The key to better grades? Parent Involvement!

LICS Secondary students celebrate UN Day 2008

from PTO today, "Parent Involvement Matters!"

What Every Parent Should Know

Researchers have been studying the effects parent attitudes and actions have on their children's academic success for more than 30 years. The results have been consistent. Anne Henderson and Nancy Berla summed it up in their book A New Generation of Evidence: The Family Is Critical to Student Achievement, which reviewed the existing research: "When parents are involved in their children's education at home, they do better in school. And when parents are involved in school, children go farther in school and the schools they go to are better."

Much of the information here is taken from publications by Henderson, a consultant at New York University's Institute for Education and Social Policy, and various coauthors that examine parent involvement research; and from publications by Joyce Epstein, director of the National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University; the National Center for Parent Involvement in Education, which Henderson helped found; and summaries of research prepared by the Michigan Department of Education, San Diego Unified School District, and others.

Major Benefits

Research shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, the children are more likely to:

• earn better grades.
• score higher on tests.
• pass their classes.
• attend school regularly.
• have better social skills.
• show improved behavior.
• be more positive in their attitude toward school.
• complete homework assignments.
• graduate and continue their education.

More Is Better

Parents can serve many different roles in the educational process: home teachers, advocates for their children, volunteers, fundraisers, boosters. And they can even serve in decisionmaking and oversight roles for the school. The more parents participate in a sustained way at each of these levels, the better for student achievement.

Start Early

When parents get involved early in their children's education, the results are more pronounced and long-lasting.

At All Levels

Studies indicate that parent involvement in education has a positive effect at all grade levels: elementary, middle, and high school.

Dads Matter

In both two-parent and father-only households where dads are highly involved in their schools, children are more likely to:

• succeed academically.
• participate in extracurricular activities.
• enjoy school.

They are less likely to:

• have to repeat a grade.
• be suspended or expelled.

A Significant Difference

One study found that students from families with above-average parent involvement were 30 percent more successful in school than those with below-average involvement. Success was measured by GPA; test scores in math, science, reading, and social studies; promotion and retention rates; and teacher ratings.

Also Significant

Another study found that in schools where teachers reported high levels of outreach to parents, test scores grew at a rate 40 percent higher than in schools that reported low levels of outreach to parents.

Home and School

A three-year study of 12,000 high school student concluded that "When parents come to school regularly, it reinforces the view in the child's mind that school and home are connected and that school is an integral part of the whole family's life."

Reading and the Parent Group

A two-year study of home and school influences on literacy achievement among children from low-income families found that the single variable most positively connected to all literacy skills was formal involvement in parent-school activities such as PTO participation, attending school activities, and serving as a volunteer.

Tell the Principal

Schools with involved parents enjoy:

• better morale among teachers.
• higher ratings of teachers by parents.
• more support from families.
• a better reputation in the community.

Parents Benefit, Too

When parents become involved in their children's education, the parents are more likely to:

• be more confident at school.
• be more confident in themselves as parents and their ability to help their children learn.
• be held in higher esteem by teachers and have teachers expect more from their children.
• enroll in continuing education to advance their own schooling.

A Final Note

Why should parents get involved? Because involvement can make a dramatic difference for their children.

Why should school administrators encourage involvement? Because it can make a significant difference, both in school atmosphere and in the success rate of students—especially when parents are included as partners in the educational process.

Parent involvement is a powerful tool. Spread the word.

Positions Available

Below, please find descriptions of the positions available on the LICS PTA Executive Board

PTA Chair duties: run (and attend) regularly scheduled (and advertised) meetings, delegate responsibilities for carrying out activities and programming, set appropriate meeting agendas (in consultation with PTA executive board and with input from teachers, staff, parents and board), answer PTA emails and direct parent queries, write PTA article/letter for SCOOP. Liaise with board, teachers, staff, parents and students.

PTA Vice Chair/Co-chair* duties: work to support Chairperson run meetings, carry out events and programming (including membership recruitment and volunteer placement), attend meetings and chair meetings if the PTA Chair is absent

*Note: Chair and Vice can be rolled into two "co" positons to distribute the load

Chief Accountant/PTA Treasurer: maintain PTA financial records, track spending and fundraising, facilitate PTA events by providing appropriate 'float' (change, petty cash, etc), handle dispersal funds and reimburse for expenses from petty cash, close books and reconcile after each event, each term, at the end of each PTA year (September to September).

