Parent+Rights+and+Responsibilities+Document+for+Discussion

=Parents’ & Guardians’ Rights and Responsibilities – Discussion Draft Nov. 15, 2007=

ISB defines its partnership with parents/guardians as a collaborative effort recognizing that family is the primary influence on your child’s development. This partnership requires active involvement from the school as well as the parents/guardians. Our mutual goal is to support your child’s quest for educational success and fulfillment. We can achieve this goal through effective communication and trust, cornerstones of any successful relationship, regardless of our cultural diversities. ISB acknowledges that the amount of parent/guardian involvement may vary; however, the expectations of both members of this partnership and learning community should be clearly outlined.

Therefore, under our set of beliefs on education as stated in the ISB Strategic Plan, parents/guardians have the following Rights and Responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Parents/Guardians have the Right: 1. (Safety & Health) To have a safe & secure learning environment provided for students, including:
 * Safe transportation and facilities
 * Freedom from intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse in the school environment
 * Emergency response protocols practiced school-wide
 * Drug and smoke-free campus
 * Appropriate security precautions and personnel

2. (Communication) To expect timely, relevant, effective communication, including:
 * Respect and courtesy from all members of the school staff
 * Access to all school policies and guidelines
 * Information regarding school issues and events
 * Responses to inquiries, concerns, complaints or grievances within 2 school days

3. (Academics) To be informed of student academic and behavioral progress through:
 * Regular communication between teachers and families
 * Information concerning the grading criteria and student progress
 * Access to classroom activities following the school policies and communication protocols
 * Parent-teacher conferences and/or other requested meetings

4. (Curriculum & instruction) To examine or to be provided with:
 * Curriculum and other relevant instructional material
 * Course syllabus with regard to individual course outcomes, standards students are expected to meet
 * Informatoin regarding academic support available for success in the classroom

5. To participate in decision-making at the school through:
 * Voting in elections or on special amendments put forth to the Association of Parents
 * Serving or volunteering on school committees and task forces
 * Serving on the Board of Trustees

Parents/Guardians have the Responsibility: To support the school mission, values, curriculum, educational standards and follow the school chain of communication, with respect to the following:

1. (Safety & Health):
 * To understand and support the developmental needs of each child
 * Send your child to school ready to learn, well rested, well nourished, appropriately clean and dressed
 * Ensure that children are properly supervised if and when parents are away from home…temporary guardianship
 * Not send children to school when they are unwell, especially with communicable illnesses such as colds, influenza, conjunctivitis, or fever.
 * Reinforce with your children respect for people, property, safety and the rights of others

2. (Communication):
 * Treat teachers and staff with courtesy and respect
 * Maintain contact with teachers and homeroom parents as necessary
 * Attend meetings that are related to your child, individually and in the form of workshops (i.e. Freedom from Chemical Dependency, Reading Continuum)
 * Inform ISB of any special needs of your child’s or circumstances at home that may affect their performance at school
 * Learn ISB’s policies (i.e. regarding planned absences, administering medications, how to meet with teachers)
 * Seek assistance to learn how to fulfill or understand your responsibilities
 * Request assistance if this information needs translation

3. (Academics):
 * Ensure that students complete assigned homework on time
 * Ensure that student attend school regularly and without extended vacations, informing school of any time when family needs to be away
 * Attend parent/teacher conferences or scheduled meetings

4. (Curriculum & Instruction):
 * Participate in committees or programs that empower parents to make educational decisions
 * Volunteer time, skills, and resources (whenever) possible
 * Communicate with school, administration and teachers