Parent and Family Engagement News

As we approach the holiday season, we at Cowan Road Elementary School want to extend our warmest wishes to our students, families, and staff for a joyous and restful break. May your time be filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with loved ones. We are grateful for your continued support and dedication throughout the year, and look forward to welcoming you back in the new year refreshed and ready to learn!

Have you scheduled a conference with your child's teacher?

Do you know what your child needs to work on at home to improve academic skills?

Have you attended a parent engagement event at your child's school?

Is your child a senior this year? If so, have you talked with your child's school about ways they can help with planning college and career readiness?

Have you started to set goals for the new year? Have you reviewed progress toward this year's goals?

Is your child a 5th or 8th grader? Are you aware of transition events to help your child move to middle and high school?

Do you have an upcoming kindergartener? Look for more information to get your child ready for next year coming this spring!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/18u4WCxd0yox3Yl3-PT9r9R9swIXLpsTs/view?usp=sharing

✨ First Semester Recap ✨

We’ve had an exciting and engaging start to the school year!

📚 Literacy Night
Families explored reading games, grade-level activities, and ways to build strong literacy habits at home.

🏫 Title I Night
Parents learned more about our school programs, met the team, and received helpful resources to support student success.

🔢 Math Month
Students and families received a flyer to help with hands-on fun activities with challenges, games, and activities that made learning come alive all month long at home! Parents also got to see what goes on during our math lessons!

🤝 Parent-Teacher Conference Night
Teachers and families connected one-on-one to discuss progress, goals, and how we can partner together for a strong year ahead.

The goal of the parent-teacher conferences is to help form a partnership between school and home to promote academic success for all students!

Getting Ready for the Conference

• Review work samples, report cards, progress reports or other items sent home by the teacher
• Review school policies and the handbook
• Talk with your child about why you are having the conference and what you hope to learn at the conference. Get your child's input as to strengths, weaknesses, and areas of concern.
• Determine a list of questions to ask your child's teacher:

After the conference:

• Talk with your child about what you and the teacher discussed
• Talk about any plans or goals for improvement you might have
• Talk to your child about building on strengths and improving weaknesses
• Keep in touch with the teacher on a regular basis to find out about progress your child is making

Ways to set up a parent teacher conference:

• Email the teacher you would like to have a conference with.
• Call the school at:770-229-3790

IReady Testing (K-5th): After Thanksgiving Break

Holiday Parties: The week of the 15th. Will know exact day at a later time.

Holiday Break: December 22-January 2,2026

No School: January 19,2026

Remote Learning Day (Students at home) : January 20,2026

Researchers have found that student success in the classroom is most heavily influenced by a parents’ ability to:

1. Encourage learning and education
2. Set high – but not unrealistic – educational standards and goals
3. Become involved in school and community activities

Researchers have also found that students who do benefit from strong parental involvement have:

• Higher overall achievement, regardless of socioeconomic, ethnic or racial background.
• A higher completion level on homework.
• A higher level of self-esteem in all aspects of life.
• Better social behavior and lower probability that they will get into trouble outside of school.
• Greater comfort navigating different cultural environments between home and school.
• Less likelihood of being placed in special education courses.
• Less probability of dropping out of high school.

We encourage you to get involved and to take advantage of resources available to you as a parent. Each month, you will receive a newsletter with helpful information to help you to help your child become more academically successful! Together as partners in your child's education, we can do great things!

1. Read Together Daily

Spend a few minutes each night reading books, talking about the story, and asking questions.

2. Check Folders & Agendas
Review homework, class notes, and school announcements so you stay in the loop.

3. Attend School Events
Join us for Literacy Night, Math Month activities, conferences, and other family events to stay connected.

4. Communicate With the Teacher
A quick message, email, or check-in helps build a strong partnership.

5. Create a Learning Space at Home
A quiet spot for homework helps your child focus and build good habits.

6. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Grades
Encourage progress, praise hard work, and cheer on small wins.

7. Use the Parent Resource Center
Borrow games, activities, and tools to support learning at home.

Did you know that the Griffin-Spalding County School System also has a Parent Resource Center? Find hands on activities, books and brochures for your student in our District Parent Resource Center. The center is designed to provide educational resources for parents to help your student succeed academically. Parents can also find computers with internet access at the center. The best part is resources are FREE! You can find the Parent Resource Center located in the Parent Services Building, Room 121 on 234 E. Taylor Street, Griffin, GA 30224. If you would like more information or want to make an appointment, please contact LaJuana Love at 770-229-3700, ext 10321 or at Lajuana.love@gscs.org.

Our Parent Resource Center, located in the school library, is open and ready to support families! Stop by to find helpful tools, learning materials, and take-home resources to make supporting your child’s education easier and more fun. We’re here to help with whatever you need!