Chief Communications Officer/PTA Secretary: attend meetings, record and distribute meeting minutes, keep updated attendance lists, contact lists (email and phone), post to PTA blog, post flyers and notices around school (whiteboard and ELC/EYD), distribute and coordinate communications.

PTA Parent Meeting THURSDAY

PTA will hold an information session on Thursday morning at 7:30 - 8:30 AM in the library.*

All parents interested in supporting PTA activities this term and especially those interested in sitting for PTA Board Positions please come to this meeting. On the agenda: recruitment and setting the Annual General Meting (AGM) date and time. Parents will be elected officially to board positions at the AGM.

Please email the LICS PTA if you are interested but unable to attend:

LICSpta@hotmail.com

THANKS!

*(if there is a class at that time, we'll meet in the primary staff lounge)

Rise and Shine, Parent Coffee Morning

The PTA is hosting a Parent Coffee Morning on Friday 11 September.

Please come by our table by the tuck shop for a proper cup of coffee or tea. If you are able, bring along some breakfast muffins, fruit or something to share with fellow LICS parents--nothing is to decadent! (I'm remember a plate of baklava from last term...) EYD, Primary and Secondary are all welcome! See you there!

LICS PARENT COFFEE

Friday 11 September 2009

7:30 - 9 AM

-----------------------------------------------------

If you don't come for the company...come for your health! The following is copied from WebMD. If I read it on the internet it must be true, right?

Coffee: The New Health Food?

Want a drug that could lower your risk of diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and colon cancer? That could lift your mood and treat headaches? That could lower your risk of cavities?

If it sounds too good to be true, think again.

Coffee, the much maligned but undoubtedly beloved beverage, just made headlines for possibly cutting the risk of the latest disease epidemic, type 2 diabetes. And the real news seems to be that the more you drink, the better.

Reducing Disease Risk

After analyzing data on 126,000 people for as long as 18 years, Harvard researchers calculate that compared with not partaking in America's favorite morning drink, downing one to three cups of caffeinated coffee daily can reduce diabetes risk by single digits. But having six cups or more each day slashed men's risk by 54% and women's by 30% over java avoiders.

Consider this: At least six studies indicate that people who drink coffee on a regular basis are up to 80% less likely to develop Parkinson's, with three showing the more they drink, the lower the risk. Other research shows that compared to not drinking coffee, at least two cups daily can translate to a 25% reduced risk of colon cancer, an 80% drop in liver cirrhosis risk, and nearly half the risk of gallstones.

There's also some evidence that coffee may help manage asthma and even control attacks when medication is unavailable, stop a headache, boost mood, and even prevent cavities.

WELCOME BACK!

Two LICS students enjoying

the last 'licks' of their summer holiday

The 2009-2010 LICS school year is just around the corner and on behalf of PTA.....Welcome back!

It should be another exciting year -- some changes, some things remain the same --we're all anxious to see all the work that was completed over the holiday. Most of all we're excited to see familiar faces and meet new friends -- connecting and re-connecting.

The 2008-2009 PTA is finishing up with their 'terms of office' in September with the annual PTA meeting and as such there are plenty of opportunities for new leadership and new involvement. This is your time to get involved! The 2009-2010 PTA Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary are all vacant but you can be certain that whomever steps into those positions will be well-supported by the strong group of parent volunteers who have stuck with PTA over the years.

Any questions about PTA can be directed to the LICS PTA email (licsPTA@hotmail.com) or to the 2008-2009 Chairperson, Anne Jennings (thirteensocks@hotmail.com). THANKS for you interest and WELCOME BACK!

2008-2009 PTA

Thank you to all the students, parents, teachers and staff who have shared their time with the school PTA this year.  It has been a great year of community-building at LICS and we look forward to carrying on this work next school year.  

ONLINE SURVEY

Please take a moment to fill out the Council for International Schools (CIS) accreditation survey. The survey will provide CIS with valuable feedback. Click here and follow the link.

www.centerforresearch.net

Enter the survey code: 72080417

THANK YOU

June 1-5 Happenings

This is a busy week at LICS. Stay tuned for information about the following:

Picture Day: PTA has arranged for a photographer to come to take both portraits and class photos for ELC, Primary and Secondary. Expect a note home about which day is Picture Day for your student.

PTA Meeting: PTA will meet Thursday 4 June 13.45 in the library

LICS Movie Night! Friday 5 June at 18 hrs

Have you completed your online survey?

