Parent Involvement Policy

The North Babylon Union Free School District welcomes and encourages parent involvement. The four principles of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB):

accountability for results
local control and flexibility
expanded parental choice
effective and successful programs that reflect scientifically based research

were the framework through which families, administration, educators, and the North Babylon Community will continue to work together to improve teaching and learning.  These principles will provide the North Babylon Union Free School District’s PTSA, PTAs, schools, and Community with the components that are needed for highly effective family involvement.  The North Babylon Union Free School District’s parents and the administration are interested in more effective family/school/community connections and find the four principles to be a valuable resource and catalyst for action.

The North Babylon Board of Education recognizes that a child's education is a responsibility shared by the school and family during the entire period the child spends in school.  To support the goal of the North Babylon Union Free School District to educate all students effectively, the schools and parents work as informed and knowledgeable partners.

Although parents are diverse in culture, language, and needs, they share the District's commitment to the educational success of their children.  The North Babylon Union Free School District, in collaboration with parents, establishes programs and practices that enhance parent involvement that reflect the specific needs of students and their families.

To this end, the North Babylon Union Free School District's Board of Education supports the development, implementation, and annual review of a parent involvement program in each school, which will involve parents at all grade levels in a variety of roles.  The parent involvement programs will be comprehensive and coordinated in nature.  They will include, but not be limited to, the following components of successful parent involvement programs:

Communication between home and school that is ongoing, two-way, and meaningful.
Responsible parenting skills that are promoted and supported.
Parents playing an integral role in assisting student learning.
Parents who are welcome in the schools, and their support and assistance sought.
Parents as full partners in the decisions that affect children and families.
Community resources utilized to strengthen school programs, family practices, and student learning.

The North Babylon Union Free School District's Board of Education supports professional development opportunities for staff members to enhance understanding of effective parent involvement strategies.  The Board also recognizes the importance of administration leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental participation.

In addition to programs at the school level, the North Babylon Union Free School District's Board of Education supports the development, implementation, and regular evaluation of programs to involve parents in the decisions and practices of the School District, using to the degree possible, the components listed above.  Engaging parents is essential to improved student achievement.  The school district shall continue to foster and support active parent involvement.