'Professionals who want to build authentic parent and community involvement in their schools will find a champion in this book' - Wendy Caszatt-Allen, Teacher, Mid-Prairie Middle School, Kalona, IA



'An invaluable resource full of fun and relevant plans that are most assuredly teacher-, student-, and parent-friendly. The best I have read!' - Ilona Anderson, Principal, Flagstaff Middle School, AZ





Research has shown that parents play an enormous role in their children's school success. However, principals and teachers struggle to find ways to get parents more involved. Teacher and consultant Michael Sikes shows educators how to create an arts-rich school that enthusiastically welcomes families and community members, promotes diversity and multicultural appreciation, develops cognitive skills, and engages parents through a myriad of creative activities.





This exciting resource explores all types of creative art programs, including dance, theater, folk art, literature, visual arts, and music. An extensive toolkit, this book not only explores why but how to design and implement an arts program that brings families back to the classroom.





Ready-to-use features and strategies are packed into this practical guide:





* Sample lesson plans and worksheets, including materials lists, step-by-step instructions, and roles for parents and families


* Dozens of project and activity ideas tied to national standards


* Project assessments and evaluations


* "How to's" for finding community resources and funding


* Templates, forms, checklists, surveys, and much more





School administrators and teachers can use this essential guide for welcoming families into their schools and creating a friendly place where student work is celebrated and parent contributions are embraced and valued.