Parent Information Packet 2014-2015 Principal- Sherkeyer Jackson 447.4702 Parent Facilitator- Karyn Wortsmith 447.4769 PTA President- Deana McCormack 447.4700 1

Fulbright Elementary 2014-2015 Parent Involvement Plan Our School’s Mission: The mission of Fulbright Elementary School is to provide a quality, integrated educational program that motivates all children to reach their optimum intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. The students will develop positive attitudes, and behaviors, and appreciation for ethnic and cultural diversity, leading to responsible citizenship. Fulbright Elementary is charged with the responsibility of serving students in grades Pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. We are a needs improvement, non‐Title I school who is currently working to meet the AMO standard as required by the Arkansas Department of Education. Our student population is comprised of 34.627% free and reduced lunch.

Parent Involvement Committee Members Mrs. Sherkeyer Jackson, Principal Mrs. Karyn Wortsmith, GT Specialist-Parent Facilitator Mrs. Katie Short, Art Teacher Mrs. Megan Tilley, Music Teacher Mrs. Hildy Dempster, GT Specialist Natalie Jones, 1st Grade Teacher Mrs. Deana McCormack, Parent Mrs. Karen Fleischmann, Parent Mrs. Rory Cline, Parent

Fulbright will communicate with parents to increase parent involvement and to support classroom instruction by:  Distributing weekly/monthly newsletters published by teachers and specialists, and the “Parent Page”, which is a school‐wide publication developed with the participation of the PTA, principal, nursing staff and counselor;  Maintaining a school-based website to house classroom teachers and specialists webpage’s‐ hence, homework assignments and pertinent classroom information will be available on each classroom web page;  Providing parents access to student's academic progress through the use of a PIN number that is distributed prior to the end of the first nine‐week period;  Encouraging parents to use email and to telephone to routinely communicate with members of the school staff (e.g. teachers, specialists, etc.) on an individual basis regarding their child's progress;  Requiring each teacher to send home a folder containing student papers and work samples each week‐ requesting a parent signature and return back to school; providing weekly reports, interim reports and report cards‐ a parent‐friendly letter will be enclosed in the first report that explains their child's grades and overall performance;  Offering parents special opportunities each year to include their opinions in regards to the school's approach to school improvement‐during the annual open house for parents (The ACSIP plan is available on the website and can be provided in hard copy form upon request);

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Offering parents numerous opportunities through brochures sent home with students‐posting notices around the school facilities‐advertisement through the school's morning broadcast about parent workshops and meetings (e.g. Literacy night, Math night, GT family night, etc.), and using the LRSD student handbook.

The Fulbright Administration, Grade Level Classroom Teachers (Pre‐K through 5th), Specialists (Music, Art, PE, GT, Counselor, Reading Teacher and Math Coach) and the Parent‐Teacher Association (PTA) plan numerous student parent-family events throughout the year. Each event is thoughtfully planned with the parent/child relationship in mind. All parties work together to sponsor/host/facilitate monthly activities and events that promote a positive learning environment, encourage family participation, build teacher/staff and parent relationships and increase parent involvement.

