Section 7-7-V - Parent Participation and TransportationA.Parent Participation: Families are viewed as partners and their child's first teacher. Teachers should assist parents with information and resources that could help their children. Parents should have the opportunity to volunteer in the classroom and participate in enrichment opportunities. 1.Required Handbook: Each school district shall develop and distribute a parent handbook. The handbook should include information that addresses the kindergarten philosophy, goals, and information unique to a kindergarten program (e.g. curriculum, credentials, and assessments).2.Required Parent Conferences: Parent/teacher conferences shall be conducted two times during the school year to inform parents or guardians of the child's progress. If documented attempts to meet with parents or other responsible persons fail, telephone conferences can be substituted. Communication should be conducted on a regular basis. Communication between school and home could consist of notebooks/folders, newsletters, conferences, emails, phone calls, etc.
Regular parent involvement is recommended through such activities as orientation, open house, teacher/parent conferences, and ongoing collaboration between parents and school to enhance the learning process.
3.Volunteer Participation: Parents, guardians, and community members should be encouraged to participate in various activities such as developing learning games for home or classroom use, sharing information with the class about their work skills or profession, or sharing their talents with the children through varied activities. Volunteers should not be in the classroom without a teacher or assistant teacher present and cannot be used to meet the minimum adult-to-child ratio. Volunteers should participate in an orientation session, sign a confidentiality agreement, and agree to a background check.B.School Bus Safety: All kindergarten programs must abide by MS Code Section 37-41-3 and the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA) Guidelines. It is recommended that a safety monitor be appointed on each school bus to board and de-board the bus. School bus drivers should promote a safe and positive environment through appropriate interaction with the students.Miss. Code Ann. § 37-1-3, § 37-21-7 (Revised 1/2016)