more active, participatory role. Parents should have confidence that their ideas and values will have an impact on the decision making process. The Federation has requested an opportunity to make a presentation to the board of trustees on April 21. Local associations are encouraged to contact Shirley Jay prior to the 21st to have their input on what the federation’s key messages should be in the presentation to the trustees.

In March, the Department of Education & Early Childhood Development and the federation organized a parent focus group to review the provincial common assessment reports that are sent home to parents. Parents found that the “check box” format for the grade 3 and 6 assessment reports (i.e. Experiencing Success, Approaching Success, Experiencing Difficulty) was not informative. Parents recommended that the report card be revised to include a percentage score (if available) for their child, the provincial average score, information on the format of the test, and guidance on who to speak with if they have concerns about their child’s performance. These recommendations will be implemented by the Department this year.

Every year the federation is invited to provide home and school parent representatives for Department of Education Standing Committees. This is a great opportunity for parents to find out more about PEI’s education system and to have direct input on issues relating to children’s learning and well-being. Keep an eye out for the call for participation. The current Home and School representatives are Sue Pettit (Elementary Schools), Laura Bowness (Elementary Health), Mary Lou Griffin-Jenkins (Intermediate Schools), Anna MacDonald (Senior High Schools), Shirley Jay (Computers For Schools/Libraries), Kelly Gillis (Special Education) and Tim Wartman (Minister’s Advisory Committee on Computer and Information Technology). The yearly committee reports will be posted on the federation’s website on April 20. The federation thanks all members who are volunteering to be the voice of parents on these committees.

The federation is pleased to report that a total of 704 parent engagement surveys were completed representing 1,234 school-aged children. Interestingly, on the question of involvement in school activities, 89 % of parents indicated they had attended activities at the school while only 53 % volunteered to help out with these activities. The complete survey results will be published on the federation’s website in April.

Parent are reminded that submissions to the Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund will be accepted until mid-June 2009, with projects to be completed by August 31. In March, the federation organized two well-attended workshops facilitated by Mait MacIssac and Sandy Rendall from Learning and Reading Partners, in Summerside and Charlottetown to discuss the application process and project ideas. Application kits are available on the federation’s website.

The AGM is Saturday, April 18 from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm April 6th is the deadline to register.

---------------

"Home and School and You" March 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

---------------

"Home and School and You" February 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

What does it take to bring an entire community together to talk about education? In 2005 it was the Task Force on Student Achievement. School gymnasiums and cafeterias were filled with parents speaking passionately about their child’s school and teachers. That province-wide conversation led to 48 recommendations for improvements in education, many of which have been acted on. The task force recommended then that government’s policy not to close schools be revoked, and that school boards should study and respond to the changing demographics so that education programs can be enhanced.

In January, the school boards responded with the release of the school organization plans. Once again education is being discussed in communities across PEI. This is a good thing. The Western School Board’s immediate focus is on the challenges of integrating kindergarten into the school system. The Eastern School District completed a detailed analysis this year and presented compelling arguments for closing 11 schools. However, closing these schools will not solve the problem.

Education is not about buildings. It is about people. PEI needs to create sustainable learning environments capable of providing a high quality education for all Island students. Anything less will result in the status quo, a system of have and have not schools. To be successful, these learning environments need to extend beyond the schools into communities and homes, with active parent participation.

Parents are encouraged to discuss the organizational plan for their area with their local home and school association or regional director. See the federation’s website for contact information. This is not a time for emotion, although it is understandable. This is a time for evidence, ideas and long-term strategies. The federation believes that parents are the solution to the education crunch. It is time for parents to get into the driver’s seat.

The federation’s role over the next 90 days is to support local associations by providing guidance and advice in organizing parent meetings and putting together presentations to the school board. Parents can call Shirley Jay for help. The federation also requested that trustees be allowed to attend parent meetings on school closures as observers.

In January, the department of education and early childhood development asked the federation for input in developing new report cards for the provincial common assessment tests. The federation would like to hear from parents of children who have written common assessments. Did you understand the results? What information do you want to receive in the report?

Parent Engagement Opportunity grants of up to $350 are now available to schools in the province’s three school boards to help fund events, projects or training in support of parent engagement. For more information or to get an application form, please contact the federation office.

Parents are reminded that February 8-14 is National Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week. Check out the federation’s website for some great activity ideas to celebrate the contributions teachers and school staff make on the lives of our children. That week, the federation will also be honoring two outstanding individuals with Extra Mile Awards.

