RAINBOW DISTRICT—Innovative parent involvement projects are being implemented in Rainbow District School Board (RDSB) thanks to funding provided by the Ministry of Education’s Parent Engagement Office.
Eight RDSB schools, including three on Manitoulin Island (Assiginack Public School in Manitowaning, Central Manitoulin Public School in Mindemoya and Manitoulin Secondary School in M’Chigeeng) will share a total of $10,900 in Parents Reaching Out Grants to support school council initiatives to further engage parents/guardians in their child’s learning.
Assiginack Public School will host an evening of coding fun for parents/guardians and their children. Together, they will explore various coding applications to develop an understanding of the process. A lending library with various coding devices and books will be available for use.
Central Manitoulin Public School will put on a mental health resources for students and families program. Posters showcasing student art will be hung around the school to promote mental health. Brochures will be developed and sent home with students. Staff will also host an information session for parents/guardians to increase awareness for supporting children inside and outside of the classroom.
Manitoulin Secondary School will be hosting parental supports for post-secondary success. MSS will host evening workshops to help parents/guardians and students prepare for the post-secondary experience. Planned workshop topics include financial management, time management, managing emotional stress and making good choices.
In addition, the board has received a $10,000 Regional Parents Reaching Out Grant for the Parent Involvement Committee to host Parents as Partners: Learning Together. Parents/guardians will have an opportunity to attend various sessions. They will gain awareness of education initiatives, dig deeper into timely topics and learn strategies they can use at home to support their child’s progress in school.
“Parents are important partners in the learning process,” said RDSB Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Research has shown that the involvement of parents and guardians in their child’s education has a positive impact on student achievement and overall school performance.”
While each project varies from school to school, the initiatives have one thing in common—they are intended to enhance communications between the school and the home and help to create a welcoming environment for parents/guardians.
“We commend school councils and the parent involvement committee for hosting activities to further engage parents/guardians in Rainbow Schools,” added Mr. Blaseg. “With their efforts and the support of the Ministry of Education, we have a number of exciting projects taking place in our schools once again this year.”
