McKinley Elementary School staff want to see parents in the school, Principal Angie Linn told USD 257 Board of Education members at Monday nights meeting.
To that end, theyve introduced a series of Parent Nights, mostly reading events aimed at bringing students and their parents into the school to play games, make crafts, enjoy snacks and win prizes. Some events, open to preschool through fourth grade students, have drawn more than 160 parents and children.
The increased family events are part of the schools goal to improve family engagement and relationships. Linn said its important to engage families at the primary grade level in order to build a foundation for future grades.
The first Parent Night begins about two weeks after the start of the school year, with information aimed at introducing kindergarten parents to the school and its programs. But other events joined forces with other elementary classes and the Iola Public Library. Often, students are introduced to specific books and the Parent Night will feature crafts, games, snacks and prizes with a similar theme, like the Star Wars-themed book The Strange Case of Origami Yoga.
The next event will be in January.
In other news, USD 257 board members:
— Discussed weather issues, including a two-hour delay to start the school day Monday because of a Sunday snowstorm. Because the storm happened early in the year, administrators werent fully prepared but Superintendent Stacey Fager reported a smooth process for the late start. Schools north of Colony closed because of weather, while schools south of Chanute were open. Iola was in a sort of transitional storm area, Fager said, but he was reluctant to call off school so early in the year. Weather also has postponed or canceled at least three sports events, which is unusual for this point in the school year.
— Heard a report on plans for the Bowlus Fine Arts Center to conduct a strategic planning session with new director Daniel Kays.