Finally, local home and school associations and representatives on Provincial Standing Committees are asked to submit their annual reports to the federation office by March 4. Parents are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts about the issues mentioned in this column by calling Shirley Jay at the federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" January 2009

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

New Years is a great time for parents to teach their children about how to set personal goals and attain them. For parents, teachers, school boards and our elected officials, it is also an opportunity to consider some key questions about public education in PEI. What do Islanders expect of their schools? How can schools respond to the needs of communities? How can school boards deal with the issue of equity around access to education programming? Islanders will hear more on this from the Eastern School District this week with the release of the proposed school organization plan. The proposed plan for the Western School Board will be presented later in the month.

These plans are blueprints for the future of public education on PEI and may involve changes in school location and utilization, school enrolment, grade levels offered, program delivery and transportation of students. Parents are encouraged to review the plan for their board (linkable from the federation’s website) and discuss with other parents in their family of schools. Also keep an eye out for announcements about public meetings and information sessions that will be organized by the boards.

New Years is also a time to think about resolutions, but of a different kind. The federation works to ensure the highest standards of education for every student in the province and does so by considering resolutions. They are the single most important tool that home and school can use to influence decision makers in government and school boards. Any member of a local home and school association can submit a resolution. Resolutions are discussed at our annual general meeting in April and if passed, they are delivered to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and the school boards for action. Parents should remember that these resolutions become part of the federation’s ongoing dialogue with the minister, superintendents, principals and trustees, and they are taken very seriously.

All resolutions must be received in the Federation office by January 30, 2009. Resolution guidelines are available on our website. So please discuss this with local association members and consider submitting a resolution this year. There are many important issues that parents have raised this year that could be turned into resolutions, such as identifying parents’ roles in the school, improving communication about lockdowns, improving school trustee elections, parental involvement in school development planning, rural public transit, banning of new tobacco products aimed at teenagers, understanding common assessments, equal access to physical activity programs in schools, and more informative report cards. The federation needs to hear from you.

January is also the time for local associations to consider nominating a teacher or staff member for the federation’s Extra Mile Award. This award recognizes individuals who go the extra mile, over and about the call of duty to have a positive impact on the education of our youth. Two awards are presented annually, one in the Eastern School District and a second in the Western School Board. Nomination information is available on the federation’s website and the deadline is January 16,
2009.

Local associations will also be calling on parents to help out with organizing activities for national teacher/staff appreciation week, February 9-14. It is a time to recognize the contributions that teachers and school staff make on the lives of our children. A great time to simply say thank you.

The Media Awareness Network (www.media-awareness.ca) has tips for parents and children on how to recognize on-line marketing ploys that ask for personal information on websites aimed at children. Check out the Three CyberPigs!

Finally, this month the federation will launch the Parent Engagement Opportunity Fund. Grants of up to $350 will be available to schools in the province’s three school boards to help fund events, projects or training in support of parent engagement. Submissions will be accepted from school-based parent groups including home and school associations and school councils. More details will be available soon on the federation’s website.

Parents are encouraged to share their ideas and thoughts about the issues mentioned in this column by calling Shirley Jay at the Federation office.

---------------

"Home and School and You" December 2008

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

How can it be the start of the holiday season, the pumpkins are still on the veranda! They say time flies when you are having fun. Well the fun continues this month for parents, children and teachers across the province as they come together for school concerts, craft fairs, food drives and more, all in celebration of the holiday season. Talk about parent engagement.

Also on this topic, in November the Federation was invited to speak with principals and school trustees from the Western School Board on ways to improve parent involvement in their children’s learning. Principals identified how parents are currently involved in their schools and
suggested ways parents can get more involved this year. It was clear that principals welcome more parent participation. Parents through their local Home and School association are encouraged to continue this conversation with your principal to see what will work in your school.

In late November, the government released the Student Achievement Action Plan, an update on initiatives in schools to improve student achievement. Parents can link to the report from the Federation’s website. Highlights include a new kindergarten curriculum, new literacy coaches and literacy intervention programs, new student and teacher resources, course updates and common assessments, Students Achieve and Tell Them From Me communications tools, career planning programs for students, new EAL/FAL investments, and family and community engagement programs. Check out what is happening at your school.

In response to concerns raised by parents about lockdowns, the Federation asked school boards about how parents are informed and what information they receive. All schools send information home about lockdowns, but the type of communication may vary from school to school, such as through newsletters, notices, school website and parent information sessions. Now that many schools have had their first lockdown drill, the Federation would like to hear from parents about
communications. Is it enough? What additional information do parents need to support their children?

