Priority IV: Empowering Families: Strengthening Partnerships

Allentown School District Strategic Plan: Lighting the Way-A Blueprint for Innovation and Excellence 2030

Adult checking attendance while student exits bus

Priority IV: Empowering Families: Strengthening Partnerships

Foster collaborative partnerships with students, families, and the community.

Why is this urgent?

The Allentown School District recognizes that student success is a shared endeavor. We strive to cultivate meaningful partnerships with families and the community, creating a collaborative network where families, community members, and educators work together to leverage each other’s strengths and create a supportive learning environment beyond the classroom walls. Through increasing student agency and encouraging open communication with families, we will shift the school culture to encourage diverse perspectives and to provide students with the comprehensive resources they need to thrive.

Equity Commitment

We commit to fostering an inclusive environment where all families are valued and the greater community is actively engaged in our students’ education. Our commitment to equity means that we promote diversity, and create a surround care network that uplifts every member of our learning community.

Goals & Strategic Actions

Goal 1: Transform community engagement by cultivating and expanding opportunities for communication, collaboration, and connection among families, students, schools, and partners.

Strategic Actions

Establish a Family and Community Resource Center to provide assistance and resources regarding education, health, and employment opportunities.
Organize an Office of Interpretation & Translation to improve engagement with multilingual families, providing increased translation and interpretation services in their preferred language.
Adopt district policies targeting the engagement of the community and advisory councils to gain insight, provide feedback, and make recommendations to the District regarding initiatives and priorities.
Create a database of all district partnerships, contacts, and their alignment to the Strategic Plan, and collaborate with entities that can provide specific, targeted services to help accomplish Allentown School District goals.
Collaborate with the Superintendent’s Interfaith Advisory Council leaders to expand understanding of District goals among students and families.
Establish an Office of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Relations to maintain a database for external partner relationships.
Develop a Parent University to support the continuation of learning at home and provide resources to parents about educational best practices and district initiatives.
Develop a marketing and recruitment plan that ensures the sustainability and continuity of theme-based schools and programs, attracting diverse student populations, fostering long-term community support, and enhancing the overall educational landscape.
Leverage community partners to provide the latest opportunities that support real-world knowledge acquisition.

Goal 2: Increase family participation in district and school activities by implementing targeted outreach programs, enhancing communication channels, and providing diverse engagement opportunities that cater to the needs and interests of all families.

Strategic Actions

Establish and maintain Parent Teacher Organizations at all schools.
Design effective two-way communication systems between home and school to share information regarding school programs and student progress.
Deploy parent liaisons and partners with the Office of Family and Community Engagement to help families and community members become more engaged in the school community.

Goal 3: Empower family and voice and expression to increase engagement, foster a sense of ownership over their student’s learning, and to create a more inclusive learning community.

Strategic Actions

Leverage family advisory groups to recognize and amplify family voices as impactful stakeholders in the decision-making process.
Establish and train a School Governance Council at each school consisting of community members, families, and teachers who will work together to assist in achieving the mission and vision.
Leverage the School Governance Councils to provide guidance and advice on the engagement of families and the community at the school and district level.
Promote a communication platform where families can voice their opinions and concerns freely, fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued, thereby empowering families to actively contribute to the continuous improvement and inclusivity of their student’s educational experience. Implement a robust model of customer service to increase family satisfaction.