Narrative for home visitation

Summary
Home visits lead to respectful partnerships between parents and
educators, creating the foundation for understanding and cooperation
between home and school that is vital to every student's success.

Challenge
In many schools districts across the nation a cycle of blame continues
to exist between parents and school site personnel. At many of the
schools where this blame exists there is a pervasive history of low
student achievement, high levels of poverty, and high percentages of
children entering schools as English language learners. Home visits
help make educators more culturally competent and help effectively
engage families leading to academic and social success for the
student.

Solution
Most schools still rely on outdated strategies to engage families.Home
visits are a more effective strategy because they bring parents and
teachers together for a meaningful conversation outside the
classroom.For example during the visit each teacher and family
member shares hopes and dreams, expectations, experiences, and
tools regarding the child's academic success.Once trust is built a
partnership is formed and then they are empowered to make the
necessary changes for a student to succeed.

Long-Term Impact
Decades of research show that when parents and teachers work
together, students do better academically and socially; attendance
increases, student performance improves, graduation rates increase,
and more students apply to college. Independent studies of our home
visit project show similar outcomes as noted above, as well as,
increased skill sets for both educators and families. Increasing the
funds of knowledge for both educators, parents and teachers, raises
student success.

Teacher Home Visits: The Importance of Sharing a

Meal

In a world full of expanding class sizes and endless paperwork, getting to know one's
students often feels like a never-ending battle. As a new teacher, I made it a priority to
know my students: I wanted to be able to wave goodbye on the last day of school without
the gnawing sense that I had let an opportunity slip past. So on a late September
afternoon, a colleague and I found ourselves walking to the apartment building that was
home to Omar, one of my 2nd grade students. Little did I know that after sharing a meal
with my student and his family, my outlook on developing relationships with my students
would be drastically changed.
Emily Kilgore

A home visit is a way to bridge the gap between school and home for students, families, and
teachers. A growing amount of research points to the importance of parents supporting their
childrens' learning in the home. A home visit is one way to deepen the partnership between
teacher and parent and increase the students' chances for success.
The school year was only a few weeks old, yet I knew visiting Omar was a priority. The
family had moved from Jordan just four months prior, coming to the United States to
escape the increasing violence surrounding their country. The purpose of my visit was to
understand the family better. This would allow me to both communicate openly with the
family and help teach Omar to the best of my ability.
We were quickly escorted up the elevator after being welcomed at the front of the
apartment by Firas, Omar's middle-aged father. He immediately began apologizing for the
small space and was visibly embarrassed that the family lived in an apartment. He
explained that he still owns two other homes (one in Jordan and the other in Algeria) but
didn't want to purchase a home in the United States until the family knew they liked the
country and would stay.
Teaching the Teacher
As the apartment door opened, the smell of food enveloped me. Safia, Omar's mother, was
busy working in the kitchen, pulling pans out of the oven and stirring a pot on the stovetop.
Omar rushed up to hug my colleague and me, and then ushered us to sit down and relax on
the couch. Again, Firas began apologizing for the small space. Omar brought out a bag of
marbles and asked if I would play with him and his kindergartner sister. I kneeled on the
floor and reveled in the joy Omar took in teaching me his made-up game of marbles. If only
I had this time with each of my students.
Although the living room was not small, it did feel cramped because of the placement of a
large folding table along a wall. The entire table was covered with plates of various foods,
including vegetables, chicken, hummus, and bread. Two large flower bouquets overlooked
the food, hovering like tall pillars. The colors and smells of the table were outstanding.
Never in my life had I seen such an array prepared by a single person!
The truth slowly snuck in that Safia had begun cooking at 6:00 that morning and had not
stopped since then. I was overwhelmed by the work she had put in for our visit. Her tired
eyes smiled as she began to place the last of the food on the table, insisting that my
coworker and I help ourselves first. I filled my plate so that the bottom was hidden from
sight. I wanted a taste of everything Safia had prepared.
The first bite was amazing. I was trying foods I had never eaten before, and all of it was
delicious. I occasionally asked Omar what I was eating and he proudly named everything.
There was a muffin-like pastry that was filled with meat and the family kindly laughed when
I began eating it with a fork. "No, Ms. Kilgore!" Omar had exclaimed, "Eat with your hands!
Bite it!" He demonstrated with his own food. Sure enough, it's eaten like a muffin. The
twinkle Omar had in his eyes while teaching me, his teacher, is a look I will never forget.
As the dinner progressed, I was able to learn more from the family. Jordan and Algeria were
becoming more and more dangerous, and so Firas and Safia had decided to uproot their
family and move to Minnesota for the safety and education of their children. As Firas put it,
they gave up everything—a large home, an expensive top-rated school for their children, a
community of friends, and a language they are all able to speak and understand—to help
Omar and their younger daughter "have a chance."
Know a Student's Story
I would be lying if I said hearing this didn't concern me. The questions began swirling in my
head: Would I be good enough for their family? Could I help Omar catch up to his peers
academically? How could I help the family adjust to life in the United States? I am, after all,
a young teacher from northern Minnesota. How could I provide all they were seeking,
knowing that there are also 21 other students needing my attention?
At that point, dinner was swept away and dessert was laid out. A tray was placed in front of
us, overflowing with various fruits—bananas, peaches, apples, bundles of grapes, and
strawberries. I could not thank them enough. Every time my coworker and I said, "Thank
you," the parents responded with a smile, saying, "This is nothing compared to what you
do." The amount of gratitude flowing around the room was immeasurable.
As the evening drew to a close, I had a moment alone with Firas and Safia. They asked how
Omar was doing and wanted to know what they could do to help him from home. The
concern and love they had for Omar and his success in school shone like a bright light.
My heart was overflowing with emotions as I walked away from the family that evening:
gratitude for their hospitality, humility for their praise, and determination for the task at
hand. I knew that the self-doubting questions I had earlier in the evening were very real.
But I also discovered at that moment that I would put my all into helping this family live
peacefully with their decision to move for their children's education. I learned more about
my student and his family through the home visit than I could have over a year of phone
calls.
That home visit was the best way for me to get to know Omar and his family. It made the
task of teaching him come alive by attaching their story, their life, to him. There is nothing
quite like sharing a meal with someone to bring you closer together. It is with that shared
meal that I go out to teach Omar and his classmates every day.
Emily Kilgore graduated from Luther College in 2011 with a degree in elementary education
and a specialty in literacy. From there she moved to St. Paul, Minn. to pursue her teaching
career. She has taught at Richardson Elementary School in North St. Paul for three years,
first as a literacy specialist and currently as a second grade teacher. Emily is also on her
school’s leadership team, equity team, and is a career-ladder teacher for her district.
WEB ONLY

