Watson Elementary School
7000 Valley Dr. Little Rock, AR 72209
(501)447-6800 Telephone (501)447-6801 Fax
Parent Information Packet
“Soaring In Excellence”
2018-19
School Year
Stephanie Walker, Principal Morgan Ealy, Assistant Principal
Sarah Welch, Secretary
The Power of US-Dream.Disrupt.Deliver.
School Mission: In collaboration with parents and the community, Watson Elementary faculty and staff
will provide every student with a positive learning environment that develops independent learners and
problem solvers through effective instruction and appropriate assessments.
Principal: Stephanie Walker Parent Facilitator(s): Geraldine Mallette
Parent Coordinator: Tagel Muqtasid
Watson is a Title I school with 96% of our students on free and reduced lunch. We are a focus school.
Parent and Family Engagement Committee Members
1. Stephanie Walker, Principal
2. Morgan Ealy, Assistant Principal
2. Geraldine Mallette, Parent Facilitator
3. Tagel Muqtasid, Parent Coordinator
4. Vanessa Whitman, Grandparent
5. Crystal Squibbs, Parent
6. Gussy Lowe, Grandparent
7. Angela Thomas, Attendance Secretary
1) Watson Elementary will communicate with parents in the following ways to increase parent
and family engagement to support classroom instruction by: Geraldine Mallette-Parent Facilitator
email: [email protected] (501)-447-6844.
Sending monthly school newsletters in both English and Spanish home to parents about school activities by: Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Posting information regarding parental and family engagement on stands located at the entrance of Watson’s building by: Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Teachers sending weekly folders home with students regarding curriculum standards, grades, and behavior reports by: Classroom Teachers.
Sending home HAC (Home Access Center) information so parents will be able to access grades. Parents will be advised to contact our Media Specialist Ms. Carol Jackson at 447-6806 with questions.
Communicating with parents through Watson’s website and Watson’s Facebook page by: Ms. Carol Jackson at 447-6806.
Communicating with parents via Parent Link (phone, email, and the app): Tagel Muqtasid at 447-6855. Sending home a monthly Home/School Connection newsletter and Tips for Reading Success by Tagel
Muqtasid Parent Coordinator-447-6855 and Parent Facilitator-501-447-6844. Sending home a parental and family engagement surveys to assess parent’s opinion on a variety of topics
affecting the school environment and parental involvement by: Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
2) Watson Elementary will plan the following meetings to increase parent and family
engagement and build staff and parent capacity by: Geraldine Mallette-Parent Facilitator email:
[email protected] (501)-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator
email:[email protected] (501) 447-6855.
Open House-allow parents to hear from teachers and staff about school house guidelines; PBIS and how this applies to Watson; testing dates and procedures; curriculums; classroom structures; parent and family engagement dates, etc. (September 10, 2018) by: Stephanie Walker-School Principal 447-6802; Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844; & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Conduct 1 Annual Title 1 Meeting for parents to assess a description/explanation of school curriculum and funding. (September 10, 2018) by: Stephanie Walker-School Principal-447-6802; Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844; & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Conducting two (2) state mandated Parent-Teacher Conferences a year, one per semester, with each parent of every student. Parents will receive scores, student work, and a summary of interventions being used to assist the child in reaching his/her achievement goals (October 11th and 12th, 2018) and (February 14th and 15th, 2019).
Host 5 Parent and Family Engagement Activities to increase parent and family engagement at home such as PBIS & Bully Prevention, STEM Night (Science), Chili Night (Math & Literacy), Lunch & Learn (Communication), Career Day (Collaborating w/ the Community), Get Healthy (Exercise & Nutrition), and SW Community Connection Day. Scheduled Dates: Sept. 20, 2018; Oct. 18, 2018; Nov. 8, 2018; Dec. 6, 2018; Jan. 17, 2019, March 28, 2019; and April 20, 2019).
Host 1 Parent Café-to increase parental and family engagement in the school and build relationships among parents, teachers, and staff on Feb. 2019.
Providing opportunities for grandparents to eat lunch with their students on Grandparents Day (September 7, 2018) by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Host a “Getting Ready for Testing” Parent Night – March 28, 2019. By: Guadalupe Martinez Testing Coordinator-447-6872; Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid -Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Providing English classes to our Spanish speaking parents beginning October 2018 by appointment only by: Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855, and Belinda Newton- ESOL Instructional Aide-447-6818.