Morning Meeting! Thursday

Good Morning, PTA! Please bring your coffee along to our morning meeting...May 21. We try to connect with teachers and reps in advance of these meetings as they can only attend afternoon meetings; PTA really counts on hearing from teachers and staff for input and advice.

Thanks to all for the feedback about school photos - we'll formulate a plan and put it 'out there' soon.

Thanks, too for the great show of support for The Snow Queen production. Many people have asked about the delicious, piping-hot pies that were sold on performance nights. They came from King Pies and a generous mom who recently opened a new franchise. She was very happy with the positive response and promises to bring her wonderful food to future events. In the meantime consider giving her your business - PTA is happy to put you in touch with them.

Our next meeting is scheduled for 4 June in the afternoon but we'll likely have to sort out some details for our June 5 movie night separately. Stay Tuned!

Snow Queen tickets on sale!

The PTA reminds you to purchase your tickets (in the main office) for this week's production of the Hans Christian Andersen classic play, THE SNOW QUEEN. Daniella Filice and many many others have been working hard to prepare two casts for the Wednesday and Thursday evening performances. (slated to start at 6pm). Given the dinner-time start, PTA will be selling pies, samosas, fruit, muffins and other snacks as well as wine, juice, hot chocolate (with marshmallows of course) and more. We plan to be set up by 5pm so that you have time to grab a bite to eat before you take your seat. We'll sell after the show as well.

Dress warmly and remember that along with Snowflakes, Flowers, Crows, and Sprites, the mosquitoes will be waiting for you in the MPH.

Friday Morning, Welcome Back Coffee

Please join fellow parents (new and old; primary, secondary, and ELC) for fresh brewed coffee, tea and breakfast-type snacks on Friday morning after drop-off.  

We will meet at the staff pool area or move inside if it is too chilly.  If you are inspired to bring something to share, please do (poetry? a plate of scones? a small child we can all adore?) but otherwise, just show up.  

B.P. will be holding a 'who has the biggest sunglasses' contest:  Audrey Hepburn in 'Breakfast at Tiffanies' Johnny Depp in 'Willy Wonka' or....you? (PTA will come up with an appropriate prize.)

Finding the staff pool area before you have had your morning coffee may be an obstacle to attending this 'event'.  Here are some hints:  you can sneak around past the big-kids climber/PE kit shop, continue on past the music room and staff kitchen area or coming from ELC, turn on the path before the reception playground and head to the staff area that way. Hope to see you there! (7:30 on)

PS NO MEETING THURSDAY

Next Meeting, Thursday April 2

Thank you to the parents who contributed and especially thank you for everyone behind the scenes and at the bar on performance night:  Elspbeth, Bells, Liz, Liz, Aarefa, Celia, Tracey and everyone. Nice work.

See you at our April 2nd meeting, 13.45 in the library.  

We will be setting the date for our big movie night and hope to stir up some ideas for how to make this upcoming event a success.  We will also report on the fabulous fundraising that took place at the two evening performances of Romeo and Juliet.  Secondary Parents came through with heaps of cakes and salads, and while we are still tallying profits, it looks like PTA 'earned' Year 11 over 4 million kwacha for our efforts. 

Next Meeting 19 March 7:45 am

Our next PTA meeting will be the morning of 19 March -- Thursday at 7:45 in the Library. To remind everyone, we are making a go at alternating morning meetings with afternoon meetings -- bring your coffee and a few ideas for our next movie night in the MPH! We will do our best to start promptly at 7:45!

Romeo, Juliet and the PTA?

The Secondary School has been working hard on their drama production of Romeo and Juliet.  The PTA has agreed to be in charge of concessions for their two evening performances (March 26th and 27th, 19hrs).  At the next PTA meeting (Thursday 19 March 7:45 AM) we will finalize menu plans and sort out a rota to staff the bar, sell food and sell vouchers.  We had tentatively discussed offering starters and desserts from Northern Italy in the spirit of the R&J theme.  Proceeds from bar and concession sales will go toward Year 11 prom and graduation expenses.

We would also like to set a date for a movie night in the MPH.  In years past they have had 150-200 people coming to these events so it will require some troubleshooting well in advance.

Hope to see you at the meeting 19 March - in the library right after drop-off!

Thanks to the parents who were able to come to the CIS Parent meetings on Tuesday.

