Research conducted on the effects of parental involvement in the education of their children is clear—children and schools thrive when parents get involved.
One of the most unique features of Syringa Mountain School is our high level of parental involvement. Beyond involvement as a member of the SMS Parent Association, parents/guardians who choose SMS for their children are asked to give an average of four hours per month or forty hours over the course of the school year towards various volunteer opportunities that may include:
- Playground supervision
- Assisting in the classroom
- Site maintenance
- Garden work committees
- Fundraising
- Room parenting
- Serving on a committee
- Offering specific expertise, such as legal consultation, real-estate assistance, grant writing, educational testing/consulting, landscaping, and more
Throughout the school year, we hold a series of school wide festivals that solidify the ties among the community. Parents are asked to attend and volunteer at all festivals. This high level of parental involvement enables parents/guardians to become integrally involved in shaping SMS and ensuring it fulfills its overall mission.
Parent involvement will be documented using simple sign in sheets. Teachers will contact parents directly requesting specific help and notifying them of their hours.