Dresden Middle School Parental Involvement Plan

Dresden Middle School is committed to the total education of its students.  Our staff believes that in order for our students to experience success and reach their full potential, the school, parents, and community must work together.  Teachers, parents, and students all have important roles in the learning process, and we must share responsibility and work together with our community to make our school the best it can be.

Dresden Middle School receives federal funding through the Title One Act.  Through Title One, we are able to supplement the services and educational programs we offer to our students.  We realize that parental input is an integral part of the process that determines how to use these resources; therefore, DMS will convene an annual meeting to obtain input from parents and community members.  During this meeting, which will be held in the early spring of each year, we will discuss how to best utilize Title funds in order to help all of our students make progress.   

Our primary parent involvement group is our P.R.I.D.E. Club.  This is an acronym for “Putting Resources In Dresden ’s Education.”  Since parents may wish to be involved in other ways, we have an Athletic Booster Club, a Mentoring Program, and other programs and school activities throughout the school year.  By incorporating all of these programs and activities, we provide the parents with numerous ways to be involved and volunteer.  Some of these meetings and programs occur at night, but we understand the difficulty some parents have in participating in events that occur in the evening. We will, therefore, make an effort to involve parents by scheduling a variety of meeting times.  Meetings will take place at night, during the school day, before or after school, or on weekends as deemed necessary.  

Dresden Middle School is involved in an ongoing school improvement process.  We have parents and community members who serve on various committees to help us with the task of school improvement.  The school administration, teachers, parents, and business partners work together to conduct a self study of our school.  This group reviews our mission and goals, collects information about school and community demographics, and reviews our school’s academic strengths and weaknesses.  They also evaluate our school climate and then formulate plans for improvement.  In January, a town meeting is held in which the parents are invited to come and hear a report on our school’s state report card.  Parents are able to ask questions and give input concerning the progress of our school based on academic and non academic data.   

Dresden Middle School understands the importance of providing parents with timely information not only about planned meetings but with other information and activities as well.  Communication will take place in one or more of the following ways:  notes sent home by students, notes/letters mailed directly to parents, weekly newspaper articles, daily announcement sheet and absentees posted on website, monthly calendar of events sent home each month, school marquis sign, newsletters, phone calls, and emails.  Teachers will also communicate information more specific to their classroom.  These methods of communication may include notes sent home with students, progress reports, letters, telephone calls, notice of concern forms, and individual teacher websites and email.  Most of our teachers are building individual websites and all have email addresses linked to our school website.  The school will conduct two parent-teacher conferences during the school year.  One will be in October and the other in January.  These conferences allow parents the opportunity to meet with their children’s teachers to discuss academic progress as well as other issues concerning the education of the child.  Apart from these conferences parents will be encouraged to request meetings with the school principal or with teachers any time the parents deem necessary to discuss the education of their children.  

Every student is given a Weakley County Schools Student Handbook at the beginning of the school year.  This handbook has valuable information about the school calendar, academics, and grading and discipline policies in all Weakley County Schools.  Teachers will communicate more specific expectations about curriculum, grading, and discipline as they relate to their grades and subject areas.  This information will be sent home with the student at the beginning of the year.  

Parents are encouraged to be involved and be a part of their children’s education at Dresden Middle School .  We have worked jointly with our parents and staff to form a School–Parent–Compact.  A copy of this compact is sent home to every parent at the beginning of the school year.  The School–Parent–Compact describes the importance and responsibility of the school, the teachers, the parent and the student in helping ensure a positive learning experience.  The compact also encourages parents to volunteer and be involved in the various programs and activities offered at Dresden Middle School .  

It is the belief of Dresden Middle School , its parents, and the community that educating our children is the responsibility of us all.  By communicating and working together as a team, we can help ensure positive growth and success for all our students.

Dresden Middle School: School-Parent-Student Compact

At Dresden Middle School , we are committed to working together to provide a quality learning environment in which all children can learn and develop.  It is our view that as teachers, parents, and students, we each have important roles and must share in both the opportunity and responsibility of learning.  Because of this view, we the undersigned, enter into this compact together.  

As a School, the staff will take the responsibility of ensuring the improvement of academic achievement.  We will work with parents to develop a partnership to help students achieve the state’s high standards.  Progress reports and report cards will be sent periodically.  One school-wide parent-teacher conference will be scheduled each semester to ensure communication between the parents and teachers.   The school web site will be current and have links to teachers’ email addresses.  Opportunities for parents to volunteer in the school and classroom will be available throughout the year.  

As a Teacher, I will show respect for each child and his/her family, believing that each student can learn.  I will come to class prepared to teach, providing an environment conducive to learning that will help each child become the best student possible.  I will assign meaningful homework activities that are appropriate and in accordance with the state standards.  I will enforce school and classroom rules fairly and consistently, maintaining open lines of communication with the student and his/her parents.  And lastly, by demonstrating professional behavior and a positive attitude, I will seek ways to help parents be involved in Dresden Middle School and the learning process.  

As a Parent, it is my responsibility to see that my child attends school regularly and on time.  I will provide a home environment that encourages my child to learn.  I will insist that all homework assignments be completed and communicate regularly with my child’s teachers.  I will encourage my child to read at home and monitor his/her TV viewing.  I will make every effort to talk with my child about his/her school activities every day.  As often as possible, I will participate in the opportunities, which allow me to be involved in school activities, provided by Dresden Middle School staff.  And lastly, I will show respect and support for my child, the teacher, and Dresden Middle School .  

As a Student, I believe that I can learn and will learn.  I believe that it is my responsibility to come to school prepared with my homework, my supplies, and a positive attitude.  I will always try to do my best in my work and my behavior.  I will work cooperatively with my classmates, showing respect for people, Dresden Middle School , and myself.  I believe it is important for me to obey all school rules, in class, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and on the bus.  And lastly, because I have done these things, I can take pride in myself and in Dresden Middle School .

 HAND IN HAND, WE WILL WORK TOGETHER TO CARRY OUT THIS AGREEMENT.