Parent and Family Engagement Policy

Title I Family Engagement Policy
School Year: 2025–2026

Purpose

Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) recognizes that student success is most achievable when families, schools, and communities work together. In accordance with Section 1116 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), this Family Engagement Policy outlines the district’s commitment to meaningful parent and family engagement to support improved academic outcomes for all students in Title I schools.

District Commitment to Family Engagement

MCS is committed to:

  • • Promoting meaningful two-way communication between home and school.
  • • Involving families in school and district decision-making processes.
  • • Building the capacity of staff and families to strengthen engagement practices.
  • • Creating welcoming school environments that value and respect family contributions.
  • • Supporting all Title I schools in implementing strong family engagement strategies.

Policy Development and Review

  • • MCS collaborates with parents and families through the Title I Parent Advisory Council and other stakeholders to review and revise this policy annually.
  • • During annual Title I meetings held in February and May, families are invited to provide input and suggestions for improvement.
  • • The policy is reviewed alongside the District Improvement Plan, and final revisions are incorporated into the plan submitted to the state.
  • • Families may provide comments or suggestions at any time through the MCS website or in writing to their child’s school. Feedback received by July is considered for inclusion in the updated policy.

Annual Title I Meetings

  • • Each MCS Title I school will host an Annual Title I Meeting to inform families about the school’s Title I program, explain parental rights, and review both the school’s and district’s family engagement policies.
  • • Meetings will include information about curriculum, academic standards, assessment tools, and how families can support learning at home.

School-Parent Compacts

  • • Every Title I school in MCS will develop a School-Parent Compact in collaboration with families.
  • • The compact outlines shared responsibilities among school staff, parents, and students for improving academic achievement.
  • • It describes how partnerships will be maintained through communication, support, and shared decision-making.

Building Capacity for Engagement

MCS will provide:

  • • Training for teachers and staff on effective family engagement strategies and communication practices.
  • • Workshops and resources for families to support learning at home, navigate the school system, and participate in school improvement.
  • • Multilingual resources and translation services to ensure equitable access to information for all families.
  • • Flexible meeting times and virtual participation options to accommodate family schedules.

Accessibility

To ensure full participation:

  • • MCS will provide materials and communication in languages and formats accessible to all parents, including those with limited English proficiency or disabilities.
  • • Efforts will be made to remove barriers that prevent participation, including providing transportation or childcare when feasible for school events.

Distribution of the Policy

This Family Engagement Policy will be:

  • • Posted on the Murfreesboro City Schools district website and individual school websites.
  • • Shared during each school’s Annual Title I Meeting early in the school year.
  • • Made available at parent-teacher conferences, family outreach events, and upon request.

Contact Information

For more information about this policy or family engagement at MCS, please contact:
Dr. Maryam Hill, Federal Programs Coordinator
Maryam.hill@cityschools.net
615-225-9386
Murfreesboro City Schools District Office
2552 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37127
www.cityschools.net

(Download the Parent and Family Engagement Policy Flyer)