Elmsford Parent Leadership Team Allows Parents To Observe Classes

ELMSFORD, N.Y. -- An open house initiative, which allowed parents to observe and witness the learning activities of their children, was held in the fall to help strengthen the home-school connection at Alice E. Grady Elementary School.

Parent and leadership team member Christine Praino observes a class at Grady Primary School.
Photo Credit: *Elmsford Union Free School District*

by Elmsford Union Free School District

02/06/2015 5:00 a.m.

The idea was developed by the Grady/Dixson Parent Leadership Team, and pre-kindergarten through Grade 6 classes participated. A total of 106 parents participated.

Afterward, the parents met with principal Madeline Paneto-Gonzalez to share their observations.

Christine Praino, the mother of students in Grades 5 and 6, said she was impressed by what she saw, adding that the students were all working well as teams. Others were impressed with the differentiated instruction while still others said they were surprised that the children were not distracted by the presence of the parents in their classrooms.

As part of the initiative, parents were also given strategies as a way to support their children academically at home and to enrich their learning experience.

"Parents were extremely grateful for the opportunity to walk in their children's shoes," said Paneto-Gonzalez. "In fact many of them didn't want to leave."

The school hopes to host a second open house in the spring.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Greenburgh and receive free news updates.