S.P.I.C.E. Grants
(Strengthening Parent Involvement in Children's Education)
In late 2006, Chalkboard awarded grants to several local parent-teacher organizations around the state to help them better connect with families who are traditionally underrepresented in schools. Grants were used for a variety of successful outreach efforts:
Astor Elementary School, Portland
Astor Elementary serves a diverse community in North Portland. Half of the students participate in the free and reduced-price lunch program. To connect with parents, the Astor PTA organized three programs for families about kids and the media, healthy relationships, and homework. To promote attendance, the PTA provided dinner and childcare at all three events. “Providing dinner for the families gave everyone the chance to connect and socialize before and after the workshop. Also, having childcare meant no distractions from our great speakers,” commented PTA President Chris Hochstatter. The programs were successful, and the PTA intends to provide two more educational talks during the 2007-2008 school year.
Columbus Elementary School, McMinnville
Columbus Elementary educates 548 students in McMinnville, with more than half on the free and reduced-price lunch program and 20 percent in the English Language Learner program. The Columbus PTA organized two events to address language accessibility needs. A “Family Literacy Game Night” encouraged families to participate in different literacy game stations in Spanish and English. Fifth-grade students monitored the stations and offered translation assistance. A Multi-Cultural Night, by the A.C. Gilbert House, emphasized diversity of the school community and offered opportunities to experience crafts, games, and recipes from around the world. Both nights saw a diverse family turnout and plenty of enjoyment.
Rogue River Elementary School, Rogue River
A large percentage of Rogue River Elementary’s lower income families have little opportunity to access educational support services. The PTA developed three activities to provide parents with educational, at-home tools. A Chili-Cook-Off served as a fun parent-school staff meeting to brainstorm ideas. The PTA also produced a tri-school Family Math Night, carnival style, to promote math literacy with diverse methods. Families parted with “goodie” bags to support learning at home, including a “Recipes for Summer Reading and Math” book with snack suggestions and math and reading tips. Heather Stiebs, PTA president, said, “We’re seeing a very positive light on our PTA. Parents seem to want to get more involved during school and after school when you provide them with fun tools to do so.”
Pine Ridge Elementary School, Bend
Opened in 2003, Pine Ridge Elementary serves 75 English Language Learner students and 42 percent enroll in the free and reduced-price lunch program. To facilitate diversity, the PTA aspired to aid Spanish-speaking parents’ participation in school activities. In encouraging parent involvement, the PTA coordinated a “Fiesta Mexicana” with Spanish Bingo, taquitos, and art projects. Families were asked to cast three votes regarding their most pressing school-related concerns or desires as they entered. Paid interpreters, partnered with a PTA member, were posted at the voting area to answer any questions. “The top-rated request was for training (in English and Spanish) on how to help kids with their homework—especially math,” said Stacey Foster, PTA president.
Cecile Trost Elementary School, Canby
The Cecile Trost Elementary community, a 2006 CTAG (Closing the Achievement Gap) winner, has strong parent involvement, reading blocks, and a growing dual language immersion program. As resources split with one of Canby’s new schools, Lee Elementary, the PTA looked for new funding alternatives to support its winter and spring sessions of the English/Spanish language and culture family class. The class focuses on communication between native English-speaking parents, native Spanish-speaking parents, and school students, staff, and administration. Parenting skills are practiced, observed, and refined, and center on improving student education and involvement. “Our families are learning to bridge the cultural gaps and form a sense of community,” commented PTA President Art Marine.
Lundy Elementary School, Lowell
Lundy Elementary, in Lowell, faces many challenges due to budget and program cuts. The PTA wanted to encourage school spirit and pride through a series of “Literacy Nights.” It organized four free nights around science, reading, math, and social studies. The events included creative learning activities for both students and parents. During the “Reading Family Fun Night,” in-character Harry Potter and Clifford the Big Red Dog stories were very popular. On “Pioneer Museum Night,” hands-on learning centers included lessons on making bread, washing clothes, and panning for gold. Lowell PTA President Lorrie Pray said, “I feel that there is a stronger sense of community here because families are given these opportunities to come and interact with each other.”
Lava Ridge Elementary School, Bend
Lava Ridge is a large school community with almost 700 students. Every spring, PTA members organize a Bingo/Carnival family fundraiser night, as they feel it is the responsibility of the parents to raise money for educational programs. To strengthen the school community, the PTA invited families to attend the event who otherwise would have been unable to do so because of financial limitations. “Some parents literally expressed their gratitude with tears of joy,” said Lisa Butler, PTA president. Teachers and staff chose particular families at their discretion. Each person was given carnival tickets, raffle tickets, bingo cards for every game, and money for food and snacks at the event.
David Douglas High School, Portland
Given the large number of English as a Second Language students served by David Douglas High School and to promote multicultural parent involvement and academic achievement, the PTA established a series of ESL parent meetings. The four informational events focused on immigration issues, financial aid for immigrant students, and summer activities for students. Each night provided food, childcare, and headsets for translation. “Parents have shared that they’ve been pleased that the school has taken their needs and concerns into account,” said Courtney Acostagrates, district multicultural community liaison. Students and families responded that the seminars were helpful.
Gilbert Park Elementary School, Portland
With more than a third of students enrolled in the English as a Second Language program, Gilbert Park faces challenges in promoting student interest in reading and creating a stronger connection between the school and immigrant communities. To break down the language barrier, the PTA concocted two multicultural events aimed at increasing parents' active participation and input into their children’s education. “Bedtime Stories around the World” dedicated a night to reading stories from different countries in their native language and served traditional cookies and beverages. Students received free English and Spanish books and multilingual parent homework checklists were distributed. The PTA and school staff were confident the events promoted multicultural parent involvement.
Garfield Elementary School, Corvallis
Garfield Elementary is a Title I school with 73 percent of students qualifying for the free and reduced-price lunch program. Thirty-three percent are ELL students. To encourage stronger communication among such a diverse family population, the PTA used the grant money to purchase simultaneous translation equipment for use at PTA meetings. They also hired an interpreter to use at meetings. PTA President Sally Thierstein said, "We have seen a higher Hispanic turnout at our meetings and hopefully can continue to build on the project's success." With an increase in turnout, Garfield intends to expand to two PTAs and continue to provide interpretation services in the 2007-2008 school year.
