November is Family Engagement Month, a perfect time to strengthen the bond between home and school. Staying connected with your child’s school can significantly impact their academic success and overall school experience. Here are 10 ways parents in Union County Public Schools can be engaged, informed and involved:

1. Get the inside scoop with newsletters and Snapshots! Following your school’s newsletter, the UCPS Snapshots newsletter, UCPS website and social media channels are some of the best ways to stay informed. The Snapshots newsletter provides district-wide updates, event announcements and important information. By staying subscribed to these sources, you will know everything from upcoming events to academic initiatives.
   
   
2. Stay on track with PowerSchool. PowerSchool, the UCPS online portal, allows parents to track their child’s academic progress in real time. Parents can also keep track of grades, attendance, and assignments by logging in frequently. If you need assistance logging in or a refresher on using it, contact your child's school or visit the EmpowerEd Family Portal for more resources.
   
   
3. Attend parent-teacher conferences. Attending scheduled parent-teacher conferences is essential to stay updated on your child’s strengths and areas for growth. Conferences provide a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and learn how you can support learning at home.
   
   
4. Volunteer to make a difference. Volunteering at school events allows you to connect with teachers, staff and other parents while contributing to the school community. Schools often have a range of volunteer opportunities, from classroom assistance to school activities. Contact your child’s school or check the UCPS website for specific ways you can help. To become a volunteer, you must fill out the volunteer application.
   
   
5. Join or start a parent group. Many UCPS schools have active parent groups that work to enhance the school environment. If your school does not have one, consider starting one! Parent groups support fundraising, organize events and advocate for school improvements.
   
   
6. Take advantage of family nights and school events. Family nights, open houses, and school performances are perfect opportunities for you and your family to feel a part of the school community. These events allow you to meet other families, see the school in action, and show your child that you value their education.
   
   
7. Communicate regularly with teachers and staff. Building a relationship with your child’s teacher is vital to open communication. Many teachers are happy to share your child’s progress and answer questions. Staying in touch can go a long way, whether it is through email or a quick chat during school pickup.
   
   
8. Engage with UCPS community and Board of Education meetings. The Board of Education meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month (unless otherwise specified). The district hosts other community engagement events open to parents and community members. These meetings cover many topics related to district policies, funding and academic programming. Participating in these sessions allows you to stay informed and engaged in decision-making that affects your child’s education.
   
   
9. Encourage your child’s involvement in extracurriculars. From sports to clubs, UCPS offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities. By encouraging your child to get involved, you will have more chances to connect with other parents, attend school functions and support your child’s interests outside the classroom.
   
   
10. Support learning in everyday moments. Embrace the little opportunities to nurture curiosity and learning at home. Whether it is chatting about their day, exploring a new book together, or discovering the wonders of nature, these moments can help spark a love for learning and strengthen the connection between school and home.

11/13/2024