Our year at a glance                                     

Back to School Meet and Greet, August 15th- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Boy Scout Night, August 28th- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Cheer Clinic, September 2nd-5th, Micah Haupt/447-4737 Fulbright Open House, September 4th- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Boosterthon Fun Run Pep Rally, September 8th- Karen Fleischmann, PTA 447-4700 Boosterthon , September 8th-17th- Karen Fleischmann, PTA 447-4700 Watch Dog DAD Night, September 11th -Rick Toth, Top Dog/447‐4700 Boosterthon Fun Run, September 17th- Karen Fleischmann, PTA 447-4700 Hall of Fame Assembly , September 25th- Rhonda Smith‐Baker/447‐4704 Falcon Fix Up, September 27th ‐ Clark McCarley, PTA/447‐4700 Grandparent’s Week, October 6th- 10th- Adora Curry, PTA/447‐4700 Scholastic Book Fair, October 6th- 10th ‐Beth Johnson/ 447-4706 and Rory Cline/ 447-4700 AR Store, October 16th‐ Beth Johnson/447‐4700 Parent‐Teacher Conferences, October 20th - Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Fall Carnival, October 24th- Ashley Coldiron and Michelle Keahey, PTA/447‐4700 5th Grade Musical Night, October 14th‐ Megan Tilley/447‐4700 AR Store #1, October 16th ‐ Beth Johnson/447‐4706 Red Ribbon Week, October 21st-October 24th- Rhonda Smith‐ Baker/447‐4704 Pre-K Community Helper Week, October 27th -October 31st- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Hall of Fame Assembly, October 30th- Rhonda Smith‐ Baker/447‐4704 “The Many Faces of Fulbright” Family Night, November TBA- Karyn Wortsmith/447-4769 Flag Presentation Day, November 10th- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Math and Science Fair Night, November 13th -Sherry Keck/447-4772 PTA RIF Distribution #1, November 14th- PTA/447-4700 VIP's Reading Day, November 19th ‐ Beth Johnson/447‐4706 3rd Grade Musical Night, November 18th ‐ Megan Tilley/447‐4700 Hall of Fame Assembly , November 20th- Rhonda Smith‐ Baker/447‐4704 “Medieval Creations” GT Fall Open House, November TBA- Hildy Dempster and Karyn Wortsmith/447-4786 2nd Grade Musical Night, December 9th‐ Megan Tilley/447‐4700 Pre-K Carriage Rides, December 11th- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Classroom Holiday Celebrations, December TBA- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Spelling Bee Competition, January TBA- Karyn Wortsmith /447‐4769 GT “Amazement Park” Spring Open House, January TBA- Hildy Dempster and Karyn Wortsmith/447-4786 AR Store #2, January 9th ‐ Beth Johnson/447‐4706 Father‐Daughter Dance, January 23rd-PTA/447-4700 Hall of Fame, January 29th- Rhonda Smith‐Baker/447‐4704 PTA RIF Distribution #2, February 6th- PTA/447-4700 3

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Mother/Son Event, February 7th- PTA/447-4700 “Pig Out ON Books” Literacy Night, February TBA ‐ Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4700 1st Grade Musical Night, February 10th ‐ Megan Tilley/447‐4700 Parent‐Teacher Conferences, February 16th- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4702 Donuts for Dad’s, February 18th- Rick Toth, Top Dog/447‐4700 Hall of Fame Assembly , February 26th- Rhonda Smith‐Baker/447‐4704 Test Taking Tips Workshop, March TBA ‐ Karyn Wortsmith/447‐4700 PTA Bright Night, March 14th- PTA/447-4700 4th Grade Musical Night, March 17th ‐ Megan Tilley/447‐4700 Brain and Terri Kender Concert (Pre-K/K, CBI), April 2nd- Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4700 AR Store #3, April 3rd ‐ Beth Johnson/447‐4700 Kindergarten Musical Night, April 22nd ‐ Megan Tilley/447‐4700 Hall of Fame Assembly , April 30th- Rhonda Smith‐Baker/447‐4704 AR Store, May 22nd‐ Beth Johnson/447‐4706 QUIZ BOWL Championship Tournament, May TBA- Hildy Dempster and Karyn Wortsmith/447-4786 Field Day, May 15th ‐ Sherkeyer Jackson/447‐4700 AR Honors Assembly, May 19th- Beth Johnson/447-4700 Hall of Fame Assembly , May 21st ‐ Rhonda Smith‐Baker/447‐4700 PTA RIF Distribution #3, May TBA- PTA/447-4700 5th Grade Graduation Celebration, May 29th ‐ Kelly Shuffield/447‐4700

