At Benchmark Elementary we view “Parents As Partners” at our tuition-free PreK-6 charter school. But what does that really mean? What can families expect when they enroll here? And how does this benefit your student? Let’s take a closer look.
It Starts at Home
Parent involvement is one of the greatest predictors of their children’s achievement, relationships, and ultimate success. Looking for tips to support your Benchmark Elementary student? Here are a few tips from our Parent Expectations that can help your student from home:
- Read to or listen to your child read daily
- Provide a quiet area to study and assistance when necessary
- Offer praise and encouragement
- Monitor homework for completeness
- Routinely contact your child’s teacher
- Attend school conferences and events
- Talk about school every day during family time
- Display your children’s achievements on the refrigerator or in a visible location
Our Teachers are Partners
Research shows that a partnership approach between parents and teachers can improve children’s work habits and grades. Benchmark Elementary teachers know our students and their families on a personal level and often partner together. Whether it’s reaching out to check in about what is happening at school, meeting at regular conferences, or keeping everyone apprised of important things about your child, ongoing communication between Benchmark Elementary parents and teachers is essential to our students’ success.
Respect Matters
Thanks to the support and involvement of our families, our school is a safe, respectful and nurturing learning environment. Our Daily Core Virtues curriculum engages students with character education that they can apply to their lives both inside and outside the classroom. We encourage caregivers to reinforce these lessons at home, engaging families in the process.
Image-125.jpg alt text: “student at tuition-free Benchmark Elementary working on project at a table with colorful bins in the background”
Community Connections
Our Benchmark School “family” also includes local businesses, nonprofits and artists that support and inspire our students throughout the year. These businesses host field trips, coordinate service-learning projects, and plan other special activities that take our students off campus and into the community. Our community partners provide unique opportunities for our students to learn about other cultures, incorporate our curriculum into hands-on activities, and simply have fun!
Volunteers are Valued
At Benchmark Elementary, we welcome caregivers to our campus throughout the school day to help – as room parents, reading buddies, library helpers and more. We also rely on parent and caregiver volunteers to chaperone school field trips and assist with our busy calendar of off-campus events and activities.
All Benchmark Elementary families are encouraged to volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per year. No matter what your schedule, we will work with you to find appropriate and convenient ways to get involved in your child’s learning. For parents and caregivers with limited time to give, we offer take-home projects that enable you to volunteer hours on a schedule that works for you.
Join our PTO
The Benchmark School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is an active, committed group of parent volunteers that meet regularly to plan activities that support our school. They are involved with events like our Daddy/Daughter Dance, Movie Nights, Holiday Store, Spring Carnival, provide supplies for teachers, and finance field trip transportation. Our PTO is always looking for new volunteers – click here to find out more!
Thanks to our involved community, Benchmark Elementary students are thriving. Find out more about how you can join our family and enroll today for Preschool and Grades K-6.
About Benchmark Elementary
Benchmark Elementary is a Preschool and Elementary School serving students in the Phoenix, AZ area. Benchmark offers tuition-free half-day K and 1st-6th grades, and tuition-based options for PreK and full-day K. Our foundational approach to academics inspires knowledge and develops character. Students are supported by a tight-knit community of caring teachers and staff and engaged families. Join Benchmark Elementary today! Enrolling now.