Parent Advisory Committee
Parent Involvement
The high school and the elementary school each currently maintain a School Advisory Council (“SAC”) that includes parents, students, and members of the community, as well as faculty and staff, to make recommendations to the school principal. These school advisory councils participate in reviewing parental and community concerns.
In addition, each school has an individual on staff serving in the capacity of parent liaison. They convene the meetings of the SACs and facilitate communication with parents and community leaders in a variety of forums.
- Parent Liaison - Misla Barco.
Other opportunities for parent involvement include:
- Board representation - a parent from each school, and an East Palo Alto community representative, sit on the Board of Directors.
- Parent meetings – monthly parent meetings (formal and informal) provide opportunities for raising ideas for school improvement.
- Conferences on student progress - parents, students, and teachers meet at least twice a year to plan and assess the students’ learning progress and determine goals.
- Student-led conferences– students at some grades lead conferences on their work with parents and advisors during the year.
- Exhibition panels – parents, volunteers and community leaders may sit on exhibition panels to judge student work.
- Parent workshops – workshops on issues of interest to families, and meetings with local organizations and government agencies have been organized in response to identified needs.
- School and staff surveys – parents fill out a survey each year identifying strengths and weaknesses.
- Volunteer opportunities – parents and community members have the opportunity to assist in classrooms, lead extra-curricular activities, assist in event planning, attend fie ld trips (including college visits), and serve on parent committees.
- Fundraising – parents and community members work with the school to raise additional resources to support students and the school program.
