Strategies for student achievement and building stronger school-community partnerships
Aviano Elementary School hosted a memorable Parent Night on Jan. 22, where educators, parents, and students came together to celebrate the school’s action plan (SAP) and the collaborative efforts driving student achievement. The event highlighted the importance of Aviano's shared goals — improving educational practices, empowering teachers, and engaging students in meaningful learning experiences.
The power of collaboration
In the words of Aviano Elementary’s Principal, Julienne DuBenion, “There is an old saying, 'It takes a village to raise a child.' Today, our village truly showcased the incredible strength of a collaborative school-community partnership, united by a common goal — student achievement. Educators, parents, and students engaged in sense-making around continuous improvement through fun activities aligned to our SAP actions. The smiles and laughter perfectly captured the essence of why we do this important work — because it's the right work! Our kids deserve an amazing village, and we're all here for it!”
This event provided a unique opportunity for families to witness how strategies for continuous improvement are actively shaping classroom experiences. Teachers guided parents through various activities that showcased how the school’s action plan is creating a meaningful impact on student learning. Parents left with a clear understanding of the school’s commitment to raising student achievement and a sense of how they can continue to support that progress at home.
Students leading the way
One of the most exciting parts of the evening was the opportunity for students to take the lead.
Kimberly Pagtalunan, a third grade teacher at Aviano Elementary, shared her thoughts on the event, saying, “The recent parent event served as a valuable platform to highlight our initiatives in implementing the school's action plans aligned with the current standards we are exploring. It was a wonderful experience to observe students taking the lead in teaching their parents the strategies they have learned, while also demonstrating their understanding of the success criteria. This event not only showcased our commitment to educational growth but also strengthened the partnership between home and school in support of student learning.”
The event emphasized the importance of rich tasks, which are designed to challenge students and encourage deep thinking. Parents were able to see first-hand how these tasks help students apply their learning in meaningful ways. The combination of art, problem-solving, and math in these activities highlighted the interdisciplinary approach that is central to the school’s teaching strategy. By engaging in these hands-on tasks, both students and parents experienced how complex learning objectives can be met through collaboration and creativity.
Strengthening home-school partnerships
The success of this event lies not only in the learning that took place but also in the deepened connections between families and the school. The evening served as a reminder that the school community is a vital partner in the educational journey of each student. By actively involving parents in the learning process, Aviano Elementary strengthens the foundation of support for its students, ensuring they thrive both at school and at home.
As Aviano continues to implement its school’s action plan and work towards improving teacher efficacy, student engagement, and overall educational outcomes, they are grateful for the support of its school community. Events like this remind us that when we all come together teachers, students, and parents — there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Aviano Elementary is committed to working together as a village, fostering growth, learning, and achievement for every student.
