Parent Engagement

Parents are vital in shaping a child's educational journey and are their primary role models. Their involvement greatly impacts their children's success and the overall effectiveness of schools. Language accessibility and childcare availability influence parent engagement in school events and activities.

To enhance parent participation, district staff and school-site teams continuously explore innovative methods. Seeking parents' input, they aim to provide diverse tools, strategies, and resources for students' academic, social, and emotional development. Parents are urged to engage in school activities for three key reasons: prioritizing their children's well-being, improving student achievement, and fostering a partnership in education.

To facilitate involvement, parents can join parent clubs, volunteer at school, or serve on district committees. Those interested are encouraged to contact their school's principal for further information on how to participate.

Parent Volunteers

Parents and community members are encouraged to participate in schools to serve on the School Site Council, District Advisory Council, district and site level English Learner Advisory Committees, and to assist in classrooms, library, or school office. All volunteers working with students regularly (more than two days per week) are required to file current results of tuberculosis (TB) testing and undergo fingerprinting. Check with your school about the location and dates of free TB skin test clinics. TB test results are kept on file at the school site. Volunteers shall fulfill the TB testing and loyalty oath qualifications (Education Code 45347 and 45349). California Education Code also requires volunteers to affirm that they are not a registered sex offenders per Penal Code §290.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Parent Teacher Associations and parent organizations are active at schools across the district. These groups work to help enhance the education of students. Booster Clubs are adult organizations parents form to support a particular educational program at a school. Contact the school office to get involved in your child's PTA (or PTO as it is called at some schools).

Schools, PTAs, Parent Clubs, and Booster Clubs may have fundraising activities to provide money for additional field trips, equipment, or other school needs. Participation in fundraising activities and donating toward them is strictly voluntary. Students shall not be made to feel uncomfortable about providing funds, goods, or services. Students shall not be excluded from an activity for not participating in fundraising/solicitations.

School Site Council (SSC) and Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) are comprised of parents, community members, teachers, the principal, and other school personnel. This Council develops, implements, and continually monitors and evaluates the Single Plan for Student Achievement, a documented plan of action to raise students' academic performance and improve the school's education program. The SSC is directly involved with staff development planning. The principal can provide information about your School Site Council and Single Plan for Student Achievement.

Preschool Parent Advisory Committee 

The State Preschool has a Parent Advisory Council. This committee is involved in planning, developing, and evaluating the educational program for preschool students. Parents who want to participate on this committee can contact their child's teacher or the Preschool Office at (619) 425-2362. All parents are welcome to attend meetings. Complete information regarding this committee will be sent home during the first month of school.

Preschool Parent Volunteers

One of the most important aspects of our Preschool Program is using parent volunteers part-time. If you are not working during the day and have the time, we invite you to assist in the classroom. Your help will make the preschool experience more valuable and meaningful to you and your child. If you have younger children, you can discuss with the teacher ways you can assist by taking home projects (please arrange this with the individual classroom teacher).

To ensure all children's health and meet the State Licensing requirements, all parents must have a TB clearance. In addition, as of September 1, 2016, a new licensing requirement mandates that all staff members and parent volunteers be immunized against influenza, pertussis, and measles. You must provide proof of immunization requirements to the classroom teacher before assisting.

Charter School Governance

Charter Schools have their own governance structures that provide opportunities for parents to participate in policy making at the local school site level.

District Advisory Council (DAC)

The DAC comprises parent and staff representatives from each School Site Council. It meets regularly during the school year in an open public forum to share information, study instructional issues, approve school planning schedules, and recommend specific items to the Board of Education. For information about the DAC, please click here, contact your school, or call (619) 425-9600, Ext. 181501.

District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

The DELAC comprises parents, teachers, principals, and instructional assistants representing English Learners. This Committee meets regularly to share information and to study issues and concerns related to the instruction provided to English Learners. Parents of English Learners play a strong role in these meetings. For information about DELAC, please click here, contact your school, or call (619) 425-9600, Ext. 181520.

Black Learners Advisory Council (B-LAC)

The B-LAC functions as a district/school advisory group for Black/African American parents/guardians and their children to provide input for the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) and review its effectiveness regarding the needs of Black/African American students. For more information on B-LAC, please get in touch with your school.

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