PINELLAS COUNTY – November is Family Engagement in Education Month, and Pinellas County Schools is celebrating the vital role parents and families play in education. When schools work together with families to support learning, children are more motivated to succeed in school and life.
“Families and the community must be an integral part of the learning community in our schools,” said Dr. Valerie Brimm, the director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships Family and Community Relations. “Deliberate connectedness that is linked to learning is paramount to student achievement.”
Here are some tips to help families remain engaged in their child’s education:
- Make education a priority in your home
- Discuss the importance of education with your child.
- Have your child attend school every day–on time. If they are not in school, they will miss information and instruction.
- Talk with your child daily about his/her school day, homework, and activities.
- Assist with homework when needed and check to see if it is complete
- Attend your child’s performances and other school events.
- Celebrate your child’s efforts and accomplishments.
- Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers.
- Let the teacher know the best way and time to communicate with you–
- email, phone, agenda, Focus, etc.
- Find out the best way and time to communicate with your child’s teacher
- Attend Parent/Teacher conference and Open Houses.
- Address issues early.
- Listen to your child. You will learn as much from them as they learn from you!
Other district news
Your voice matters, complete the Pinellas County Schools Parent Survey
Pinellas County Schools is conducting a parent survey. The survey is anonymous, and results will provide guidance to improve schools, identify what is working well at schools and assist schools in earning accreditation.
Pinellas County Schools values parent input and ask that parents go to http://www.pcsb.org/parentsurvey to go directly to the survey. The survey will close on Dec. 14.
Discover Pinellas magnet, fundamental and career programs
Families will have the opportunity to visit schools and explore programs in more detail at Discovery Nights, which will be held through Dec. 21. A list is available on the PCS website. Families can contact schools to participate in school tours, and, at the high school level, students will be able to shadow other students in magnet programs they are interested in.
The application period for the 2019-2020 school year will take place Jan. 9-18. If you have questions, call Student Assignment at (727) 588-6210. Learn more about Choice Programs and events at www.pcsb.org/choice.
December workshop designed to empower families to make change
Pinellas County Schools will hold a Family Engagement event 6-8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 13 at John Hopkins Middle School, 701 16th St. S, St. Petersburg. There will be parent workshops, fun student activities and a food giveaway. The event is titled “Empowering Families to Make a Change” and is sponsored by the district’s Office of Strategic Partnerships and the Transformation Zone.
Azalea Middle School launches drone program for students
Azalea Middle School’s after-school STEM program launched a Drone Piloting Academy. The program is the first-of-its-kind for a middle school in the Pinellas County. Students are taught the same curriculum offered at St. Petersburg College for pilots wishing to pass the commercial drone license exam.
Students learn flight safety, the FAA Code of Federal Regulations pertaining to commercial drone flights, laws related to hobby flight, weather and flight risk management. In addition, students get hands-on training with professional grade drones and have opportunities to practice real-life commercial drone applications.
The Drone Piloting Academy at Azalea meets every-other Monday from 4:30-6: 30 p.m.
