Spectrum Academy

Family Engagement

The School-Family Relationship

The relationship between school and family is a dynamic and critically important partnership that profoundly impacts a student's educational journey and overall well-being. When this relationship is strong and collaborative, it creates a powerful support system that extends a child's learning environment beyond the classroom walls.

A woman shakes hands with a person while her daughter smiles nearby.

The results of successful school-family relationships include:

Strengthened Home-School Connection
Open Communication
Shared Goals and Expectations
Lower Absenteeism Rates
Mutual Respect and Trust
Enhanced Motivation and Self-Confidence
Increased Emotional Resilience
Improved Social Skills and Behavior
Stronger Study Habits
Empowered Parents
Improved Teacher Morale
Increase in Positive School Culture
Access to Reputable Resources
Ability to Advance the Spectrum Academy Mission

Opportunities to Connect

Taking the time to genuinely connect with people enriches our lives in profound ways. These interactions, whether small or significant, build a strong foundation of understanding and empathy. Investing in these relationships fosters a sense of belonging and community, which are essential for well-being.

We provide numerous opportunities throughout the school year to strengthen the bonds between school and family, and equally important, to help families connect with each other.

Parent to Parent

Before the school year kicks off, our Meet & Greet offers new and returning parents and guardians an ideal chance to forge invaluable connections and friendships within our school community.

A group of people socialize in a brightly lit gymnasium.

These bonds continue to strengthen at our Parent Empowerment Nights, where you'll not only gain new insights but also have the opportunity to share your own experiences. Knowing others who are navigating similar journeys provides immense comfort, validation, and valuable perspective.

A diverse group of people collaborate at tables in a brightly lit room.

Classroom Support

Back-to-School Night is the perfect time to begin a positive relationship with your child's teachers, setting a strong tone for the year. Stay actively engaged in their education by participating in Parent-Teacher Conferences and signing up for opportunities on ParentSquare throughout the school year. There are 3 ways you can support your student’s classroom:

Two women exchange a basket of snacks and a backpack filled with school supplies.

#1 Donate Snacks and Supplies
Teachers will post a “Snacks/Supplies Sign-Up List” on your students' ParentSquare Class Group Page, where you can sign up to donate any of the needed items. Deliver the items to the front office, and they will take them to your student’s classroom. (fruit snacks, crackers, chips, granola bars, tissues, hand sanitizer, etc.)

A clipboard holds a sign-up sheet with names and categories.

#2 Class Activities and Field Trips
A ParentSquare “Sign-Up List” will be posted to your student’s class/grade group when there is a need for Field Trip Drivers and other Volunteers.

donorschoose page

#3 DonorsChoose Projects
DonorsChoose is a public charity where teachers can request classroom resources and donors can contribute to those requests. It's a platform that connects educators with funding for materials, supplies, and experiences that enrich student learning. Donate to your teacher's project. Donations are tax-deductible, and donors can contribute any amount, starting as low as $1.

Spectrum Family Alliance

About the Spectrum Family Alliance (S.F.A.)
The Spectrum Family Alliance (S.F.A.) is a district-wide initiative dedicated to strengthening the vital relationship between our schools and families. This partnership is incredibly important, profoundly impacting a student's educational journey and overall well-being. When schools and families work closely together, it creates a powerful support system that extends learning far beyond the classroom.

The Spectrum Family Committee (S.F.C.)
The Spectrum Family Committee (S.F.C.) is the driving force behind the SFA program. These committees function much like a traditional PTA, PTO, or PAC, actively fostering social interaction and strong connections within our school community through organized events and activities. The Spectrum Family Alliance is made up of seven Spectrum Family Committees.

NSL Elementary School SFC
NSL Intermediate School SFC
NSL High School SFC
NSL STARS SFC
PG Elementary School SFC
PG Secondary School SFC
PG STARS SFC

The Work of the Spectrum Family Committee (S.F.C.)
Our Spectrum Family Committees are made up of dedicated volunteers: parents/guardians (who are SFA Members), an administrator, an office staff member, a teacher, and a related service provider. This collaborative team works together to unite students, staff, and families by leading a variety of crucial activities throughout the year, including:

Welcoming New Members: Attending Back to School Night to invite parents and guardians to join the SFA.
Teacher Appreciation: Coordinating food donations from families to provide meals for teachers during the six annual Parent Teacher Conferences.
Book Fair Support: Assisting the Librarian with setting up and taking down the Book Fair three times per year.
Employee Recognition: Assembling and distributing gifts during Employee Appreciation Weeks.
Service Projects: Supporting campus and school-wide service initiatives.
Fundraising: Encouraging participation in various fundraising campaigns.
Parent Empowerment: Attending Parent Empowerment Nights
Safety & Prevention: Creating and/or supporting drug prevention and safety activities during Red Ribbon/Safety Week.
Sensory-Friendly Events: Advertising, recruiting volunteers, and decorating for our Sensory-Friendly Trick or Treat event.
Holiday Spirit: Supporting your school's holiday activities.
Literacy & Fun: Planning guest readings and/or spirit days during Dr. Seuss Week.
Autism Awareness: Encouraging participation in school-wide activities and events during Autism Awareness & Acceptance Month.
Year-End Celebration: Planning and facilitating a fun activity to mark the end of the school year.

Spectrum Family Alliance Membership
Membership in the Spectrum Family Alliance is completely free, and participation is entirely voluntary. As a member, you'll have the flexibility to support one or multiple areas of need, based on your availability and interests. We hold meetings monthly, during school hours, right here at the school.

A group of people sit around a table, engaged in a discussion.

Join the SFA today!

School Events & Activities

Over the next ten months, we encourage you to take part in school events and activities designed with your child’s needs in mind. These experiences foster an inclusive, judgment-free environment where everyone can feel welcome and engaged. These experiences strengthen relationships among students and staff, parents and staff, and within families, and this positive energy extends directly into the classroom. Being part of such a community builds self-confidence, fosters respect and appreciation for others, and provides the reassuring knowledge that you have people in your corner.

A community event takes place in a gymnasium with inflatables and tables.

Carnival

A group of people in Halloween costumes pose in front of a spooky backdrop.

Sensory Friendly Trick or Treat Event

A projector screen displays a Kung Fu Panda 4 movie poster with the word 'WELCOME!' below.

Family Movie Night

A group of people stand behind boxes filled with donated food items.

Service Project

School Fundraisers

While we receive state and federal funds like other public schools, our unique mission requires more. We need additional resources—more staff, more research-based programs, in-house therapies, unique (and expensive) equipment, and extra supplies for every classroom. These vital resources, proven to help your child succeed, are not fully covered by public funding. This is why we fundraise.

That's where fundraising comes in. We offer a variety of campaigns, always striving to make them beneficial, meaningful, and enjoyable experiences for everyone. We know fundraising might be out of your comfort zone, but we encourage you to take an active role in these necessary efforts.

Two boys smile, holding Bingo cards and prizes in a school setting.