Big Elm Elementary
Annual Title I Meeting
In conjunction with OPEN HOUSE August 14th 3-6 P.M. 2025-2026
2025-2026 Annual Title I & Family Engagement Meeting
Big Elm Elementary August 14, 2025
Principal: Mr. Donald Powell
Assistant Principal: Mrs. Bobbi Jo Harbert
Why are we here?
The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires that each Title I school hold an annual meeting of Title I families in order to:
Inform you of your school’s participation in Title I
Explain the requirements of Title I
Explain your rights as parents and family members to be involved
What will I learn?
What is a Title I school?
What are my rights?
What can Title I funds be used for?
How does our school use Title I funds?
What is the SIP?
What are our schoolwide program goals?
How is parent and family engagement funded?
What is the Parent and Family Engagement Policy?
What is the School-Parent Compact?
What curriculum does our school use?
What tests will my child be taking?
How can I be involved?
Who can I contact for help?
What is a Title I school?
Title I was passed in 1965 under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). It is the largest federal assistance program for our nation’s schools. Title I schools receive extra funding (Title I dollars) from the federal government. These dollars are used to:
Identify students experiencing academic difficulties and provide assistance
Purchase additional staff, programs, materials, and/or supplies
Conduct parent and family engagement meetings, trainings, events, and/or activities
Will My Child Receive Services?
After evaluating assessment data, administration, classroom teacher, parents, and Title I staff will collaborate to determine if students will receive Title I services, based on areas of greatest needs.
What are my rights?
The families and parents of Title I students have a right, by law, to:
Be involved in decisions made at both the school and district level
Be provided with information on your child’s level of achievement on tests in reading/language arts, writing, mathematics, and science
Request and receive information on the qualifications of your child’s teacher and paraprofessionals working with your child by submitting a written request addressed to Mr. Donald Powell
Request opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and participate in decisions about your child’s education. The school is required to respond as soon as practicably possible.
What can Title I funds be used for?
In general, Title I funds may be used for:
Smaller class sizes
Additional teachers and paraprofessionals
Additional training for school staff
Extra time for instruction (before/after school programs)
Parent and family engagement activities
Supplemental teaching materials, equipment, and technology
How does our school use Title I funds?
We developed a Schoolwide Program to spend funds on:
Supplemental staff: 4 Title I Teachers, 3 Specialists (Currently 1 filled)
Programs/Materials/Supplies: BRAIN Extended Day, Classroom materials/supplies/ink, Supplies for Professional Development, Parent Involvement Activities
Teacher Professional Development: Science of Reading and SRSD
What is the STRATEGIC plan?
Includes:
School planning team identification and engagement
Needs assessment and data summary
Prioritized goals, strategies, and actions
Teacher/staff professional development needs
Budgets and coordination of resources
Family representatives on the planning team
What are our schoolwide program goals?
Show growth in Reading/Language Arts
Increase Math scores
Increase student attendance
How is parent and family engagement funded?
Districts with a Title I allocation over $500,000 must set aside 1% for parent/family engagement. Of this, 10% may be used districtwide, 90% is allocated to Title I schools. Parents/families have the right to be involved in how this money is spent.
2025-2026 Parent/Family Engagement Funding:
Parent/Family Engagement Meetings and Events
Math Night (fall)
BINGO for BOOKS (spring)
Materials/Supplies for parents to assist at home
Math activities/materials
Books for all levels for BINGO
What is a Parent and Family Engagement Policy?
Plans that address:
How parents/families are involved in decisions and activities
How funds are used
How training/information is provided to families
How capacity is built in families/staff
The district policy is at HCBOE.net and Big Elm website. School policy available upon request.
What is a School-Parent Compact?
A written commitment outlining shared responsibility for academic achievement. Must include:
High-quality curriculum and instruction
Annual parent-teacher conferences
Progress reports
Reasonable staff access
Volunteer opportunities
Two-way communication in an understandable language
Available upon request and on Big Elm website.
What curriculum does our school use?
West Virginia Academic Standards for all subjects/grades. More info: https://www.harcoboe.net
What tests will my child be taking?
iReady Math and Reading (3x/year)
IMA practice tests
CORE Phonics Screener
State End of Year Assessment (Summative GSA, Grades 3-5)
Ice Packets
Returning this year — more info coming from administration/teachers ASAP.
How can I be involved?
Participate in SIP surveys and planning
Attend Parent/Family Engagement events and evaluations
Attend PTA meetings and surveys
Communicate regularly with teachers
Attend both Parent/Teacher Conferences
Encourage attendance
Monitor grades/schoolwork online; check agenda
Give positive feedback
Read nightly with child (20 min)
Attend family events, meetings, PTA, etc.
Volunteer in classrooms
Join family groups/committees
Read newsletters/websites for activities to do at home
Support teachers/administration
Benefits of Family Engagement
For Students: Higher grades/test scores, better attendance, positive attitudes, higher graduation rates, greater college enrollment
For Parents/Families: More confidence/trust in school, improved parenting skills, encouraging learning at home, stronger relationships
For Schools/Teachers: Improved morale, higher ratings from families, more support, higher achievement, stronger community relationships
Who can I contact for help?
General questions: (304) 326-7280
Principal: Mr. Powell — (304) 326-7282
Counselors: call main office
Teachers: call front office, view webpage, or message via Remind App
Copyright Piracy
https://youtu.be/xvZHNwBHirQ
Questions/Concerns
What questions do you have for us?
WE JUST WANT TO SAY… THANK YOU!