Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community
National PTA Standards for Family-School Partnership Awards
Definition
Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to
each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class.
Involving others productively provides meaningful and rewarding opportunities for parents, community members
and student participation in school activities and uses the best skills and talents of volunteers to maximize their
contributions. By developing strategies that allow and encourage parenting adults to take a more active role in
supporting their children’s education, parents become active participants in the life of the school, feel welcome and
valued.
Although there are many parents for whom volunteering during school hours is not possible, creative solutions like
before- or after-school "drop-in" programs or "at-home" support activities provide opportunities for parents to
offer their assistance as well.
PTA is the largest volunteer organization in the United States with one purpose — to serve children, their families,
and their school communities.
Consider these questions when planning your program, projects, and activities:
- Does your PTA/PTSA ensure that parents who are unable to volunteer in the school building are given the
options for helping in other ways, i.e., at home or place of employment?
- Does your PTA/PTSA ensure that volunteering is inclusive and offer opportunities for new leadership?
- Does your PTA/PTSA organize an easily accessible program for utilizing parent volunteers, providing
ample training on volunteer procedures and school protocol?
- Does your PTA/PTSA design opportunities for those with limited time and resources to participate by
addressing child-care, transportation, work schedule needs, etc?
- Does your PTA/PTSA show appreciation for parents' participation and value their diverse contributions?
- Does your PTA/PTSA assist staff members in creating an inviting climate and effectively utilizing
volunteer resources?
- Does your PTA/PTSA ensure that volunteer activities are meaningful and built on volunteer interests and
abilities?
- Does your PTA/PTSA track volunteer hours throughout the year? Please provide total number of
volunteer hours (this school year) and the total student enrollment.
Sample programs:
- Family nights on math and literacy
- Host an Open House or Multicultural event
- Family movie night
- Back to school carnival
