Partnerships Make a Difference for Students!
In September of 2003 the Anoka-Hennepin School Board made clear its commitment to partnership by passing the "School, Family and Community Partnership Policy". The policy outlines a vision of adults working together in many different ways to improve student achievement. It confirms the principles on which the Parent Involvement Program was built, and explains that the opportunity for partnership lies not just within that particular program, but within each family, each school and each community.

Anoka-Hennepin School District School, Family and Community Partnership Policy This partnership policy supports state and national laws pertaining to family involvement. The Board of Education of the Anoka-Hennepin School District believes that education is the shared responsibility of the student, parents, family, school and the larger Anoka-Hennepin community. Further, the Board recognizes that the academic achievement and success of our students depend on the strength of the partnerships developed among students, parents, families, schools and the community from birth through graduation and beyond. The Board of Education believes that strong partnerships can be developed through nurturing respect, sharing knowledge, supporting each partner's role, collaborating on matters of importance and by appreciating the contributions each partner makes to student achievement. Parents and families nurture their children by providing values, experiences, and guidance to reach their academic goals and to encourage life long learning. They communicate their children's unique histories, traditions, experiences, resources, and challenges. Educators contribute professional dedication, caring, and expertise. The community provides cultural and financial resources, support services, and collaboration. Students, who are at the center of these partnerships, bring unique skills, talents and learning styles and ultimately are responsible for their own academic achievement.

The District and each school are committed to supporting partnerships through:

• Parenting: We will promote and support parenting skills and the family's primary role in encouraging children's learning at each age and grade level. We will assist personnel to work effectively with our diverse families.
• Communication: We will communicate about curriculum, instruction, assessment, staff development, school programs and student progress through timely and effective school-to-home, home-to-school, and school-to-community methods. An emphasis will be made to communicate effectively with those parents who have limited proficiency in English or literacy challenges.
• Volunteering: We will expand the recruitment, training, and recognition of family and community volunteers; we will provide opportunities for families and community members to contribute from home, the workplace, and other community-based sites.
• Learning at Home: We will promote family involvement in learning activities at home including homework and other curriculum-related activities appropriate to the grade and development of the student.
• Decision-making and Advocacy: The district and its schools will include students, parents, and community members as partners in planning and decision-making. We recognize parents as partners in advocacy for students and schools in state and national decision-making. We will encourage participation by parents and guardians in decisions that affect their child's educational experiences and comply with state and federal laws and regulations pertinent to family involvement.
• Collaborating with Community: We will coordinate resources and services for students, families, and schools with businesses, agencies, service organizations and other groups and provide services to the community through our volunteer efforts and community improvement projects.

Therefore, the Board of Education encourages the development, implementation and evaluation of a comprehensive student, parent, family, school and community partnership initiative. The District will provide clear definitive roles of the various partners. The Board will provide administrative leadership and vision, staff development on partnership, and policies and practices that are compatible with the beliefs outlined in this document.

The Board of Education directs the Superintendent of Schools to recruit a Partnership Advisory Committee of parents, educators, students and community members in order to further the implementation of this policy at both the school and District levels. The Partnership Advisory Committee will communicate with and advise the Parent Involvement Program regarding:

• Progress toward district partnership goals
• The number of staff development activities regarding partnerships
• The number of resources utilized toward partnership goals
• The number of resource gaps and organizational barriers which have hindered progress toward the attainment of a comprehensive and coordinated partnership model and
  
• The number of Parent Involvement Program staffing that reflects the diversity of the district.

Approved 9/22/03