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Welcome to the home of National Parental Involvement Day & Public School Volunteer Week!
Build Your Family Engagement Plan
See how schools like Peabody Middle used Project Appleseed’s resources to drive change—and learn how your school can too.
Inspiring Change at Peabody Middle School
In the bustling corridors of Peabody Middle School, change was in the air. The School Improvement Committee, charged with enhancing family engagement, had eagerly taken on the challenge of developing a comprehensive Family Engagement Plan. Armed with Project Appleseed's tools and resources, they began their journey to strengthen the bond between school and family.
Their team of parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members gathered in the library, using the 10 Step Family Engagement Plan as their guide. With insights from parents and strategies from educators, they crafted a plan that aligned with district goals and community needs.
While schools are often trained in family engagement practices, this training frequently assumes there’s already an eager audience of parents ready to participate. But real-world experience tells a different story. What’s often missing is a strategic effort to actively recruit hard-to-reach families and warmly invite them into the process.
One simple, powerful method? Ask parents to pledge their involvement—on paper. This modest yet meaningful act creates a bridge from passive interest to genuine engagement.
The Peabody committee reviewed powerful tools from Project Appleseed's Family Engagement Toolbox:
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The Red Carpet Treatment guide
These resources helped Peabody Middle increase parent participation, improve communication, and build a deep sense of trust.
Want Results Like Peabody?
✅ Ready to Build Your Own Family Engagement Plan? Access the Family Engagement Toolbox
✅ Want Hands-On Guidance for Your School Team? Book Our Traveling Workshop
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Why Schools Choose Project Appleseed?
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Equips teachers, parents, and leaders with practical strategies
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Fully aligned with ESSA and Title I compliance requirements
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Measures volunteer value and supports funding reports
Step-by-Step Support for Building Your 10 Step Plan
The Peabody team identified these 10 core steps:
1. Form a diverse Family Engagement Committee
2. Define clear goals with input from all stakeholders
3. Conduct a needs assessment
4. Identify key strategies (like the Pledge & Report Card)
5. Create an implementation timeline
6. Allocate resources and assign responsibilities
7. Provide professional development
8. Launch and promote the plan
9. Monitor progress and make adjustments
10. Reflect, celebrate, and repeat
[Download Our Checklist] to begin your plan today!
What Educators Are Saying
"Good afternoon, Kevin,
I would like to express my gratitude for the excellent family engagement workshop you offered today at KCSOS. I learned so much!
We would like to again extend an invitation to the Kern High School District Parent and Family Center Liaisons' meeting scheduled on Monday, Nov. 4 at 10 am. I think your knowledge and experience will help the team so much as we continue to plan and finalize details for the 30th Anniversary of the National Parent Involvement Day.
Also, if you have time, I would like to interview you about family engagement in education for a Literature Review I am working on for my master's in educational administration.
Thank you so much for everything you have done to make our educational system better and help students as well as families all across the country."
— Parent Education Liaison, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Bakersfield, CA
Step Up Family Engagement with Professional Development
Take the first step!
Title I Requirements Made Simple
Federal policies like the Every Student Succeeds Act and IDEA require schools to develop written parent engagement plans. If your school receives Title I, Part A funds, your plan must be created with families, not just for them. [Contact Us for a Compliance Check-Up]
Questions for Your School Team to Consider
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Are we currently connecting, engaging, and sustaining parent involvement? What's missing?
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What new strategy could make the most impact right now?
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What resources and partnerships are needed to move forward?
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How will we gather feedback from parents, staff, and students?
Use our Action Plan Template to get started. [Schedule a Free Consult] with Project Appleseed
Let’s Turn Your Vision Into Action
Your school can take meaningful steps toward lasting family engagement. Whether you're just starting or refining your strategy, Project Appleseed offers the tools, training, and support to move forward with confidence.
Start Your Family Engagement Journey Today!
Access the Toolbox | Book a Workshop | Become a Member
Connect With Us — Get Started Today
Fill out the short form below to receive:
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Access to our Family Engagement Toolbox samples
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Information on professional development pricing and membership
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A free consultation