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Kenston moves ahead for at-risk students
(by Sue Hoffman - July 07, 2010)
Kenston moves ahead for at-risk students
By SUE HOFFMAN
The Kenston School Board passed a resolution last week approving the district's new family and civic-engagement plan. The board previously approved a resolution appointing members of the family and civic-engagement team.
Assistant Superintendent Jack Thompson said all Ohio school districts are required to develop a family and civic-engagement team and plan. The Kenston and Cardinal school districts are serving as pilot programs in that effort through a grant awarded to the Geauga County Educational Service Center. The pilot school districts had to produce a detailed plan by June 30.
The family and civic-engagement plan is required by Ohio House Bill 1 "to remove non-academic barriers which prevent students at risk from succeeding academically," Dr. Thompson said. Examples of barriers are social, emotional or mental-health problems, as well as attendance issues and child abuse, he said.
"One of the things we sometimes see with at-risk students is a void in parent involvement," Dr. Thompson said. "A strong line of communications and working in partnership with parents could improve the situation." He said social-service agencies could facilitate student improvement through community outreach efforts.
According to the Ohio Department of Education, each family and civic-engagement team must work with local county Family and Children First Councils in establishing job descriptions for a program coordinator. Each team must also develop a five-year plan, show annual progress reports and provide recommendations to the school board.
Kenston's family and civic-engagement team includes a cross section of community members, staff and public service agencies, Dr. Thompson said.
From the school district, members are Dr. Thompson, school board President Anne Randall, Special Education Director Rita Pressman, Assistant Principal Kristen Hasenohrl and social worker Alicia Paulsey. Other members are parent Joann Randall, parent mentor Ann Porter, Steve Yingling, of Keller Williams Realty, and Maureen Brichmann, of Docmann Printing.
Representatives of community and health and human service agencies on the team are: DeAnna Tenney, of Chagrin Falls Park Community Center: Nancy Seelbach and Brad Welch, of Family and Children First Council; and Suzanne Allen, of the educational service center.
Plans for the team are to increase communication and school engagement with parents and community members, and increase the utilization of social service agencies for students and families in need. The plan includes methods for gathering data and time lines for evaluation.
Dr. Thompson said no state funding is being provided for the coordinator. He said Ms. Paulsey's position in the district fulfills job duties outlined by the team's description. The team said the coordinator is to "have a strong knowledge and understanding of county agencies to act as the liaison between families and caregivers, schools and agencies." The coordinator will "provide professional development to teachers, administrators and guidance personnel to ensure understanding and compliance with new methods."
Dr. Thompson said the team plans to hold an in-service program for teachers "dedicated to building relationships with families.
"The in-service will result with each school adopting three practices all teachers will do to engage and build relationships with families in their school building."
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