Fulbright provides opportunities for parents and community members to support the foundation of the Little Rock School District's instructional programming through Reading Buddies, tutoring and mentoring. We will also compose and maintain a list of volunteer opportunities and solicit ideas for other types of volunteer efforts during orientation of parents throughout the school year. Parental instruction of how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities at home are provided through our schools' Literacy and Math nights as well as tailor parent‐specific trainings (e.g. How to survive homework with my child? Edline access, How to work with Home Connect, My Capstone, etc.). Teachers and Building administration will provide professional development designed to enhance their understanding of effective parental involvement strategies and the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation. Contact: Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator at (501) 447‐4769 or Sherkeyer Jackson, Principal at (501) 447‐4702 Fulbright school staff, parents, and students incorporate the use of a school‐parent‐student compact, which is distributed during our annual check‐in/registration. This compact agreement outlines how parents, school staff, and students share the responsibility for improving student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the state's high academic standards. A copy of the compact agreement is kept in each student's permanent record and re‐visited annually. Contact: Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator at (501) 447‐4769 or Sherkeyer Jackson, Principal at (501) 447‐4702 Fulbright provides its parents with an opportunity to be involved in the development, implementation and evaluation of the school wide improvement plan by sharing the school's academic plan and highlighting how we can do more to become a better place for learning during our annual parent workshop. Our PTA fosters parental and community involvement within the school through varying efforts such as the quarterly “Reading is Fundamental (RIF)” and “Accelerated Reading (AR)” store opportunities. Contact: Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator at (501) 447‐4769 or Sherkeyer Jackson, Principal at (501) 447‐4702 Fulbright’s provides resources for parents and students and are afforded an opportunity to work with and/or communicate their concerns through the school's Parent Facilitator. A suggestion/comment box for parents is 4

conveniently located in the school's Parent Center, which is located on the lower level of the building across from the Kindergarten pods and atop the front office counter. Parents may check out materials (e.g. Parenting books, magazines and other informational materials regarding responsible parenting), use the computer to check grades, and visit educational websites in the school's Media Center during school hours (8:00am‐2:00pm). Other parent related brochures and pamphlets are available in the Parent Center with hours convenient for parents as well as community visitors. Informational family packets are created annually and distributed to parents including of a copy of the school's parental involvement plan, survey for volunteer interests, recommended roles for parents/ teachers/students and school, suggestions of ways parents can become involved in their child's education, parental involvement activities planned for the current school year and information about the system that will be used to allow parents and teachers to communicate (notes, phone calls, e‐mail). The school's handbook informs on the process for resolvin g parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions; the LRSD handbook is also a viable resource that is taught to the students and made available to parents. Contact Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator at (501) 447‐4769 Fulbright engages parents in the annual evaluation of its parental involvement efforts through an annual evaluation using a comprehensive needs assessment questionnaire to be filled out by teachers, parents and school staff. The parental involvement committee, made up of teachers, parents and school staff determine the effectiveness of the parental involvement plan and make changes if warranted. While collecting evidence about the satisfaction of previous decisions made by the parent involvement committee, the school's efforts to increase parental involvement will be a part of the evaluation, the survey will also collect specific information on the (1) growth in the number of parents participating in workshops and meetings; (2) specific needs of parents; (3) effectiveness of specific strategies; and (4) engagement of parents in activities to support student academic growth. Contact Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator at (501) 447‐4769. Fulbright kindly asks that parents and guardia ns consider filling out a parent interest survey prior to the end of the school year. The survey will enable parent to evaluate the activities and events that their child/family participated in throughout the year and give them an opportunity to submit honest feedback about the ones that were most beneficial in supporting their child(s) academic and social growth. The results of the parent interest survey will be used to plan the parental involvement activities for the upcoming school year. For more information, contact Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator at (501)447‐4769. As the Fulbright administration, faculty and staff strive to make this the best school year ever, we challenge all parents to plug in and be a part of our Fabulous Fulbright Family! Together we can ignite a spark in our students that will help them burn bright!

