Parent Involvement
The difference between a good school and a great school is parental involvement. Pulaski International School of Chicago actively welcomes the support of all parents and provides a number of opportunities for families to become involved with the daily fabric of school life.
• Investigation Days
Investigation Days take place throughout the school year. These special schooldays give K – 8 families the opportunity to visit classrooms and see example of student work “in action.” Students present projects in small groups and give visitors an inside look at their school experience.
• Family Nights
On Family Nights, K – 8 families come together to socialize, learn more about what is happening at school, and – most importantly – celebrate the work being done by students and faculty. Family Nights are centered around academic themes – Reading Night, Math Night, Science and Technology Night – and are open to all members of students’ families.
• Local School Council Meetings
Every Chicago public school has a Local School Council (LSC) to help with the operations of the school. The primary responsibilities of the LSC are approving the allocation of funds and resources, monitoring the annual school improvement plan (SIPAAA ), and evaluating the school’s principal. The LSC is made up of six parent representatives, 2 community representatives, 2 faculty representatives, 1 non-teaching staff representative, and the principal. LSC meetings take place once a month and are open to all, unless in the case of a rare closed session. LSC meetings always include a report from the Principal and are an excellent opportunity to learn about what is going on at Pulaski. Parental attendance is highly encouraged!
• Special Interest Classes for Parents
Classes and workshops are offered throughout the year to help parents support their children’s academic and social growth. Classes are developed based on input from the parent population and supported by funds from both the NCLB and BAC committees. Past special interest classes have included Feeding the Mind, Body and Spirit to Improve Academics; Using Music and Motion to Enhance Early Reading; Improving Math Skills for your Middle Schooler; and Media Literacy for Parents.
• Parent Groups
All three of Pulaski’s Parent Groups work together to build the school community and support Pulaski students and their families in as many ways as possible.
- The No Child Left Behind Committee
The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Committee operates with funds granted through the federal government’s Title 1/No Child Left Behind act. The goal of Pulaski’s NCLB Committee is to provide parents with resources to support their children’s social, emotional, and academic development. Each monthly NCLB meeting includes social interaction, updates and announcements, and a workshop tailored to the interests and needs of the Pulaski community. NCLB meetings are open to all Pulaski parents.
- The Bilingual Advisory Committee
Every Chicago Public School that has a State Bilingual Program has a Bilingual Advisory Committee (BAC). Pulaski’s BAC provides information and resources to all Pulaski families, focusing on those who have children enrolled in the bilingual program or those who speak Spanish. The BAC holds monthly meetings which include workshops that address the needs of Pulaski’s bilingual community, emphasizing ways in which families can support their children’s academic success.
- Friends of Pulaski
A “Friends Group” is an independent fundraising organization, officially known as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3). The goal of Friends of Pulaski (FOP) is to support the community building and fundraising efforts needed to create and sustain vital programs. FOP focuses its efforts within the school on communication and parental involvement. Meetings are held each month for all members of the Pulaski community. FOP eagerly welcomes parents to serve on one or more parent committees: Grade Parents; Fundraising; Teacher Appreciation; Office Assistance; Library Assistance; Recess Assistance; Social Programming.
