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Welcome to the home of National Parental Involvement Day & Public School Volunteer Week!
Seeds to Blooms:
The Enchanted Path Back-to-School
Cultivating a Culture of Engagement
Planting Seeds of Success at Appleton Middle School
In the struggling town of Appleton, where poverty cast a long shadow over the community, Appleton Middle School faced challenges that went far beyond the classroom. Families juggled multiple jobs, resources were stretched thin, and parental involvement was at an all-time low. Principal James Anderson knew that if his students were to succeed, the school couldn’t do it alone—family engagement had to become a priority.
Determined to turn things around, Principal Anderson sought out solutions, and that’s when he discovered Project Appleseed. Like Johnny Appleseed planting seeds across the frontier, Project Appleseed’s founder, Kevin Walker, traveled from coast to coast, helping Title I schools like Appleton sow the seeds of family engagement, student achievement, and school improvement.
Cultivating a Culture of Engagement
With hope in his heart and the Family Engagement Toolbox in hand, Principal Anderson and his team launched a bold initiative to bridge the gap between home and school. They introduced the Family Engagement Checklist, empowering teachers, parents, and the PTA/PTO to work together to create an inclusive, welcoming school culture where every family had a role to play.
"Connect, engage, and sustain" became the rallying cry as Appleton Middle School embraced Traveling Workshops and Toolbox Training Sessions. Educators, parents, and staff gained practical, research-backed strategies to build trust, improve communication, and increase parental involvement in meaningful ways.
Sowing the Seeds of Success
One of the most transformative tools was the Ten Step Family Engagement Plan, a roadmap guiding parents and teachers to stronger partnerships. Families committed to the Parent Engagement Pledge, a simple but powerful agreement that led to higher homework completion rates, improved student behavior, and a more positive school climate.
Anderson also introduced the Parent Engagement Report Card, a reflection tool that helped parents see their role in their child's success. For the first time, many families saw how small, consistent actions—like reading together, attending school events, or checking homework—could create a lasting impact.
Celebrating Milestones and Strengthening Bonds
Excitement spread as National Parental Involvement Day approached. On the third Thursday of November, the community came together to celebrate family engagement, sharing stories, experiences, and newfound commitments to student success.
But the momentum didn’t stop there. Project Appleseed’s 150 Days of Family Engagement infused the school year with a steady stream of activities, resources, and events to keep families involved and motivated. Every passing week brought new discoveries and deeper connections between parents, students, and teachers.
As spring arrived, Public School Volunteer Week gave Appleton Middle School another opportunity to shine. Families, educators, and community members united to honor the power of volunteering, reinforcing the idea that every helping hand makes a difference in a child’s future.
What are three essential aspects of parent engagement?
Connect, engage and sustain.
A Future Rooted in Family Engagement
With each passing season, Appleton Middle School saw the transformation take hold. Attendance improved. Parents showed up. Students felt supported. The seeds Kevin Walker planted through Project Appleseed had taken root, and Appleton was blossoming.
Principal Anderson knew that family engagement wasn’t just an initiative—it was a movement. With Project Appleseed’s tools and guidance, Appleton Middle School was no longer just struggling to survive—it was thriving.
And with every engaged parent, every empowered educator, and every motivated student, the future of Appleton Middle School looked brighter than ever.