Parent & Family Engagement Policy

Cerritos Elementary School is committed to providing every student with a high-quality education aligned to the California Common Core State Standards. Student success is strengthened through meaningful partnerships among the school, families, and the community. We believe that active parent and family engagement plays a vital role in promoting student achievement, and we encourage all families to participate in all aspects of our Title I Schoolwide Program.

Cerritos Elementary provides multiple opportunities for families to learn about and contribute to school programs and student success. The Annual Title I Parent Meeting, along with School Site Council (SSC) and English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meetings, offers parents important information regarding Title I services and schoolwide initiatives.
Parents receive meeting notices and event information through written and electronic communications in English and Spanish and, when available, Armenian. Translation support is provided in Spanish, Armenian, and Russian whenever possible to ensure meaningful participation for all families.

Cerritos Elementary School supports and strengthens family engagement through school-site and district-sponsored programs designed to build parent capacity and encourage collaboration. Parents and family members are invited to:
● Serve as representatives on advisory committees such as the School Site Council (SSC) and English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC).
● Participate in school-community engagement opportunities, including Coffee with the Principal.
● Provide input at district-level meetings and forums, such as the District English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC), Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) stakeholder meetings, and community town

Parent and community volunteers are welcome and must follow GUSD volunteer requirements. Volunteers are categorized into two tiers:
● Tier 1 – Supervised/Limited Volunteers: Individuals who volunteer fewer than 16 hours per month and fewer than 32 hours per school year and remain under constant staff supervision. Examples include guest speakers, school event helpers, and individuals assisting staff without direct student interaction.
● Tier 2 – Regular/Unsupervised Volunteers: Individuals who may be outside an employee’s line of sight while with students, or who volunteer 16 or more hours per month or 32 or more hours per school year, even when supervised. Examples include room parents, tutors, after-school volunteers, volunteer drivers, and certain field trip chaperones.
All volunteers must meet applicable GUSD clearance and approval requirements before volunteering.

● Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten Parent Orientation
● Monthly Student Recognition Assemblies
● Parent-Teacher Conferences
● Annual Title I Parent Meeting, SSC, and ELAC meetings
● Coding Epic Build Showcases (three times per year)
● Parenting classes through GCC
● District Parent Education and Support Workshops
● Schoolwide Events: Back-to-School Night, Spring Festival, Halloween Parade, Book Fair, New Family Orientation, Open House and Art Gallery
● Parent Volunteers
● Coffee with the Principal
● PTA

In accordance with Title I requirements, the Three-Way Pledge outlines the shared responsibilities of the school, parents, and students in supporting student achievement. The school commits to providing high-quality instruction in a safe and supportive environment; parents commit to supporting learning and maintaining communication with the school; and students commit to actively participating in their education.
The pledge is reviewed and signed by teachers, parents, and students at the beginning of each school year or upon enrollment, and a signed copy is kept on file.

The School Site Council (SSC) regularly assesses the needs of students, families, and the school community using the Annual School Plan Survey and other relevant survey and assessment data. Results are used to guide the development and implementation of programs and services that address identified needs and support student achievement.

The English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) reviews the needs of English learners and their families and provides recommendations to help ensure programs and services effectively address identified needs.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The PTA provides parents and guardians opportunities to participate in and support the school community. Families are encouraged to join the PTA, attend meetings, volunteer at school events, and participate in activities and fundraisers that support student programs and schoolwide activities.

The Panorama Survey provides additional feedback from students, families, and staff regarding school climate, engagement, belonging, and other areas related to the school community. Survey results are reviewed to identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

Communication with parents will include:
● Cerritos website
● Written & electronic communication/notices (flyers, emails, Parent Square)
● Progress Reports
● Report Cards
● Thursday folders
● Formal and Informal conferences (virtual or in-person)
● Parent Informational Meetings (CAASPP, 6th Grade Camp, Reclassification Recognition)
● Coffee with the Principal meetings
● School Marquee announcements
● Spirit Assemblies
● Health Notices
● Glendale Unified School District app
● Peach jar electronic flyer system

Evaluation of parent involvement will take place annually through surveys and a variety of measures. School staff and the advisory councils will be involved in the review of all the results and the development of programs to increase parent involvement.