When Point O’ View Elementary
School changed to a non-traditional,
year-round schedule, the
Action Team for Partnerships (ATP) wanted to
remind families of this change and provide an
informal gathering for staff and families before
classes began on August 1. Members of the
ATP and PTA decided to host a cookout, inviting
all families for a casual meal and an opportunity
to mingle with school staff.
Teachers ate first and then went to their
classrooms, where parents and students were
invited to visit. This gave parents and teachers
an opportunity to meet and get to know each
other informally. It also provided a way for
parents new to the school and interested community
members to visit the building. This was
not intended to be a formal Open House, where
parents get information about curriculum, but
rather a relaxed setting for staff and families to
meet and ease into a year-round calendar.
Everyone pitched in to make this kickoff
a success. School staff sent invitations to the
parents of all registered students and community
members. They also took on shopping and
cooking duties, as did parents involved with the
ATP and PTA. The cookout was publicized on
the school’s marquee, as well as its website.
The staff of Point O’ View was delighted
with the benefits of this event. Students,
parents, and teachers met one another and
established a rapport even before school started.
Students also got to see their new classrooms