November 4, 2009
DSBN, Parents Work Together to Support Student Learning
The District School Board of Niagara is committed to meeting the needs of all learners in its 98 public elementary and 22 public secondary schools. The DSBN believes that students are best served when parents, teachers principals, support staff, senior administration and trustees work together to create an environment in which each student has a variety of opportunities to develop his/her full potential.
On Wednesday, November 4, the District School Board of Niagara will support the efforts of its dedicated parents at the “Engaging in Student Success: Parents and Community Partners in Action” conference. This conference is an ideal opportunity for interested parents to network with each other, share best practices and learn effective strategies to support student success.
One of the many important ways that parents contribute to student learning is by serving on School Councils. School Councils provide advice and input on matters including student codes of conduct, school/community communication, and the development of a School Administrative Profile. School Councils also go above and beyond those roles by implementing breakfast programs at their schools and fundraising for equipment and initiatives to enhance the learning experience for students.
Parents attending the conference will have the opportunity to participate in two one-hour workshops. Workshops taking place this year include:
The Birthday Book Club:
Based on the very successful program at Nelles Public School, attendees will learn how they can help stock the shelves of their school library while celebrating their students’ special day.
Working with Your School Council for Value Added – for New Principals:
This session will present some proven strategies for effective communication with parents and the surrounding community.
Internet Safety and Cyberbullying:
Nadine Wallace, the Youth Justice Coordinator for the Niagara Regional Police will speak to parents about the issues surrounding internet safety.
Mental Health Issues:
This workshop will deliver some tips and strategies to help schools tackle difficult issues such as teen anxiety, resiliency, mental health and maturity. Attendees will learn how to organize a successful speaker or speaker series using the resources of the School Council.
Grants Made Easy:
This session will teach participants how they can best access three different sources of funding available to School Councils.
Greening your School Environment:
Three schools will share how their councils and staff have worked together to emphasize the importance of caring for the environment.
Get the Word Out:
Participants will be given ten easy tips to implement at their school to effectively communicate the school’s success stories with the media and surrounding community.
Heart Niagara’s Grade 7 Program
Attendees will explore the benefits of partnering with Heart Niagara to improve life skills training and educate students about heart health.
Event Details:
When: Wednesday, November 4, 4:30 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Where: Westlane Secondary School, 5960 Pitton Road, Niagara Falls