Elementary hosts multiple successful events on the same night

As the school day transitioned from afternoon to evening, local Title I school Westside Elementary transformed their school to welcome parents, students, Title I partners, and members of the community for the annual Title I night.

Title I is “a federally funded program designed to address the academic needs of students and to assist them in meeting the state's high standards, particularly in the areas of reading, writing, science and mathematics,” information from the Hernando County School District site. The annual Title I Night is a requirement for schools that receive these funds to hold. Parents must sign the Title I compact, which states the goals for student achievement. It also includes partnership information, communication about student learning, and goals for the parent, student, and teacher to obtain throughout the school year.

Assistant Principal Deana LaPlatney says “the federal funding that helps our school makes a huge difference. The programs on student computers, paying our teachers and paras, or buying technologies are just a few examples of what Title I funds help our school do.”

In order to boost engagement and attendance on Title I Night, the school hosted a trunk or treat and an opportunity for students to earn double points on Accelerated Reading tests (AR tests), cleverly naming it Trunk “AR” Treat & Title I Night.

“Scheduling all three events on the same night ended up being a huge success,” says event coordinator Maria Woop. “Our school has roughly 500 students. We saw 200 of them in the two hours that this event was held” says Woop.

“Families are most definitely inclined to come [to Title I Night] when it’s merged with an event like trunk or treating or an opportunity for their students to earn double AR points,” Woop says.

Not only does this come from an event coordinator perspective, but parent Heather Cochrane agrees. “I would definitely come when there are other things going on. It’s hard to find child care, so it makes it easier when the kids are excited to come along too,” says Cochrane.

By hosting an event with incentives for parents and students, the school is able to spread information, boost information, and conduct Title I Night successfully.