National Network of Partnership Schools Fulbright Elementary School is a member of Johns Hopkins University National Network of Partnership Schools (NNPS). The NNPS School, Family and Community Parnership family model is designed to enhance parent participation and involvement in the school and community. The family model is researched based and references engagement, activities, and resources for the six types of involvement: Parenting, Communicating, Volunteering, Student Learning, DecisionMaking and Collaborating with the Community. To support the six types of involvement, Fulbright participates on the LRSD NNPS West School Cluster Team. Karyn Wortsmith, (501) 447-4769 or by email at [email protected]

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The Parent Center is located on the 1 st floor across from the Kindergarten pods The hours of operation are from 8:00am to 2:00pm Monday through Friday.

The mission of our Parental focus The purpose of the Parent Center is to actively engage parents and caregivers of our Fulbright students as full partners in their child’s education. The Parent Center provides parents and guardians a place to access a computer with free internet service as well as recourses and materials that support and encourage the home-school connection.

WHY WE BELIEVE PARENTS ARE IMPORTANT They are Patient They are Awesome They are Respectful They are Encouraging They are Noble They are Trustworthy

Please stop by the Fulbright PARENT CENTER often We have a wealth of information and knowledge to share

For additional information or resources contact the Parent Facilitator, Karyn Wortsmith (501) 447-4769 or by email at [email protected] LITTLE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT

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FULBRIGHT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOME/SCHOOL LEARNING COMPACT School Name:_____________________________________________________ Student Name: ____________________________________Grade____________

PARENT/GUARDIAN AGREEMENT (Any parent who is interested in helping with this student may sign in lieu of the parent.) I want my child to achieve. Therefore, I will encourage him/her by doing the following:  Ensure that my child is on time each day and attends school regularly  Support the school discipline policy  Establish a time for homework and review it regularly  Provide a quiet well lighted place for study  Encourage my child’s efforts and be available for questions  Stay aware of what my child is learning  Provide a library card for my child  Read with my child and let my child see me read Signature: _______________________________ STUDENT AGREEMENT It is important that I work to the best of my ability. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following:  Attend School regular;  Come to school each day with pens, pencil, paper, and other necessary tools for learning  Complete and return homework assignments  Observe regular study hours  Conform to rules of student conduct Signature: _______________________________ TEACHER AGREEMENT It is important that student achieve. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following:  Provide appropriate and meaningful homework assignments for students  Provide necessary assistance to parents so that they can help assist with the assignments  Encourage students and parents by providing information about student progress;  Use special activities in the classroom to make learning enjoyable Signature:________________________________ PRINCIPAL AGREEMENT I support this form of parent involvement. Therefore, I shall strive to do the following:  Provide an environment that allows for positive communication between the teachers, parents and student  Ensure teachers homework assignments that will reinforce classroom instruction regularly.  Ensure high-quality curriculum and instruction that meets the State’s student academic achievement standards  Engage parents in parent-teacher conferences in which this compact will be discussed  Ensure that parents receive frequent reports on their child’s progress  Ensure parental access to staff to support partnerships  Provides parents opportunities to volunteer and observe classroom activities Signature: ______________________________

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READING WITH YOUR CHILD (20 minutes a day is all it takes to build key readers)

* 6 ways to build a better reader* Create reading habits and read every day. Talk about pictures and ask questions while reading. Snuggle up close with a book before bed. Share different kinds of books (stories, nonfiction, poetry) Read favorite books again and again. Read with expression…it’s more fun!

