It highlights the many opportunities available for educators, families, students, and community members to engage in partnerships, with the goal of improving student academic achievement.

This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 40 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively engaged in the education of their children. The importance of family engagement will be highlighted during the month of November, as we celebrate and strengthen family-school partnerships together at Danbury Schools. 

The first way to strengthen partnerships is to attend your children’s parent-teacher conferences. Elementary school conferences will be held the week of November 10 (there is no school on Monday, November 11), middle-school conferences will be held during the week of November 17, and high-school conferences will be held on November 25 and 26. In preparation for conferences, Danbury Schools has published a new informative booklet for families, entitled “Preparing for your Parent-Teacher Conference.” Information in the booklet includes the importance of attending your child’s conference, how to prepare for it, what happens during the conference, understanding tests and assessments, questions to ask, and how to develop a collaborative relationship with your child’s teacher. It has tips on how to support assigned homework, and how to develop a learning plan between the teacher, you, and your child. Look for this exciting and informative booklet in your child’s bookbag the week of November 4. Detailed information about sign-ups will be coming from each school to families. Most conferences are held in person, while some may be online.

The next event for families is “Protecting Your Child Online.” Do you know what games your children are playing online? Do you know with whom your children are chatting, and whether they are safe? Do you know what the Secret Vault app is on mobile phones? “Protecting Your Child Online” will be hosted on Thursday, November 14 at 6:00 pm, covering social media platforms like Snapchat and TikTok as well as gaming sites. Learn how your child is using these apps and strategies to help protect them from danger.

Another celebration taking place during the month of November is “Family Game Night,” on Monday, November 18, from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. Families come together for hands-on STEM activities, music, board games, and gym activities, have snacks, and receive a gift.

Details for registration for both events will be announced shortly through Parent Square and sign-up will be available. If you are not part of the Danbury School and would like to attend, contact the Office of Family, School, and Community Partnerships at 203-797-4734. Looking forward to an exciting month for family engagement.

Anne E. Mead, Ed. D. is the director of Family, School, and Community Partnerships for Danbury Public Schools. She can be reached at 203-830-6508 or by email at meadan@danburyu.k12.ct.us.