School Goals for Parent Engagement
Goal #1:
Welcoming Environment
Provide a welcoming environment for families and invite them to
participate as equal partners in their children’s education
June 2013
Objectives
Identify the benefits and
components of a welcoming
environment
Learn how to assess a school’s
environment and develop a plan
June 2013
Benefits of a
Welcoming Environment
 It creates a positive, student-centered school
climate.
 Parents become stronger partners and are involved
both at the school and helping their children at
home.
 Parents and community have a sense of belonging
and become loyal members of the school
community.
 Trusting relationships among staff and families lead
to improved student outcomes.
June 2013
Key Components of a
Welcoming Environment
Physical Environment
Welcoming School Staff
Communication
School-Wide Practices
June 2013
Welcoming Environment
Walkthrough
 The Walkthrough is a tour that a team of staff
and/or parents and community takes to assess
the key components of a welcoming
environment at the school.
 A checklist is used by each team member to
record their findings to provide input for
recommendations on enhancing the school’s
environment.
June 2013
Walkthrough Process
1. Conduct Welcoming Environment Training
2. Create Welcoming Environment Team
3. Conduct Welcoming Environment Walkthrough
 Each team member completes the Welcoming Environment
Checklist
4. Team debriefs and collaborates to complete the
Welcoming Environment Recommendation Form
5. School develops and implements Welcoming
Environment Plan
6. Reevaluate school’s Welcoming Environment at the
beginning of each semester
June 2013