Family Involvement

Attendance Matters!

Please view the following documents on the importance of attendance and the impact of absences. 

Teach your child about Bus Safety!

Learn the "Danger Zones"

Bus safety is important! Please review this graphic with your child so that they understand the "danger zones" around the school bus. 

Bus Danger Zones (English)

Bus Danger Zones (Spanish)

MBHD Dental Program Information

MUSD Parent Resources Site

Parents, if you need assistance with aspects of distance learning, such as accessing Canvas or connecting to WiFi, please check out this new website created for you!

Family Community Engagement Policy

Joshua Tree Elementary School Family and Community Engagement Policy

At Joshua Tree Elementary School (JTES), we believe that meaningful family and community engagement is essential to student success. We are committed to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and collaborative environment where parents, guardians, and community members are active partners in their children’s education. This policy outlines how JTES will engage families in ongoing and timely ways, ensuring that their involvement is valued and impactful.

1. Monthly Parent Empowerment Meetings

JTES will hold monthly Parent Empowerment Meetings to provide families with tools and resources to support their children’s academic, social, and emotional growth. These meetings will:

● Focus on topics such as understanding curriculum, supporting literacy at home, social-emotional learning, and leadership development.

● Include opportunities for open dialogue with school staff, ensuring parents can voice concerns,

provide feedback, and ask questions.

● Be scheduled at accessible times to maximize family participation.

2. MRA Leader in Me Annual Survey

The Measurable Results Assessment (MRA) Leader in Me survey will be conducted annually to gather input from parents, students, and staff on the school’s leadership culture and climate. This data will:

● Help track progress toward creating a thriving leadership culture at JTES, as guided by the 7

Habits of Highly Effective Students.

● Serve as a tool for continuous improvement by identifying strengths and areas for growth.

3. Volunteer Opportunities

JTES values the contributions of parent and community volunteers. We will:

● Encourage families to engage in classroom support, reading programs, field trips, and

school-wide events.

● Recognize and celebrate the contributions of volunteers through school assemblies, newsletters, and special recognition events.

4. Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)

The PTO will be an integral part of our community engagement

efforts by:

● Serving as a platform for parents and teachers to collaborate on fundraising, school

improvement projects, and family engagement events.

● Meeting regularly to discuss school needs, share ideas, and organize initiatives that benefit the

entire school community.

● Inviting all parents to join and actively participate in PTO activities to strengthen school-family

partnerships.

5. Family Events and Celebrations

JTES will host a variety of family events and celebrations throughout the year to foster a strong sense of community, such as:

● Family Literacy Nights, Math Nights, and STEM Events to promote academic engagement.

● Leadership Days to celebrate student achievements.

● Seasonal festivals, performances, and award ceremonies to bring families together in celebration of student success.

6. Involvement in School Planning, Review, and Improvement

Parents will play an essential role in the planning, review, and improvement of JTES’s programs through:

● Active participation in the School Site Council (SSC), where parents, teachers, and administrators collaborate on school-wide decisions, particularly around the Title I program.

● Engagement in regular SSC meetings to review student achievement data, help shape the

school’s improvement plans, and provide input on the allocation of Title I funds.

● Surveys and focus groups to gather parent feedback on the effectiveness of school initiatives and programs, ensuring that their voices are heard in key decisions.

Conclusion

By implementing this Family and Community Engagement Policy, JTES is committed to building

meaningful partnerships with families and ensuring their ongoing involvement in their children’s

education. Together, we will continue to support student success and create a vibrant, inclusive school community.

MUSD Virtual Parent Resources Website

This website provides many resources to assist parents in helping their students navigate online curriculum, Canvas, and more.

Stay Informed!

  • Access your Illuminate portal and complete your emergency information. The parent portal is a great way to keep tabs on your student's grades and attendance. 

  • Have you found our page on Facebook? It is a great place to stay informed about events happening at school and get accurate, up-to-date information. JTES Facebook

  •  Download the SafeStop app on your phone if you have a bus rider. You will be able to track your child's bus and get information on bussing delays.

School Funding Data Collection
This form replaces the Meal Benefit Application. Please complete to ensure funding for our schools.

Emergency Contact
"Blue cards" are now online! Directions on how to update this information.