Providing Spanish classes to our English speaking parents beginning October 2018 by appointment only by: Tagel Muqtasid -Parent Coordinator-447-6855, and Belinda Newton-ESOL Instructional Aide-447-6818.
3) Watson Elementary will provide information to parents about volunteer opportunities by:
Tagel Muqtasid, email [email protected], 501.447.6855.
Disseminating a monthly School Newsletter with opportunities for parents and families to be engaged to support our curriculum and our students by spending time at the school. By: Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Give instruction to a parent on how to incorporate developmentally appropriate learning activities in the home environment, the use of and access to the Department of Education website tools for parents, assistance with nutritional meal planning and preparation and other strategies or curricula developed or acquired by the school district for at-home parental instruction approved by the Department of Education. By: Geraldine Mallette-Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Following the state guidelines on providing staff development. The State Board of Education’s Standards for Accreditation of Arkansas Public Schools and School Districts shall require no fewer than two (2) hours of professional development for teachers designed to enhance their understanding of effective parent and family engagement strategies. No fewer than three (3) hours of professional development for administrators designed to enhance understanding of effective parent and family engagement strategies and the importance of administrative leadership in setting expectations and creating a climate conducive to parental and family participation. By: Geraldine Mallette-Parent Facilitator-447-6844.
4) Watson will work with the school Parent and Family Engagement committee in updating the
School-Parent-Compact.
The committee, which includes parents, will decide on the actions in which all stakeholders will be responsible. By: Stephanie Walker- Principal-447-6802
The compact will specifically state the responsibilities each parent, student, school staff, and administrators will do to improve student academic achievement and will disseminate the information to all parents to ensure that every compact is signed. All parties will be responsible for signing the compact. By: Stephanie Walker-Principal & Tagel Muqtasid- Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
5) Watson will provide opportunities for parents and families to be involved in the development,
implementation, and evaluation of the school wide school improvement plan, and the Annual
Title I Meeting to engage them in the decision-making processes regarding the school’s Title 1,
Part A Program.
Parents will serve on the school improvement planning committees. To support this process, the school will offer both school staff and parents training on how to contribute to this process in a meaningful way. By: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844.
Have an INDISTAR planning meeting which includes parents input as far as implementing actions into the plan. By: Stephanie Walker- Principal-447-6802
Have a meeting with the Action Team committee. This committee is the same as the Parent and Family engagement committee. This team will meet once a quarter. By: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 and Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Take advantage of community resources; the school shall consider student council input from the school to create an advisory commission to provide advice and guidance for school improvement by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Support the activities and involvement of the Parent Teacher Association. By: Christy Jenkins-Strong- PTA President.
6) Watson will provide resources pertaining to parenting and family skills.
Parents may check out materials, use the computer to check grades, and visit educational Web sites. Parents will be encouraged to view the Title I Plan located in the parent resource center or media
center. A suggestion sheet will also be available for parental input. The school will open the resource center at hours that are convenient to parents. By: Tagel Muqtasid- Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Provide and distribute informational packets each year that includes a copy of the Watson’s Parent and Family Engagement plan, survey for volunteer interests, recommended roles for parents/ teachers/students and school, suggestions of ways parents can become involved in their child’s education, parental and family involvement activities, and information about Parent link, which is a tool used to communicate with parents via phone, email, and text by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Watson will purchase parenting books, magazines, and other informative materials each semester regarding responsible parenting through the school library, advertise the current selection, and give parents the opportunity to borrow the materials for review by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Allowing parents to visit the parent center during the designated hours that the parent center is open 8:30 am-12:00pm and 12:30-2:30pm. By: Tagel Muqtasid, Parent Coordinator-447-6855
Included in the school’s policy handbook will contain the school’s process for resolving parental concerns, including how to define a problem, whom to approach first, and how to develop solutions. By: Stephanie Walker- Principal-447-6802.
The principal at Watson shall designate certified staff member who is willing to serve as a parent facilitator by: Stephanie Walker- Principal-447-6802.
Watson will send home Refrigerator Curriculums and post them in the parent center. By: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844.