GOOD READERS are made on the laps of parents 8

Mission The overall purpose of PTA is to make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

Values Collaboration: We work in partnership with a wide array of individuals and organizations to accomplish our agreed-upon goals. Commitment: We are dedicated to promoting children’s overall well-being and educational success through strong parent, family, and community involvement. Accountability: We acknowledge our obligations. We deliver on our promises. Respect: We value our students, faculty/staff, parents, volunteers, community service members, our colleagues and ourselves. We expect the same high quality of effort and thought from ourselves as we do from others. Inclusivity: We gladly welcome the newcomer. We value and seek input from as wide a spectrum of viewpoints and experiences as possible. Integrity: We act consistently with our beliefs. When we err, we acknowledge the mistake and seek to make amends.

Highlights 

100% school membership annually

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Sensitive to the unique needs of a diverse population

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Plan, fund and facilitate approximately 6 student-centered activities and events each month

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Facilitate “Falcon Fix Up” as a way of keeping our school looking its best

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Proud winner of several prestigious awards which include: 2007-2008 LR PTA Council “Unit of the Year” 2008-2009 State PTA “Unit of the Year” 9

Fulbright Elementary PTA Board 2014 - 2015

President Deana McCormack [email protected] 501-551-2500

Secretary Julie Greathouse [email protected] 501-831-1246

President-Elect Sarah Beth Lowe [email protected] 501-908-9413

Secretary-Elect Courtney Cisne [email protected] 501-766-7659

First Vice President Missy Duke [email protected] 501-804-4866

Treasurer Leah Dawson [email protected] 501-425-7406

First Vice President-Elect Miki Bass [email protected] 501-350-3571

PTA Council Rep Jamie McNeal [email protected] 501-681-1042

Second Vice President Tina Nichols [email protected] 501-580-0401

ViPS Coordinator Kia Smith [email protected] 501-626-1805

Second Vice President Elect Rory Cline [email protected] 501-804-4528

Parliamentarian Kyle Noble [email protected] 501-772-9846

Third Vice President Sarah Isgrig [email protected] 501-206-7449

Communications Coordinator Amanda Tiner [email protected] 501-626-9468

Third Vice President-Elect Gay Wyatt [email protected] 501-554-3265

Watch D.O.G.S. Rick Toth [email protected] 501-607-2171

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2014-2015 PTA Committee Chairs Committee

Phone

Email

Clark McCarley

940-0229

[email protected]

Adora Curry

766-0746

[email protected]

Rory Cline

804-4528

[email protected]

310-7003

[email protected]

447-4733

[email protected]

349-8035 206-7449

[email protected] [email protected]

501-993-3240

[email protected]

749-6881 831-6726

[email protected] [email protected]

902-9090 681-3073

[email protected] [email protected]

916-798-0809

[email protected]

228-9380

[email protected]

516-0041

[email protected]

351-4708 920-4399

[email protected] [email protected]

960-6045 476-2399

[email protected] princessfancyfeet@gmailcom

351-1594

[email protected]

517-4939 479-619-5484

[email protected] [email protected]

870-918-0156

[email protected]

954-7938

[email protected]

FALCON FIX-UP GRANDPARENTS WEEK BOOK FAIR ROOM REP COORDINATOR Robyn Allmendinger DIRECTORY Beth Poss BOX TOPS Cindy Kolb Sarah Isgrig ART PROGRAM Stevi Jackson BOOSTERTHON Karen Fleischmann Karyn Wortsmith FALL PICNIC & CARNIVAL Ashley Coldiron Michelle Keahey AR STORE Jennifer Spann SCHOOL TOURS Nyla Hatley RIF Heather Starnes BRIGHT NIGHT Laura Dickinson Brooke Mitcham FATHER/DAUGHTER DANCE Amanda Coyle Jerra Hollinger MOTHER/SON EVENT Carrie Teeter GARDEN AND GROUNDS TEACHER APPRECIATION Tiffany Rowe Christie Oldham FIELD DAY FIFTH GRADE GRADUATION SCHOOL SIGN Kim Killingsworth CARPOOL Anne Martin

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1. In what grade/grades do you have a child/children at Fulbright Pre-K