RELATED STORIES

 “Preschools Aim to Better Equip Low-Income Parents,” June 12, 2013.

 “More Districts Sending Teachers Into Students' Homes,” December 14, 2011.

 “Results Mixed for Home-Visit Programs,” April 8, 2009.

RELATED OPINION
 “Going Home,” August 5, 2009.

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Narrative Report On The First PTA

Gener Essay
In order to settle things up, Bunga Elementary School, headed by our principal Mrs.
Jessica Narvasa, together with her teaching staff, officers of the Parent – Teacher
Association (PTA) and the Barangay Bunga Council, which is headed by Brgy. Capatain
Edgardo Aguilar had its 1st PTA General Assembly Meeting at Bunga Elementary
School Stage last July 04, 2014.

The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the following:

1.Personal Safety Lesson
2. SOSA
Performance Indicator/School Policy/SIP

3. School Feeding
4. Tree Planting and School GPP Competition Mechanics
5. Class Report/Feed backing
6. Voluntary Contribution
7. Family Day
8. Expected Monthly Activities/District and Division Competition

In this meeting, it was majorly favored that in celebration with Family Day this coming
December 2014, families would celebrate it together with Jollibee and it will be a fund-
raising. Moreover, the school and the barangay agreed to jointly implement the project
(which is the water facilities) that will provide a safe water supply system to the school’s
children.

In addition, there was also an open forum between teachers and parents wherein they
were free to ask questions regarding to the agenda’s that had been discussed.

There were many questions raised by parents that were answered well by the school
staffs.
The meeting was then ended ensuring that all the matters that have been tackled and
agreed was fully understand by the concerned subjects of this meeting, and was hoping
for positive outcomes.

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Category Archives: Narrative Report

Last September 15, 2014, a strong typhoon has visited our country with a frustrating mark. A number

of devastated properties scattered in all affected areas. Our province is a typhoon- prone area thus

our city is not an exemption from the list.

Typhoon Luis really affected the ordinary lives of many Filipino people and so are the students. Many

students nearby and far from the school were not able to attend their class because there were many

roads which were not passable. Teachers, despite of the weather condition, reported and save all

important documents and books on the second day of the school week. Some classrooms were flooded

and water started to flow from the corridor that even the principal’s office was not able to escape from

the hands of the strong typhoon. Mdm. Geraldine C. Orbeta, our principal, was always monitoring the

water level in the school.This scenario was a real life situation that teachers and students should face.

The scattered books, papers, chairs and almost destroyed tables are only some of the many

manifestations that typhoon has visited in our place. In this regard, teachers and students should

always be ready with what natural phenomenon might give.

