Amherst Family Engagement Plan

Amherst Elementary has supported this standards in the following ways:

• Principal and classroom teachers utilize ParentSquare to communicate school events, needs, and parent information.
• Safety inspections are regularly completed by our SRO and administration to ensure the school and playgrounds are welcoming and safe.
• TN ALL Corps tutoring is provided during the school day to students who meet the qualifications.
• The building will continue to be decorated with murals to create a welcoming environment.
• A safe and reliable system has been implemented to ensure the safety of our car riders when students are dismissed at the end of the school day.
• The school has a welcoming website that is easy to navigate and allows families to easily find the information they need. A specific tab is designated for families at the top of the website.
• Amherst Elementary hosts a variety of family engagement activities, including Family Skate Night, Book Fair, Science Fair, and Sharkfest.

The family engagement events that meet the criteria for Standard 1 include:

• Meet the Teacher Night was held on August 5, 2026. Parents and students were invited to visit the school and meet their teachers.
• Parent-Teacher Conference Nights are held twice annually to communicate with parents regarding students’ academic and behavioral progress and student-teacher-parent compacts. Teachers are asked to contact every parent.
• In coordination with Amherst Elementary PTO, multiple family engagement events are held throughout the year.
• Parents are invited to end-of-year awards celebrations and special fifth-grade ceremonies as we recognize student achievement.

• Important information is sent home in English, Spanish, and other native languages as needed. This includes newsletters and event notices.
• Student handbooks, which contain school policies and procedures, will be shared within the first four and one-half weeks of school.
• Our school website is regularly maintained with current information, including Title I information for families and the community.
• School staff are expected to return phone calls, messages, and emails from parents within 24 hours.
• ParentSquare is used to communicate important information and updates to families as needed.
• Parents receive regular reports on student progress through daily folders, midterm reports, and report cards. Parents also have online access to grades through Aspen.
• Parent-teacher conferences are held twice each year for the entire school and may also be requested by parents. The student-teacher-parent compact is discussed during conferences.
• Administration strives to be visible and accessible to parents and all stakeholders.
• Amherst PTO maintains active social media accounts to keep parents and the community up to date on school happenings.
• Interim reports are provided every four and one-half weeks to inform parents of student progress.
• Report cards are provided every nine weeks for parents to review.

• Teachers and staff recognize good behavior, academic accomplishments, and other achievements.
• An instructional coach works with teachers through Individual Learning Cycles and professional development to increase teacher knowledge and improve student achievement. This position is critical to teacher development and student success.
• S-Team meetings are held to support students struggling with academics or attendance. This process may lead to formal referrals for academic testing or the inclusion of other services.
• An intervention program known as RTI² is available to support skill development for students scoring below the 25th percentile in reading or mathematics.
• Whole Child Support Team meetings are held monthly to determine the needs of students whose needs are not covered by an IEP or the S-Team process. These may include food, clothing, lack of utilities, a death in the family, or other family crises.
• The behavior teacher and school counselors work together to meet the mental health needs of our students.
• The school social worker and school nurse work with free clinics, local eye doctors, and other available services to provide glasses, checkups, clothing, and shoes for students who need them.

• The Whole Child Support Team meets monthly to determine the needs of students whose needs are not addressed through an IEP or the S-Team process. These may include food, clothing, lack of utilities, a death in the family, emotional or social concerns, family crises, or additional support related to disability or migration.
• The school social worker works with community organizations, volunteers, and other available services to provide food, clothing, shoes, and other necessities for students as needed.
• A full-time counselor is available to meet students’ needs and provide resources to families and staff.
• An intervention program is implemented to support students’ academic skill development. Interventions are teacher-directed and may include teaching assistants supporting small groups or computer-based instruction.

• Meet the Teacher is held before the first day of school to allow parents and students to meet their teachers, welcome families back from summer break, and help families become acquainted with the school building.
• Grade-level parent information nights are held within the first month of school so families can receive pertinent information about school policies and procedures.
• An annual Title I meeting is held to review parents’ right to be involved and provide information about additional services and events.
• A student handbook is distributed to all students and parents. Accommodations are made for different language needs as needed.
• ParentSquare, the school website, and parent meetings and events are used to provide information to stakeholders.
• Community partners are invited to attend and participate in Amherst PTO general meetings twice each school year.
• Families of students receiving special education services meet with the student’s case manager, teacher, and grade-level principal for an annual review of services and accommodations. Meetings may be held before, during, or after school to support family involvement and attendance.
• The Instructional Support Team meets to review and discuss schoolwide data and instructional plans and to ensure that the school’s action steps and vision are being carried out.

• The Amherst PTO Board meets monthly to address upcoming events, budget priorities, and school and community needs.
• Community partners support the school in various ways, including volunteering, partnering with specific programs, providing learning opportunities, and helping meet student and family needs.