FEDERAL & STATE PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT  
Title I, Part A
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)

Parents’ Right to Know 

Title I, also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), requires districts and  schools to provide parents with relevant information and useful resources to support them as full partners  in the education of their children and offering them important insight into their children’s education. 

Parents at Title I funded schools must be informed about the professional qualifications of their  children’s teachers and the quality of the schools their children attend. Title I recognizes that parents must  share the responsibility for student achievement. Therefore, parents, you have a right to know the  following: 

1. The requirements of Title I and how Title I funds are being used; 

2. Your child’s academic progress through frequent reports that are sent home, conferences and  other communication with the teacher; 

3. The qualifications of teachers and paraprofessionals who provide instruction to your children; 4. If your child has been taught for four consecutive weeks by a teacher who is not properly certified; 5. The contents of the school’s and district’s Title I plans; 

6. The ESEA (federal) letter grade assigned to the school or any changes to the school’s academic  standing; 

7. What is being done to improve the school’s academic standing if the school is identified as a  School in Improvement Status; 

8. Your child’s individual assessment results and an interpretation of the results; 

9. You have reasonable access to school staff and opportunities to be involved at the school; 10. The opportunities that are available for classroom observations; 

11. The procedure for submitting concerns, suggestions, complaints; and 

12. The procedure for submitting comments on the Title I plan. 

Parents' Right to Know printable spanish version

Parent's Right to Know printable english version

 

Southside Middle School  and the parents of the students participating in activities, services, and programs funded by Title 1, Part of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and participating students agree that this compact outlines how parents, the entire school, and  students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership that will help children achieve the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards. This School - Parent - Student Compact is in effect during the 2023-2024 school year.

School Responsibilities

The Southside Middle School staff will:

1. Provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the children to meet the State’s student academic achievement standards as follows:

• Use academic learning time efficiently
• Provide a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment
• Respect cultural, racial, and ethnic differences
• Implement Florence 1 Schools Curriculum Alignment Document
• Offer high quality instruction in all academic areas
• Meet teacher certification requirements for South Carolina

2. Hold parent-teacher conferences (at least annually) during which this compact will be discussed as it relates to the individual child’s achievement.  

• F1S will hold parent-teacher conferences on November 4 and February 7
• Parents can also call the school to schedule a conference as needed

3. Provide parents with frequent reports on their children’s progress.  For the 2023-2024 school year the school will provide reports as follows:
   • Interim Reports will go home September 3, November 13, February 10, and April 29
   • Report Cards will go home on October 15, January 8, March 21, and May 30
   • Parent notes and emails will be sent, telephone calls will be made when needed
   • Student work folders and newsletters will be sent home weekly
4. Provide parents reasonable access to staff with meaningful two way communication. Staff will be available for consultation with parents as follows:
   • Appointments can be made through the office or by written request
   • Telephone calls, e-mails and written notes or messages in the agenda could also be communication methods
5. Provide parents opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child’s class, and to observe classroom activities, through the following opportunities:
   • Serve on school-wide committees such as: Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and School

       Improvement Council (SIC)

Parent Responsibilities

As parent/guardian, I will encourage and support my child’s learning in the following ways:

1. Monitor attendance and have my child at school on time
2. Make sure that homework is completed and provide a quiet space for my child to work
3. Set a reasonable bedtime and ensure my child is well-rested for school
4. Read, sign, and return all school notices whether received through my child or the mail
5. Monitor my child’s use of, and time engaged with, the following types of electronic media devices:
   • Television, Computer and other electronic games
   • Social Media and Internet activities
   • Chromebook, IPad, tablets, or other technological devices
   • Telephones
6. Attend parent-teacher conferences and meetings when requested
7. Set an example for my child by being a lifelong learner
8. Ensure appropriate use of free-time
9. Monitor and ensure technology is used responsibly as outlined in the F1S Device Guide 

Student Responsibilities

As a student, I share the responsibility to improve my academic achievement and to meet South Carolina’s high standards for learning by doing the following tasks:

1. Complete all assignments
2. Read daily outside of school 
3. Attend school regularly and arrive on time
4. Be prepared for class
5. Cooperate with parent, teachers, and peers
6. Participate in classroom activities
7. Ask for help when needed
8. Show respect for people and property
9. Use technology responsibly 
10. Give my parent or guardian all school communications, folders and/or agenda daily
11. Demonstrate respectful, responsible behavior in all areas including the classroom, cafeteria, playground, and hallways
12. Be a responsible digital citizen and follow all guidelines outlined in the F1S Device Guide 

Download printable copy for signature - English

Download printable copy for signature - Spanish

 

Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy

2024-2025 School Year

 

Parents of Southside Middle School are involved in formulating the Parent and Family Engagement Policy through parent input forms and Title I, School Improvement Council Committee, and APT (Association of Parents and Teachers) Executive Committee meetings. The Parent and Family Engagement Policy is distributed and discussed at Title I Annual meetings and Title I/School Improvement Council/APT meetings.  Parents receive an input form to provide the school with any changes they would like to see on the policy. The Title I Committee, which includes parents, is involved in the planning, review, and improvement of the Parent and Family Engagement Policy.  Parent surveys are used to gather information regarding needed workshops, barriers that may hinder parents from attending workshops/meetings, most convenient time/day for workshops, and knowledge of Title I.  All parents receive school and district involvement policies in weekly newsletters (SMORE) as well as participation in the Annual Meeting.  

 

The Title I Program Plan is discussed at the Title I Annual Meeting.  Parents may ask for further discussion or they may view a copy upon request.  Parents are informed of program requirements and their right to be involved.  The plan is also discussed at the Title I committee meetings, the School Improvement Council Meetings, and the APT Executive Committee meeting. All parent suggestions and comments are taken into consideration. 

 

Southside Middle School will provide parents with timely information about programs under parent involvement.  A yearly calendar is given to parents at the beginning of school.  A website is kept current so that parents can check to see what is going on at our school, and newsletters with Title I updates are provided weekly. 

 

Southside Middle School will give parents a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at Southside Middle School, the forms of academic assessment used to measure students’ progress, and the proficiency levels students are expected to meet.  This is achieved through parent-teacher conferences, the school website, and information given at parent orientation and Title I/School Improvement Council/APT meetings. 

 

Southside Middle School will, if requested by parents, provide opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children and respond to any suggestions as soon as possible.  This can be accomplished at APT meetings, appointments made with grade level teachers and/or administrators, or at parent-teacher conferences. 

 

If the school-wide program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of the participating children, the comments and suggestions will be submitted to the Title I Committee. Southside Middle School may use Title I funds to pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parent involvement activities to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions (parent workshops).

 

Southside Middle School provides materials and training through Title I Parent Meetings (workshops).  The workshops are planned from requests on the Title I parent surveys.  The workshops may include training in literacy, math, study skills, using technology, and other pertinent information to help parents.  Parent Workshops will be held at different times during the day and when feasible within the community. 

 

Southside Middle School School-Parent Compact will be jointly developed with parents and will outline how parents, school staff, and students will share in the responsibility for improved student achievement.  The school-wide program plan is also jointly developed with parents.  Parents are involved in the planning (Title I Committee Planning Meeting), review, and improvement of the school’s Title I Program. 

Download printable Family Engagement Policy