School Smarts is a parent engagement program with an operating principle of inclusion — reaching across all parent groups and bringing them together in support of their common interest in helping children succeed.

The general format for the 7 weeks is as follows:

Session 1: Parent involvement — Parent’s role in their child's education and the types of parent involvement
Session 2: Preparing for a lifetime of learning — How children learn and the basics of college readiness
Session 3: Understanding our education system — The structure of the California public school system, including academic standards, testing and local school funding
Session 4: Understanding our school — How schools are governed and decisions are made
Session 5: Becoming an effective communicator — The importance of communication between families, schools and other audiences
Session 6: Standing up for quality education — Becoming a leader and advocate on behalf of your child and all children
Session 7: Taking action/Celebrating commitment — Creating personal and group action plans.

However, with help from our district, school, principal and vice principal, teachers, parents, and students, this program will be CUSTOMIZED TO MEET THE NEEDS SPECIFIC TO HART MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENTS. That means that all of the information you receive will directly apply to you and your student.


WHERE AND WHEN WILL THE PROGRAM TAKE PLACE?

This is a 7 week program that will meet once a week in the evening on Zoom. Parents would register for the program and plan to attend all 7 sessions to maximize the benefit of the program. We are planning to start the program in September. The final day and time will be announced soon, but it will be on the same day, at the same time each week.

DO I HAVE TO PAY?

No! This program is FREE to any Hart Middle School parents who would like to attend. The cost of the program is already covered. All you will need to do is show up ready to learn!

CAN I JOIN LATER EVEN IF I DON'T SIGN UP?

Unfortunately, the power of the program comes from regular attendance and participation. The group members will get to know each other and should feel comfortable asking questions and talking about any questions and concerns they have. For this reason, we ask that parents who would like to participate, register and sign up.

WHAT IF ENGLISH IS NOT MY FIRST LANGUAGE? I AM WORRIED THAT I WILL HAVE A HARD TIME PARTICIPATING.

We have resources available to make this program accessible in many different languages. Once you sign up, we will do everything we can to make sure everyone is comfortable and able to participate as fully as possible. Please fill out the rest of the form below so that we can help make the program better for you.