I. Mission and Vision

Valentine Elementary School District 22 is committed to fostering strong partnerships between families, educators, and the community to support student success. Our mission is to provide a high-quality, inclusive education that promotes academic excellence, character development, and lifelong learning. Our vision is to empower students to thrive academically, personally, and socially, preparing them to become compassionate leaders who positively impact their communities.

II. Goals for Parent Involvement

While our district currently encourages general engagement, we are dedicated to developing clear goals for increasing meaningful parent involvement. These goals will focus on fostering collaboration, increasing volunteer opportunities, and creating an inclusive environment where all families feel welcomed and valued.

III. Staff and Student Well-Being

Valentine Elementary School District prioritizes the well-being of students and staff by ensuring access to:

·         Mental and emotional health support.

·         Safe and positive school environments.

·         Physical health resources and wellness programs.

·         Opportunities for professional development and training for staff on well-being strategies.

·         Initiatives that promote a supportive and inclusive school culture.

IV. Communication and Collaboration

The district is committed to maintaining open, transparent, and consistent communication with families and the community. Communication efforts include:

·         Weekly and daily updates through various channels such as the school website, social media, newsletters, and the school app.

·         Public Service Announcements on local radio stations.

·         A Google Calendar linked to the school website for real-time event updates.

·         Direct messaging through the Rooms feature of the school app.

·         Printed materials distributed to students and families.

·         Regular phone and email communication from staff.

V. Equitable and Accessible Learning Spaces

Valentine Elementary School District ensures that all students and families have access to learning opportunities by:

·         Maintaining ADA-compliant facilities and incorporating additional accessibility features in the new school building.

·         Providing valet parking and transportation support for families attending school events.

·         Offering digital access options for communication and resources.

·         Making all school activities free and accessible to all families.

·         Monitoring and adjusting accessibility measures to meet community needs.

 VI. Effective and Transparent Transitions

The district supports smooth transitions between educational stages, ensuring continuity in learning and support services:

Preschool to Kindergarten:

·         Collaboration with Head Start to identify incoming students.

·         Preschool visitation day for students and families.

·         Enrollment information distributed to preschool families.

·         Parent meetings in April to provide kindergarten program details.

Elementary to Middle School and Middle to High School:

·         As a K-8 school, students do not transfer from an elementary to a middle school setting.

·         Fifth grade students are involved in middle school activities and traditions throughout the school year.

·         Coordination with high schools to provide transition information, orientations, and registration support.

·         High school representatives visit Valentine Elementary to present options to students.

·         Organized high school tours for students.

·         Individualized support for students attending specialized or boarding schools.

·         Participation in the Reality Store event to help students prepare for high school life.

Special Education Transitions:

·         The Special Education Coordinator works closely with families and receiving schools to ensure continuity of services.

·         Support for Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 Plans to facilitate a seamless transition.

VII. Parent Feedback and Policy Review

Valentine Elementary School District values parent input in shaping school policies and programs.

·         Families and students complete annual surveys to share feedback on events and activities.

·         The superintendent gathers input from families through community engagement and events.

·         Informal verbal feedback is collected and shared among staff to plan relevant programs.

·         Parent feedback is integrated into future initiatives to enhance school-community partnerships.

VIII. Legal and Compliance Considerations

This policy aligns with the Arizona School Board Association's Policy ABAA Parent Involvement guidelines and Arizona Revised Statutes on Parent Involvement. The district ensures compliance with all state-mandated parent engagement requirements while striving to exceed expectations in family and community collaboration.

This policy will be reviewed annually to incorporate feedback and reflect the evolving needs of our school community.