7) Watson will engage parents and families in the evaluation of the Parent and Family
Engagement Plan by:
Engage parents in the annual evaluation of the Title I, Part A Program’s Parent and Family Engagement
efforts through an annual evaluation using a comprehensive needs assessment filled out by teachers, parents and school staff. The Title I committee, made up of teachers, parents and school staff, will determine the effectiveness of the Parent and Family Engagement Plan and make changes if warranted. While collecting evidence about satisfaction with the program and the school’s efforts to increase Parent and Family Engagement will be a part of the evaluation, the survey will also collect specific information on the (1) growth in number of parents participating in workshops and meetings (2) specific needs of parents. By: Stephanie Walker-Principal-447-6802, Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844, and Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
8) Watson will use the parent interest surveys to select, plan, and implement parent and family
engagements activities that will be offered throughout the year by:
Asking parents to fill out a parent interest survey throughout the school year, to get information from parents concerning the activities they feel will be most beneficial in the efforts to support their child academically by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844 & Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
The results of the parent interest survey will be used to plan the Parent and Family Engagement activities for the year by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844, Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855.
Evaluating the activities that were suggested by the parents at the end of the year as part of the annual Parent and Family Engagement plan evaluation, along with the Parent and Family Engagement committee by: Geraldine Mallette -Parent Facilitator-447-6844, Tagel Muqtasid-Parent Coordinator-447-6855 & Stephanie Walker-Principal-447-6802.
9) Watson will hold the Annual Title 1 Meeting:
Conduct two (2) Annual Title I Meetings on September 2018 and May 2018 for parents of our students separate from any other meetings or activities to ensure that they have ample time to provide a description/explanation of school curriculum, information on forms of academic assessments used to measure students’ progress and information on proficiency level students are expected to meet. An agenda, sign-in sheet and minutes for this meeting will serve to support the meeting and be file in the school’s office. Stephanie Walker-Principal- 447-6802.
Six Types of Involvement:
Keys to Successful Partnerships
TYPE 1
Parenting
Assist families with parenting skills and setting home
conditions to support children as students. Also, assist schools to better understand families.
TYPE 2
Communicating
Conduct effective communications from school-to-home and
from home-to-school about school programs and student progress.
TYPE 3
Volunteering
Organize volunteers and audiences to support the school and
students. Provide volunteer opportunities in various locations and at various times.
TYPE 4
Learning at Home
Involve families with their children on homework and other
curriculum-related activities and decisions.
TYPE 5
Decision Making
Include families as participants in school decisions, and
develop parent leaders and representatives.
TYPE 6
Collaborating with the Community
Coordinate resources and services from the community for
families, students, and the school, and provide services to the community.
Epstein, et. al. 2002. School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action, Second Edition. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc.
LRSD Parental Policy
The Little Rock School District will support programs, activities and procedures for the
engagement of parents and families in all of its schools with Title I, Part A programs,
consistent with Section 1116 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Those
programs, activities and procedures will be planned and operated with meaningful
consultation and engagement with parents and families of participating children.
The school district will be governed by the following statutory definition of parental and
family engagement, and expects its Title I schools will carry out programs, activities and
procedures in accordance with this definition:
Parent and family engagement means the participation of parents and families in regular,
two-way, and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other
school activities, including ensuring —
(A) That parents and families play an integral role in assisting their child’s
learning;
(B) That parents and families are encouraged to be actively involved in their
child’s education at school;
(C) That parents and families are full partners in their child’s education and are
included, as appropriate, decision-making and on advisory committees to assist in the
education of their child; and
(D) The carrying out of other activities, such as those described in Section 1116 of the
ESSA.
WATSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CONTRACT
Theme: “Soaring to Higher Grounds of Excellence”
PARENT/GUARDIAN: I want my child to learn to achieve. I will:
See that my child attends school regularly and on time.
Read with my child and establish a time for homework.
Attend parent/teacher conferences (at least 2 per year) and join the PTA.
Support the discipline plan, rules, regulation of the school.
STUDENT: It is important that I work to do my best. I will:
Attend school regularly and on time.
Come to school each day with necessary supplies and materials.
Complete all daily and homework assignments.
Follow the school rules, respect myself and others.