Over 600 parents have completed the Federation’s parent engagement survey. Minister Greenan commended parents and the Federation last Friday for this initiative, saying that the survey “ may well produce the largest amount of rich data we have ever had on parent involvement in learning.” Interim results show that 92% of parents surveyed say they have attended all their children’s parent teacher interviews, yet only 60% say they left the meetings very satisfied. The survey deadline is December 5. Complete results will be available early in 2009. Congratulations to Eileen McQuaid-Costello, Virginia Wickstrom, Kathy Watts and Rose Cormier, winners of the weekly $50 gift certificates.

This holiday season remember that the greatest gift you can give your child is yourself. To steal a line from the government’s Take 30 for the Family campaign, it costs nothing but is worth everything. Check out the Take 30 website www.take30.pe.ca for fun family activities over the
school holiday.

Parents can share their ideas and thoughts about these issues by calling Shirley Jay at the Federation office. For more information on the Federation’s activities and initiatives, check out our website www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf.

---------------

"Home and School and You" November 2008

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

Think about what could happen if a parent’s knowledge and a teacher’s knowledge about a child’s development and learning could be exchanged throughout the school year and not just at parent-teacher interviews. It comes down to three words, communication, communication, communication. Effective two-way communication between parents and teachers is the key to improving parent engagement.

For this to happen there needs to be an increase in the quantity and quality of parent involvement in the education system. Schools need to identify a diversity of roles for parents as learning partners at home and in the school. In some schools, parents are already helping teachers and their children by being aides, tutors, reading coaches, guest lecturers and chaperones. Parents are encouraged to think about ways to be more involved in the school and discuss this with other parents and with your child’s teacher.

In early October, the federation was invited to meet with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development to discuss the results of the provincial common assessments. What do standardized tests measure? Do the tests improve a student’s motivation or academic performance? Do parents understand the results? How are the results used to improve the education system? Whether you are for or against common assessments, parents are encouraged to ask these questions.

Compared to last year, Grade 3 reading scores are up, Grade 3 writing scores are down and Grade 9 math scores are about the same. One can’t read too much into the numbers from only 2 years of assessment results. It will take a few years to be able to draw firm conclusions? However, the results do indicate that about 30 % of students are not experiencing success. Parents are encouraged to talk with their children about how school is going and with the teacher about how to support their children’s learning at home.

The federation’s Semi Annual on October 15 was well-attended and included a lively 90 minute discussion with parents questioning Minister Greenan and Deputy Minister Sullivan-Curly on school based kindergarten, declining enrolments, school lockdowns, certification standards for school coaches and the allocation of classroom textbooks and learning materials. It was a great example of the strong partnership between Home and School and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.

During National Bus Safety week, the federation presented Mike Gaudet (Athena Consolidated) and Clifford Affleck (Mount Stewart Consolidated) with School Bus Driver of the Year Awards. At both ceremonies students read their nomination letters. It was obvious that these two men care deeply for the children they are entrusted to care for at the start and at the end of every school day. Press releases are posted on the federation’s website.

On October 25, the Presidents of the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Federations of Home and School Associations and the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils were in Charlottetown for the 2008 Atlantic Caucus, hosted by the PEI Home and School Federation.

Highlights of the discussion included the banning of energy drinks, workplace safety for high school students in the community, ways to improve voter turnout for school trustee elections, tax breaks for parent volunteers in the school, opportunities to partner with universities on education research, strategies for parent engagement and improving communications between the school and parents on lockdowns procedures.

As of November 1, over 400 parents have completed our Parent survey. This is a wonderful start, but we still need to hear from more parents. The survey, available on the federation’s website, asks questions about communications, parent-teacher interviews, volunteering, special needs, and instructional time and homework. Congratulations to Monty Hennessey, Paul Chaulk and Cathy Rogers, winners of the weekly $50 gift certificates.

Finally, for some helpful hints on how to spark your children’s interest in reading and improve their literacy skills, parents can check out Reading Rockets (www.readingrockets.org). There are also a number of webcasts available for download featuring one hour discussions on improving reading comprehension, parents as teaching partners and summer reading programs.

For more information on the federation’s activities and initiatives, check out our website at www.edu.pe.ca/peihsf.

---------------

"Home and School and You" October 2008

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the words Home and School? In the 1950’s and 60’s, you would have pictured a parents group advocating for high quality education, pressing school boards for improvements in the curriculum and lobbying the government for increased funding in education. Is this what you were thinking? Likely not, because somewhere along the way the perception of Home and School has changed.

