Parent Participation at Easterbrook Discovery School

Our vision is for 100% of the parents at EDS to actively participate in their child’s education and in our school community.  Research shows that the partnership between school and family is a strong indicator of student success.   At EDS, this partnership allows for small group instruction in every classroom setting.  Under the direction of the teacher, parents work with small groups or one-on-one to ensure that all students get the support they need to reach their full potential. 

In addition, parents receive training that is valuable in working with children in the classroom and with their children at home. Parents also bring unique talents and skills to our classroom.  Core curriculum is enhanced when parents support weekly activities such as cooking gardening, art, and community service projects.

School Wide Volunteer Opportunities:

• Work in the school Copy Center making copies, do clerical work to support the teacher each week

• Help with recess and lunch coverage on the playground each week

• Substitute in class for parents

• Volunteer to support activities such as the annual Walk-A-Thon, Family Movie Night, Family Math Night, etc.

• Work on fundraising or grant writing throughout the year

• Help coach after-school sports

• Work in the cafeteria or student store (1-3 days a week)

• Translation Services (i.e. Newsletter, Phone Calls)

• Work in the school Copy Center or do clerical work to support the teacher each week

• Supervise dances or after-school activities

• Grant Writing

• Attend campus work days on the weekends

Other ways you can help:

• Chaperone field trips with your child’s class

• Share your unique talents with a group of children… woodworking, knitting, photography….etc.

• Volunteering towards school functions like book fairs, fund raising, SCRIP sales, etc.     

• Take work home for the classroom teacher

• Take responsibility for a committee within the classroom

Parent Education

As part of our program, you will be asked to attend two Parent Education Evenings each year.  The first evening in September is a traditional Back-to-School Night where you have a chance to hear from the teacher about what will be happening in the classroom during the year.  You will also have a chance to sign up for volunteer shifts and other volunteer opportunities.

Parent Academy

In October, the EDS staff hosts a Parent Academy.  Parents learn strategies and skills that will help them be more effective with small groups in the classroom and at home with their own child.  Workshops are offered in math, literacy support, facilitating book clubs, spelling, writing, and small group management.  Special workshops are also offered to support those parents who choose to take on Cooking, Art, Gardening, or other extra-curricular activities.

In addition, other Parent Education Opportunities are offered during the year covering topics such as homework support, recognizing your child’s learning style, and a wide variety of parenting issues.

Easterbrook Discovery School, San Jose, CA. Design donated by Kari J. Kindem, Creative Group Design. Copyright 2007 - 2008. All rights reserved. Webmaster.
Last Updated: 09/06/2008.