BUSY week

In case your "Mini-Scoop" didn't make it to your desk or ended up in the rubbish bin before you could digest all the information in it, know that next week is both strange AND busy:

Monday is a public holiday and there is NO SCHOOL

BUT monday is also the first day of the CIS visit (more on that in a bit).

Tuesday is a reguar school day.  Parents are invited to two CIS meetings:  one for primary (13hrs) and the other for secondary (1530hrs)

Wednesday is full with CIS meetings all around.  The kids have school on Wednesday.  There is an assembly which I think starts at 11 but don't hold me to it.  AND, most importantly ALL students will be sent home early -- at NOON -- so that teachers can attend all staff meetings as part of the CIS visit.  There are NO ACTIVITIES on Wednesday and NO AFTERCARE at the ELC.

Thursday and Friday are holidays as well and as such there is NO SCHOOL.

Our normal schedule resumes Monday 16 March. Have a restful half-term break

Now about this CIS Visit...

CIS stands for the Council of International Schools.  LICS receives their accreditation through the CIS.  On accreditation (this is straight from Wikipedia):

"The Accreditation service transferred from European Council of International Schools (ECIS) to CIS in July 2003 with all schools in the process retaining their status as accredited or candidate schools. Currently there are some 335 accredited or candidate schools. The CIS Accreditation Service offers: an internationally-based evaluation for schools operating at elementary and/or middle and/or secondary levels, an evaluation instrument designed specifically for international schools, a sympathetic but rigorous evaluation of the highest professional standard, a cost-effective program, a seal of accreditation which can be retained subject to regular monitoring. The CIS Accreditation Service is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)Commission on Accreditation. Dual accreditation is possible with some regional accreditation agencies in the United States. CIS collaborates with a number of other educational and government agencies around the world."

While this accreditation visit comes smack in the middle of the shortest, strangest school 'week' ever, scheduling such a visit was not easy -- the other options were to have it in January or in July.  Because part of 'the visit' involves classroom observations and meetings with parents and teacher, the student council, etc.  March it is and there was no way around this.

As such, there are opportunities for parents to participate and meet with the accreditation team.  The following times have been set aside for parents to participate:  

PTA Monday 11hrs:  (AJ, PTA Chair will represent the PTA for this meeting)

Primary Parents:  Tuesday at 13hrs in the covered area

Secondary Parents Tuesday at 1530-16hrs in a secondary classroom

Thanks! 

Pancake Day

On Tuesday, Pancake Day was celebrated in true LICS style...parents sent in heaps of delicious pancakes (THANK YOU) with little notice and much confusion.  The kids had a great time with their pancake races.  In the end, the teachers either squeezed in pancake races between their literacy lessons or participated in a massive 120 student race organized by the PE department! 

The kids earned house points for their adroit flipping-while-running efforts and I think the event could only have been improved with a teacher/administrator 'friendly.'

Marathon Book-Wrapping

A handful of us worked like mad last week to finish up the primary book wrapping extravaganza.  The pile seemed endless but we got through it and the teachers are so thankful. ELC parents should brace themselves for a massive effort to similarly protect the ELC library collection.  

Welcome

Welcome.  

In an attempt to improve communication, we've set up this blog with the idea that the PTA can post meeting agendas and minutes, advertise events, share event photos (where permitted) and important school information.  Suggestions are always welcome.

The next LICS PTA meeting will be held 26 February 2009 in the School Library at 1345.  There will be an hour-long cartoon (a scholastic books dvd or curious george) on in the media room for any small children (my two and add yours...) who need to be distracted during our meeting.  

The tentative agenda is as follows:

Welcome 

Reports:  Treasurer, Kit Shop (including reminder for rota and key handoff)

Old Business:  Movie Matinee, Pancake Day, Listening stations for primary (see also new business)

New Business:  

Communications Strategy

ELC - book wrapping for library books, whiteboard (Game Price= ?)

Movie Night (set a date, the school calender is very full for term 2 but it is still on the table) and brainstorm movie ideas and ideas for a theme incl. parent activities or buffet dinner.

Term 2 social/fundraisers -- quiz night or push to term 3*

Library renovation -- media room and sick bay (present budget estimate for approval)

Listening stations nitty gritty -- how much to spend, how many to buy, when to buy

ROMEO AND JULIET Bar at intermission (clarify dates, rota and get a rough idea of what we will do)

CIS (council of international school) visit, PTA presentation

Community service side of PTA

Check in

Good bye