Family and Community Engagement
CAPE 4 states that educational leaders collaborate with families and other stakeholders to address diverse student and community interests and mobilize community resources. CAPE 4 has two sections: “4A: Parent and Family Engagement” and “4B: Community Involvement”. New administrators engage families in education and school activities and understand the benefits of and regulations pertaining to their involvement. It is also important for administrators to recognize the range of family and community perspectives. As a teacher and future administrator, I have been able to see firsthand the importance of engaging family and community members in the school’s vision. A welcoming environment for family and community participation makes all the difference when support is needed.
CAPE 4 provides opportunities for both school and community to work together and provide students the best possible environment necessary. As a future administrator not only will be accountable to my staff, but to my district, my students, and my community. A partnership of trust makes a world of difference.
Promotion
The end of the 2019-2020 school year was difficult for our 8th graders. The uncertainty of what the end of the year would bring due to the pandemic was devastating. 8th graders would miss out on the opportunity of having a promotion ceremony and for teachers to cheer them on. As a member of the 8th grade team I was able to help organize a “drive-by” promotion event in which staff members could come and support and cheer on our promoting 8th graders. CAPE 4 directly relates to this activity as it is creating and promoting a welcoming environment for family and community participation.
Case Study
For CAPE 4 I was able to work on a case study in which my focus was on understanding and communicating policy. One thing that was evident was the lack of knowledge or information our parents had about our school board and the meetings conducted monthly. It is so important that not only our families be involved with their schools, but also their school district.
