Volunteerism is a basic component and necessary part of the New LA vision. The school itself was created by the dedicated volunteer efforts of parents and community members. New LA strives to create an environment that not only fosters volunteer efforts on behalf of the school, but also helps to foster the spirit of volunteerism in our students by promoting community engagement projects.
We believe that students can reach their full potential when there is a high level of involvement by families. We encourage involvement in a partnership between home and school built on mutual respect. At New LA, we believe that parents and guardians want their child to be passionate about learning, engaged in the community, and have respect for themselves and others. Parents and guardians should have high expectations of the school and of their children. In turn, the school has high expectations that parents will contribute to the team-effort needed to fulfill the school’s mission. Excellence cannot be accomplished nor maintained without the active respectful participation of the families. While family participation is an essential element to the success of the educational process, it is important to make the distinction that New LA is not a parent run school. Operational, personnel, discipline, and educational decisions are the responsibility of the staff. Parents are encouraged and expected to participate as a support team and are expected to participate in self-improvement programs and events that can enhance their children’s home learning environment.
New LA Booster (NewLAB)
NewLA Booster (NewLAB) is an action-oriented parent organization benefitting the students and staff of New LA by fundraising, organizing innovative educational programs, fostering school spirit, and supporting parent and community engagement. Membership in NewLAB is free. NewLAB board elections take place in September each year. The group organizes community events and partners with teachers and administration to help support the mission of the school.
Family Diversity
At New LA, we believe that diversity among parents is a strength that improves the educational culture for all. Parents have different philosophies and approaches to their involvement in their children’s education. Likewise, parents may contribute in different ways to the collective responsibility of running a charter school and making the program a success. Recognizing that each parent, like each child, is unique and infinitely valuable and deserving the utmost respect, New LA asks parents to contribute to the school’s success by volunteering their skills, time, and resources to the extent that they are able.
Behavior Expectations of Parents/Guardians/Family Members
At New LA, we believe that a collaborative partnership means that the Director and teachers are responsive to the concerns of parents. In turn, parents have a responsibility to respect the professional experience and expertise of the educators. Your primary role as a parent is to assist and enhance the ability of the educational staff to conduct the school’s educational activities. Parents and guardians are expected to treat each member of the New LA community (students, other parents/guardians, teachers, administrators, staff) with the greatest respect at all times, even in disagreement. There will be no exceptions. Parents or guardians who do not meet these behavior expectations will not be permitted to keep their children at New LA.
Family Education Program
In order to help provide families the tools they need to do the very difficult job of parenting middle school children, and to bolster the partnership between school and home, New LA offers a series of Coffees & Family Education Evenings throughout the school year. Topics for the 2010-11 school year include:
- Bullying & Harassment Awareness
- Internet Safety
- Middle School—The Critical Years
- Building Positive Self‐Image and Understanding Eating Disorders
- Promoting Literacy at Home
- Nutrition Education withRevolution Foods
- Sexual Education and the Road to Respect
- Choosing the Right High School
- College Planning
- Respect for Self and Others Program