The federation’s challenge today is to show Islanders that Home and School has relevance and our focus is on education. This is our top priority for the coming year. As parents we need to return to our original roots as education partners in the school and in the community. Research shows that when it comes to education, parents matter. Children whose parents are involved in the school perform better and have higher career and education goals.

By being involved in Home and School, you can learn more about what is happening in your child’s school. You can raise issues that are important to you with other parents and the principal. Many of these issues become resolutions that are discussed at our annual general meeting and if passed, they are delivered to the Minister of Education and the School Boards, and are acted upon. We need to hear from you.

Working with Vicki Bryanton of Organizational Planning and Special Projects Management, the federation launched an on-line survey for parents this week on our website. Paper copies are also available at all schools in the Eastern and Western School Boards. The survey is designed to identify how parents are involved in their children’s learning and what barriers parents may face at home and in the school. Please take time to complete the survey because your opinion matters to Home and School. The survey results will be released to the public and presented to the school boards.

The government announced the School Action for Emergencies (SAFE) Program, a national emergency response program developed by the RCMP. The SAFE plan will allow police and emergency services to respond quickly to a threat or violent incident in or near the school. With SAFE, the school boards will be running school lockdown drills in the coming months. Local associations are encouraged to work with teachers and the school to ensure that parents are informed about lockdown procedures and that children, especially young children, are supported before and after drills. As a parent you need to know what to do and what not to do should a lockdown occur.

Finally, a reminder of the federation’s semi-annual meeting on October 15 at Central Queens Elementary which includes a discussion with Minister Greenan and Deputy Minister Curley. For more information on the SAFE Program, our parents survey, our semi-annual meeting or how to write a resolution, please contact the federation office or visit our website.

---------------

"Home and School and You" September 2008

Written by Bill Whelan, President PEI Home and School Federation

The excitement that comes with the start of a new school year never seems to go away, even for those who are no longer in school. It all starts tomorrow and like any new year, it is a good time to think about a set of resolutions. As a father of two daughters, keeping up with what is happening at school, both in and out of the classroom, will be a priority. Remembering friend’s names, dates for school activities and homework assignments are challenging, but it is important to remember that school is central to a child’s life. Parents start off with the best of intentions, but this initial enthusiasm can diminish as the stresses of life and work get in the way. This year, let’s not let this happen. Be an active participant, an “in the know” parent. The federation and local Home and School associations across the province are gearing up for another year of activities and initiatives in support of children and schools on Prince Edward Island. Parents who are interested in being more involved are encouraged to check out your local Home and School Association. Information may be available on the school website. Remember, there are many ways to participate in Home and School other than attending a meeting. If there is no association in your school, think about starting one up.

Things get rolling in mid September with the launch of the new federation website. Our web expert Randy Ostridge from Digital Wanderer Media has put together an engaging and informative design. It will be a go to resource site for parents, including details of Home and School initiatives, tips on homework, preparing for parent teacher interviews and other topics to help parents support their children’s learning. September is also the time when Home and School members have a chance to say thank you to our dedicated school bus drivers by nominating them for the federation’s annual Bus Driver Award. School bus drivers have the responsibility of caring for the well being of our children each day. This award honours a bus driver in the Prince Edward Island school system for outstanding service in keeping children safe as they travel to and from school. Nominations are due on September 19, and the award will be presented during National School Bus Safety Week, October 19-25.

Home and School members will also have an opportunity to talk with the Minister and Deputy Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development at our Semi-Annual provincial meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 15 at Central Queen’s Elementary School, Hunter River, 6 - 9 p.m. Resolutions passed at the April 2008 Annual Meeting will be discussed and members are encouraged to raise any other issues of concern. Following an online survey and consultations including with the federation, the government announced in July details of its plan to phase in the change to the age of entry for kindergarten and grade one over a two-year period, starting in September 2009. By September 2010, the cutoff date for both kindergarten and grade one entry will be December 31. The federation supported the two-year phase in over the three-year option.

Last week the government released the long awaited School Enrolment Study (available online at www.gov.pe.ca/educ/). Over three-quarters of the schools on PEI reported a decline in enrolment in the past 5 years, and this trend is predicted to continue. It is clear from the report that change is inevitable. The report offers nine guiding principles by which school boards will plan for this change. Parents are encouraged to contact your school trustee and make sure your opinion is heard. The federation would also like to hear from local associations on this.

If you have any comments about the Enrolment Study, or if you would like more information on how to nominate a bus driver or contact a Home and School association in your community, please contact the federation office.