Family “A” Survey:Family “A” described their family structure as a blended culture family with the mother being African-American and the father being Caucasian. They have six children includ

Family “A” Survey:

Family “A” described their family structure as a blended culture family with the mother being African-American and the father being Caucasian. They have six children including an infant, kindergartener, second grader, fourth grader, fifth grader, and seventh grader. The children are often looked after by a grandfather who cannot drive, but otherwise is in good health. The mother and father have long commutes to work. It is difficult to help with homework.

1.     How do you prefer to be contacted regarding school communications?

We prefer email communication or text alerts that we can check while at work. It is difficult to attend parent conferences or make appointments for conferences. We really would like to know how our children are doing on regular basis.

2.     How would you like to be involved in your child’s school?

Our work schedules make it impossible to be physically present during the weekdays. We do want to be involved. Are there ways we can be involved?

3.     What types of activities do you with your child at home?

Our work schedules make it difficult to read or do homework during the week. Grandfather does his best, but has his hands full just to care for the children.

4.     How often do you read with your child?

We mostly read on the weekends.

5.     What challenges prevent you from being more involved?

Our work schedules prevent us from being involved in the traditional ways. Grandfather cannot drive the children to events.

6.     What are you looking forward to most about the coming year?

We would like to be more involved and be kept informed of our children’s progress.

Family “B” Survey:

Family “B” described their family structure as a traditional, African-American nuclear, Christian family. Their faith guides their parenting decisions. They have three children ages 5, 8, and 11. Their 8-year-old is physically disabled, confined to a wheel chair. They are active in their church community and neighborhood events.

1.     How do you prefer to be contacted regarding school communications?

We prefer written communications and personal phone calls.

2.     How would you like to be involved in your child’s school?

We would like to volunteer in the classroom, be involved in the PTO, and any other available opportunities.

3.     What types of activities do you with your child at home?

We actively read and are involved in church activities. We go to the library weekly to check out books. We help with homework. We struggle knowing the new math.

4.     How often do you read with your child?

Every night.

5.     What challenges prevent you from being more involved?

Childcare can be a problem for our child with physical disabilities around. Due to our faith and involvement in our church, we cannot attend school events on Wednesdays or Sundays.

6.     What are you looking forward to most about the coming year?

Learning how we can support our children in their math homework and other learning. How to get more help with our children with physical disabilities.

Family “C” Survey:

Family “C” described their family structure as non-traditional LGBT with adopted two children who are twin 7 year olds. The two mothers work opposite shifts so the children always have one of them home. They recently moved into the community and have no immediate family nearby to help with childcare.

1.     How do you prefer to be contacted regarding school communications?

We are pretty flexible with communication. We accept phone calls, emails, written notes, meetings, etc.

2.     How would you like to be involved in your child’s school?

We would like to be as involved as possible but are unsure of our acceptance into the community.

3.     What types of activities do you with your child at home?

We sing, read, and attend concerts and festivals. We enjoy arts and crafts and playing outside.

4.     How often do you read with your child?

We read every night, but have difficulty finding books that are more inclusive of different family structures. Can you recommend any?

5.     What challenges prevent you from being more involved?

Our family structure may not be accepted by other parents. We are new to the community without any immediate family members living nearby. Childcare is an issue when we need to attend school events. Is childcare provided?

6.     What are you looking forward to most about the coming year?

We are looking forward to being involved, accepted, and welcomed into the school community. We are looking forward to learning how diversity is embraced, supported, and promoted.

Family “D” Survey:

Family “D” described their family structure as blended including a single father, four children ages 2 through 10, and a paternal grandmother. The grandmother has limited mobility and speaks very little English. She is fluent in Spanish. The father works second shift at the local factory.

1.     How do you prefer to be contacted regarding school communications?

Please text message. I do not have email and get home too late to see or read school correspondence. I can attend a morning parent conference.

2.     How would you like to be involved in your child’s school?

Due to my work and sleep schedule, I am not able to be physically present. Do you Skype parents so they can “be there” to see performances? I could take lunch breaks and be virtually present. My mother would enjoy being involved but has limited English and mobility. Are there translators available? Is there help available for transportation? What about childcare during school events? Is it offered?

3.     What types of activities do you with your child at home?

My mother provides excellent care for my children but cannot read to them in English and cannot help with homework.

4.     How often do you read with your child?

My oldest child assumes a parent role and helps with homework and reads bedtime stories. Are there books on tape available to be checked out?

5.     What challenges prevent you from being more involved?

My work and sleep schedule are challenging.

6.     What are you looking forward to most about the coming year?

I would like to be involved in helping out in some way at the school and be able to attend some events.