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4

K

3

5

1 2. I feel welcomed and appreciated when I visit Fulbright and attend school sponsored events Strongly Agree

Neutral

Strongly Disagree

Agree Disagree 3. I clearly communicated with my child’s teacher about the ways I can get involved at Fulbright to help my child Strongly Agree

Neutral

Strongly Disagree

Agree Disagree 4. I believe there are additional things I can do to help my child's teacher or school. Strongly Agree

Neutral

Strongly Disagree

Agree Disagree 5. The list below contains some of the school or school related events/meetings that occur at Fulbright. Please check all events you/your family attended last year. I did not attend any events because I'm new to Fulbright this year. Parent/teacher conferences Student performances /musicals/plays

PTA Meetings

Graduation

Hall of Fame Assemblies

Fall Carnival

Field Trips

Book Fair

Jefferson Jubilee

Bright Night

Field Day

GT/Art Open House Family Parent Involvement Nights

Open House

Other

6. Which of the following times are best for you or your family to attend a school event? (Please mark all that apply) 7 - 9 a.m.

12 noon to 1 p.m.

3 - 5 p.m.

9 a.m. to 12 noon 1- 3 p.m. 5 - 7 p.m. 7. What do you think about the amount of homework your child has each night? too little

too much

the correct amount

8. How often do you listen to your child read at home? often (nightly) 3 - 5 days a week 1 day a week 9. What kinds of programs would you like to see offered to you or your family? family literacy

writing workshop

computer training

discipline

homework help

health and nutrition

safety

never math workshop

child development and bully prevention parenting skills training

10. Please list comments or suggestions on how Fulbright can better connect with families. (Feel free to continue on the back of this sheet.) Please return completed survey to Karyn Wortsmith, Parent Facilitator 12

Principal- Sherkeyer Jackson 447-4702 Asst. Principal- Anna Lloyd 447-4715 Secretary- Deborah Roland 447-4703 Attendance Secretary- Melanie Tiner 447-4738 Nurse- Carrie Woodard 447-4705 Counselor- Rhonda Smith-Baker 447-4704 Counselor- Mildred Calvin (W, Th, F) 447-4754 Food Service Manager- Tina McDonald 447-4707

Pre-K Teachers: Rhonda Izard- 447-4731 Susan Shelton- 447-4795 Gay Wyatt- 447-4743 Kindergarten Teachers Jean Dickerson- 447-4785 Micah Haupt- 447-4737 Alissan Jones- 447-4765 Harriett Kidd 447-4787 Lisa Reed- 447-4724 1 st Grade Teachers Donna Camp 447-4722 Natalie Jones- 447-4726 Beverly Westlake- 447-4718 Allison Stafford 447-4727 2nd Grade Teachers Hayley Armstrong 447-4767 Shorice Long- 447-4789 Juliana Reynolds- 447-4716 Laura Ross- 447-4739 3rd Grade Teachers Trish Blair- 447-4798 Sandra Bryles- 447-4712 Sherri Harris- 447-4720 Toni Smiley- 447-4723

4th Grade Teachers Sandra Croson- 447-4725 Nicole Cooper- 447-4745 Celeste Molsbee- 447-4775 5th Grade Teachers Sarah Isgrig- 447-4773 Kathleen Mehran- 447-47TBA Bridget Shinn- 447-4780 Kelly Shuffield- 447-4732 CBI Teachers Janice Gossett- 447-4710 Cheryl Woodruff- 447-4774 GT Teachers Hildy Dempster- 447-4786 Karyn Wortsmith- 447-4769 Resource Teachers Lisa Drannon- 447-4714 Becky Farmer- 447-4758 Art Teacher- Katie Short- 447-4777 Music Teacher- Megan Tilley- 447-4742 P.E. Teacher- Jennifer Horn- 447-4748 Reading Teacher- Cindy Price-447-4768 Math Coach- Sherry Keck-447-4772 Library Specialist- Beth Johnson- 447-4706

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