Prepared By:

LUZVIMINDA M. VIERNES

Teacher I

Noted By:

GERALDINE C. ORBETA

Principal II
Buwan Ng Wika
Buwan Ng Wika Celebration was usually held during the month of August, but Don Antonio Bongolan

Memorial High School has peculiarly celebrated its National Language Day last September 05, 2014

with a theme “ Filipino: Wika ng Pagkakaisa”. The officers and members of the Filipino Club, together

with the faculty members headed by the principal Mdm. Geraldine C. Orbeta have shown their full

support for this affair. As a proof, they have started preparing this occasion one month before the

celebration.

The morning activity was very exciting on the part of the students because they were given the

chance to showcase their hidden talents in the field of literary and news reporting contest. Advisers

have shown their concern with their students by giving them moral support.

The highlight of the occasion was held in the afternoon which was attended by the Div. Office headed

by Dr. Edgar F. Olua, OIC PSDS, the ever supportive Brgy. Officials headed by the Brgy. Capt.

Bartolome S. Palagud, the FPTA officers headed by the President, Ptr. Rhonnel P. Finuliar, parents of

the reigning beauties, and our guest speaker, Board Member Danny C. Uy.

Despite of the fact that we have experienced the heavy rain, still everyone was very happy especially

when Hon. Danny C. Uy has promised us to give more comfortable and safer Social Hall aside from the

Scholarship Grants that he gave for our students. The teachers, parents and the community of San

Jose appreciated the philanthropic act of our Board Member. The officers and members of the different

organizations were also had their oath taking. The coronation rites was ended successfully with

Christine Ann R. Samson as the Lakambini 2014, and Carlos Daniel S. Corpuz as the Lakan 2014.

Prepared By:

LUZVIMINDA M. VIERNES

Teacher I

Noted By:

GERALDINE C. ORBETA

Principal II
School-based In- service Training
The first In- service training of Don Antonio Bongolan Memorial High School faculty and staff for the

S. Y. 2014- 2015 was held at III- Eagle’s room last July 04,2014. It was planned carefully by our

beloved principal Mdm. Geraldine C. Orbeta, and the two Master Teachers, Mrs. Mary Arnel B. Angway

and Mrs. Emilia E. Ramirez for the purpose of enhancing the teachers’ knowledge and awareness

about K to 12 Curriculum including the grading system.

The LAC session was started at 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon with a simple prayer headed by Ms.

Nerissa B. de Loyola. Mrs. Mary Arnel B. Angway, being the leader of the group gave first an overview

of the session. Some teachers were given specific topic to be discussed. The topic revolved around the

assessment and grading system under K to 12 curriculum. Mrs. Emilia E. Ramirez gave reminders to

all of us about the Teachers’ Code of Ethics. Fortunately, during the height of the presentation, our

Cluster Supervisor, Mr. Edmundo A. Bisquerra has visited and gave his message to all.

Our principal, Mdm. Geraldine C. Orbeta also discussed some important concerns on how to improve

and develop the physical aspect including facilities of the school. She emphasized that our school has

already developed by the previous school head, but she wanted to improve what has been started.

Prepared By:

LUZVIMINDA M. VIERNES

Teacher I

Noted By:

GERALDINE C. ORBETA

Principal II

First PTA Meeting

Don Antonio Bongolan Memorial High School held its first PTA (Parents- teachers Association) meeting

at new social hall last June 19, 2014. It was attended by the PTA Officials, parents and guardians of

the students, and members of the faculty headed by our new principal Mdm. Geraldine C. Orbeta. The

said meeting was hosted by the faculty and staff of DABMHS. It was said that the meeting served as
an orientation about miscellaneous fees and at the same time, for the parents to meet our new

principal. Mrs. Susana S. Corpuz, our school treasurer, has presented the financial statement of the

miscellaneous fees for the school year 2013-2014. It was found out that based from her record,

almost 50% of the total students were not yet paid. Later, parents voted for their desired amount of

miscellaneous fees. Teachers presented the breakdown of the said miscellaneous for transparency and

for the parents to be aware of the proceeds. Fortunately, miscellaneous fee for this school year was

reduced from six hundred fifty pesos to six hundred pesos. The parents were very thankful of the

result of the meeting because it lessened their burdens financially.

Our new principal, Mrs. Geraldine C. Orbeta was introduced to the community of San Jose. She was on

the other hand, warm welcomed by the parents, community leaders and students. She spoke in front

of the parents with dignity and humbleness. She also asked the help and support from the parents for

the benefit of our students and our school. She emphasized that we should work hand in hand to

achieve our school’s objectives and goals.

Prepared By:

LUZVIMINDA M. VIERNES

Teacher I

Noted By:

GERALDINE C. ORBETA

Principal II