Community 2005 - 2008
SPECIFIC GOAL: We will continue to develop and promote positive school/community relationships for life-long learning.

• Increased understanding

• Advertising

• School Publications

• Increased parent/community and student involvement

• Magnet

• Each building has a plan for communication for parents and the community.  The plan includes:  feedback gained through the following modes of communication; open houses, parent meetings, building/classroom newsletters, parent letters, parent/teacher conferences, electronic communication, and social interaction at the beginning and/or end of each day.  Frequent communications with the local newsprint media on school activities.  Contribution of materials for the district Hi-Lights publication.  Presentations at Board meetings of student programs.

• Magnets have been made, distributed and are available in the Community Education office and at school buildings.

• Increased number of business contacts

• Increased two-way communication

• Increased Community Service Hours

• Every school has classroom and/or school partnerships with local area businesses

• Elementary Moola-Moola bank savings program through the State Band and visits to local area businesses

• Administrative attendance at local community organizations

• Students in the district volunteer for Community Charities and the Local Senior Citizens Center

• LHS Student Council sponsors a yearly Senior Citizen's Dinner in November.  This dinner is free for all Senior Citizens.

• Linden Elementary schools participate in the Intergenerational Pen Pal Program with Senior Citizens during the summer.

• Increased number of programs for middle/high school parents

• Increased number of people who attend programs

• Open schools on weekends

• GISD utilized more

• Increased Facility Usage

• Increased opportunities to utilize school resources (ie; shuttle service, gym use for community dances)

• Parents volunteer in many capacities throughout the school year in each building

• Regular informal parent/principal meetings to discuss school-related issues

• Linden Middle School invites all parents to an informative presentation with regard to Educational Development Plans for students

• Linden High School counsellors host financial aid workshops, orientation for incoming freshman and their parents, informative college nights and visitations from various colleges.

• Through the SKIP program there are many parenting programs and child learning programs available to parents

• Community Education has increased enrichment classes pertaining to health, wellness and financial stability

• Currently the Linden High media center is open to the public and students on Sunday afternoons

• Community Education utilizes LHS & LMS gyms on Saturdays for programming

• We are currently in discussions with the GISD to bring video conferencing to the schools through ITV

• Elementary schools are used by Scout groups.  Gyms are used nightly by various groups and community education programs.  Facility rental has increased.  Community groups are using schools for meetings

• Currently the LHS Student council hosts a senior citizen's dinner in November

• Community Education hosts a Daddy Daughter Dance in February

• Superintendent addresses the community in the Linden Hi-Lights

• Parent information meetings are held in the auditorium for example, Keeping Your Child Safe on the Internet.

• Increased media coverage

• Increased parent/community awareness

• Ongoing

• A high school and middle school class and curriculum in place

• School activities are video taped and promoted

• Board meetings and other district events are video tapes

• In beginning stages.  There is an 8th grade media production class in the middle school with some exploration at the 7th grade level.

• This is the first year for the Video Production Class at the high school level.  The high school class has 24 students.  many high school events have been filmed but we are having difficulty getting them put on Channel 19.  We continue to work with Fenton, Lake Fenton and Fenton Township to get this situation rectified.  The high school class has been to the elementary schools to film some of their events as well.

• Increase business participation in schools

• Banquet is well attended

• A business recognition dinner was planned and over 100 invitations we sent but only 6 businesses responded.  We are going to try again next fall.

• DVD for welcome packet

• Promotion of Points of Pride

• Emphasis on individual building activities

• Video club at the high school and the LMS video class and new high school video production class.

• Pioneer Teachers DVD project for Argentine parents.

• Staff contacted for input and feedback

• Establish standard plan for implementation

• Increased communication

• Many staff members currently have web pages.  We continually encourage staff members to create a web site.  Professional development opportunities have been held in this area.

• Information from investigation is reviewed to determine if additional signage is feasible

• Information is communicated to the Finance and Facilities Committees and to the Board

• Board decided not to erect an electronic sign at the new Middle School.

• No direction from the Board at the time of discussion to pursue electronic signage at the high school