TEACHER: It is important that students achieve. I will:
Provide challenging instruction and meaningful homework.
Hold two (2) student led conferences.
Hold (at least 2) parent conferences for each student, and join the PTA.
Communicate regularly with parents about students’ progress.
Encourage students to believe, achieve, and succeed.
All comments and discipline regarding students should be in a positive manner.
PRINCIPAL: It is important that students believe, achieve, and succeed. I will:
Empower students, parents, and teachers to be active in the school program.
Visit classrooms frequently and monitor students’ progress.
Provide a learning environment at school that is positive, orderly, and quiet.
Communicate regularly between home/school and join the PTA.
Parent: _____________________ Student: _________________________________________________
Teacher: _____________________
Principal: _____________________
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Watson Elementary School
Right To Know Letter
Dear Parent or Guardian,
Our school, Watson Elementary, receives federal funds for Title I, Part A programs. Throughout the school
year, we will be providing you with important information about this law as it relates to your child’s education.
This letter lets you know about your right to request information regarding the professional qualifications of
the classroom staff working with your child. Our district or school will be able to provide you with the
following information regarding the qualifications of your child’s teacher(s):
1. Whether the teacher meets the states qualifications and licensing criteria for the grades and subjects
he/she teaches.
2. Whether the teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status because of special
circumstances.
3. Whether the teacher is teaching has any advanced degrees and the field of discipline of the
teacher’s certification or degree.
If at any time your student has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher(s) that is not
highly qualified, then you will be notified by the school.
You will also have the right to request information regarding the qualifications of the paraprofessional(s)
assisting your child’s teacher(s). If your child is receiving Title I, Part A services from a paraprofessional, then
our district or school is able to provide you with the following information:
1. Whether the paraprofessional has completed at least two years of study at an institution of higher
education.
2. Whether the paraprofessional has completed an associate’s degree (or higher).
3. Whether the paraprofessional has met a rigorous standard of quality through our state’s certification
procedure for determining the quality of paraprofessional staff.
4. Whether the paraprofessional has: (a) the knowledge or ability to assist in instructing reading,
writing, and mathematics or (b) the knowledge of and the ability to assist in learning activities, such
as homework, reading readiness, writing, mathematics, and other support as appropriate.
To request this information please contact your child’s school by phone at 501-447-6800.
Should you have any other additional questions regarding your child’s education, please do not hesitate to
contact us at the number listed above.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Walker
Principal, Watson Elementary School
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Helpful Tips for Successful Parents of Soaring Students
Homework Tips:
o Make sure your child has a quiet and well-lit area to do homework
o Make sure your child has all materials needed before starting homework (pencils, crayons, paper, etc.)
o Create a call list (just in case he/she forgets an assignment)
o Be positive about homework
o Do homework with your child
o Watch for signs of frustration
Math Tips
o Follow your child’s progress and check daily about homework activities
o If you don’t understand your child’s math homework, engage in frequent communication with his/her
teacher
o Request that your child’s teacher schedule after-school math tutoring sessions if your child needs
additional help
Reading Tips
o Have your child read aloud to you every night
o As your child reads, point out spelling and sound patterns such as cat, pat, hat.
o Before getting to the end of the story ask your child what he/she thinks will happen next and why
Volunteer Tips
o Parents/Guardians are welcome to volunteer in their child’s classroom at any time, just speak with the
Parent Coordinator for opportunities throughout the year
o On the Little Rock School District website there is a school-wide calendar as well as Watson
Elementary sends out newsletter every month
o Volunteering at your child’s school can improve your child’s academic success
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Parent Interest Survey
Watson Elementary School
2018-2019
For the following questions please circle the best answer(s).
1. What classes would you like to see offered through our Parent & Family Engagement
Department?
A) Language Learners
B) Computer Technology
C) GED
D) Other ______________
2. What ways would you be interested in volunteering at Watson Elementary?
A) Reading to Students
B) Lunch & Recess
C) Classroom Assistance
D) Security
E) Special Events
F) Other ________________
3. What times are you available to volunteer?
A) 8am-11am
B) 11am-2pm
C) 2pm-5pm
4. How often does your child’s teacher contact you?
A) 1-2 times weekly
B) 1-2 times monthly
C) 3-4 times monthly
D) None
5. Do you feel welcomed when you come to Watson Elementary School?
A) Yes
B) No
C) Sometimes
*Please return surveys to Watson Elementary School in the front office. Thank you.
