Calvert’s Board Of Ed Updates Policy On Parent, Caregiver, And Community Involvement With Added Language On Family Engagement

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County’s Board of Education (BOE) passed an updated version of Policy No. 8123 at their Jan. 15 meeting. The policy, entitled “Regarding Parent, Community, and Caregiver Involvement,” endorses meaningful engagement and partnerships between each party to create the best educational outcomes.

The policy was adopted in June 2003 and has been updated periodically every three years. The last update was in January 2022.

The latest update includes added language about getting families and the community involved in “career-connected learning” rather than “business and industry experiences.” Board members also added “family engagement” to the definitions section, which had previously focused on ways students could be involved in career education in the community, rather than how families would be involved in that process for the students.

The board also added to the policy statement section to reflect the changes about family and community inclusiveness. The changes are highlighted below:

The Board of Education believes that students achieve their highest potential when schools, families, and the broader community work in partnership. The Board endorses meaningful family engagement and partnerships among schools, parents/guardians, caregivers, businesses, and community organizations, and expects their participation on district and school committees. The Board is committed to creating welcoming school environments, building two-way communication systems, encouraging active participation, and ensuring all families, regardless of background, have access to engagement opportunities. In addition, the Board welcomes and encourages parents, caregivers, and community members to volunteer in schools and at school-sponsored events.

You can view the updated policy online.