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Position Name Ph. # Rm.
No. Position Name
Ph.
#
Rm.
No.
Principal Stephanie Walker 76802 OFC
Counselor
Eileen McMurray 76828 129
Assistant
Principal Morgan Ealy 76809 OFC Media Specialist Carol Jackson 76806 Library
Secretary Sarah Welch 76803 OFC
Attendance
Secretary Angela Thomas 76842 OFC GT Specialist Pamela Gent 76831 120
Nurse Gaynell Marshall 76805 OFC Computer Lab Teresa Gilzow 76833 111
Kindergarten Loretta Gober 76830 118 Physical Ed. Anthony Goods 76890 Cafeteria
Kindergarten Rachel Moix 76804 117 Music Bethany Freeman 76847 130
Kindergarten Javonne Parker 76856 116 Art Amy Williams 76857 113
Kindergarten Christy Goodwin 76840 119 Parent Center Tagel Muqtasid 76855 P134
Vacant 76860 120 Student Service
Int./Para-Pro Melvin Jones 76815
Bk. Office
Hallway
1st Grade Diane Boyd-Emelife 76870 124
1st Grade Kristin Cooper 76862 127 Resp.
Thinking/Para-
Pro
Chris Carrigan 76873 115
1st Grade Angela Hargis-
Socarro 76852 126 Paraprofessional Kimberly Coleman 73833 128B
1st Grade Phyllis McDonald 76874 122 Bilingual Hom-
School Belinda Newton 76818 128A
Head Custodian Grady Fuller 76808 P133
2nd
Grade LaDina Brister 76858 107 Custodian Bobby Bradley 76808 P133
2nd Grade Carla Long 76877 108 Custodian James Ticey 76808 P133
2nd Grade Geraldine Mallette 76844 101
2nd
Grade Bridgette Williams 76827 100 Food Serv. Mngr. Carolyn Roberson 76807 CAFE
Nutrition 76807 CAFE
3rd Grade Takessa Hood 76832 105 Nutrition Shantia Phillips 76807 CAFE
3rd
Grade Ronisha Johnson 76876 109 Nutrition Sharmonique
Williams 76807 CAFE
3rd
Grade Carole Thomas 76816 103 Nutrition Renette Khabeer 76807 CAFE
3rd
Grade Sydney
Washkowiak 76819 102 Psychologist Kim Hart 76814
Resource
Specialist
Dallie Cottrell
76835 P141
4th
Grade Melanie Watson 76839 114 Speech Therapist Andy Hall 76817 P142
4th
Grade Clarence Guy 76841 104 O.T Lisa Knighton 76817 P142
4th
Grade Sabrina Mills 76865 106 ESL Interventionist Guadalupe Martinez 76862 P135
Reading Teacher Ericia Curruth 76825 P136
5th
Grade Christy Jenkins-
Strong 76834 125
5th
Grade Selena Jordan-
Lewis 76822 123
Math Interventionist
Vacant 76854 P138
5th
Grade Zavier Lewis 76891 121 PATS Center Javana Williams 76871 P140
TBD 12 Data Room 76850 P137
TBD Courtesy Phone 76853 OFC
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Watson Parent –Teacher Association (PTA) Information
PTA 2018-2019 Board:
President
o Christy Jenkins-Strong
Vice President
o Selena Jordan-Lewis
Secretary
o Rachel Moix
Treasurer
o Zavier Lewis
Fundraiser
o Guadalupe Martinez
o Bridgette Williams
o Teresa Gilzow
Volunteer Coordinator
o Crystal Squibb
o Carole Thomas
Membership Coordinator-Ronisha Johnson
PTA 2018-2019 Fee:
$5.00 per person
PTA 2018-2019 Meeting- Future Date:
a) September 20, 2018 at 4:30
pm
b) November 8, 2018 at 4:30 pm
c) January 10, 2019 at 4:30 pm
d) March 14, 2019 at 4:30 pm
e) May 16, 2019 at 4:30 pm
