GULF TRACE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
FAMILY ENGAGEMENT PLAN
2026–2027
Together, We ROCK the REEF!
Gulf Trace Elementary School scholars will use college-readiness strategies, develop skills in global perspectives, and become well-rounded learners.
Parent and Family Engagement Plan Development
Gulf Trace Elementary School (GTES) has an active School Advisory Council (SAC) composed of parents/guardians, teachers, school-related personnel, school administrators, district representatives, and business/community members. Through regularly scheduled meetings, the SAC monitors the goals and strategies outlined in the School Success Plan, reviews progress toward school improvement goals, and provides feedback regarding important school initiatives.
Each year, GTES develops and reviews its Parent and Family Engagement Plan with input from families and other stakeholders. Families are encouraged to provide feedback and participate in decisions regarding opportunities for family engagement and student success.
Annual Title I Meeting for Parents/Guardians
Each year, GTES hosts an Annual Title I Meeting for all families near the beginning of the school year. Families are notified through multiple communication methods, which may include the school website, social media, school messaging platforms, school calendars, newsletters, flyers, and student communication folders.
During the Annual Title I Meeting, parents/guardians are informed of the school's participation in the Title I program and provided with information regarding available Title I services and resources. Families are provided access to the Parent and Family Engagement Plan and informed of their right to be involved in their child's education.
Parents/guardians are invited and encouraged to attend SAC meetings to offer suggestions and participate in discussions and decisions related to the education of GTES students. GTES will provide families with access to information regarding school performance data and assistance with understanding their child's individual academic results. Families will also receive information regarding the curriculum and academic standards used at the school, assessments used to measure student progress, and achievement levels students are expected to meet.
Parent and Family Engagement Opportunities
GTES will foster meaningful family engagement by providing families with resources, information, activities, and training designed to help them support their children's academic achievement and strengthen the connection between home and school. During the 2026–2027 school year, family workshops, curriculum events, and engagement opportunities will be offered throughout the school year at times designed to encourage family participation.
Annual Title I Meeting
Parent Academies, Curriculum Nights, Learning Fairs, and Family Workshops
All Pro Dad
Morning with Mom
Recognition ceremonies and student celebrations, including Night of the Sea Stars Learner Attributes Recognition and Honor Roll celebrations
School Advisory Council (SAC)
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) meetings and activities
Opportunities for families to support learning through a positive and academically supportive home environment
Opportunities for parents/guardians to eat lunch with their children in accordance with school procedures
School and district surveys that allow families to provide feedback regarding school needs, programs, and services
Volunteer opportunities for approved volunteers through the District School Board of Pasco County, including mentoring, classroom support, media center support, school events, and other school-based activities
Development and review of a School-Parent Compact outlining how families, students, and school staff will share responsibility for improved student academic achievement
Gulf Trace School and Family Communication
Parents/guardians will be informed of school activities, academic information, and opportunities for involvement through multiple forms of communication throughout the school year. GTES staff will maintain appropriate records of family contacts and strive to develop meaningful partnerships with families.
School and district calls, emails, and electronic messages
GTES website
GTES social media platforms
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Parent Workshops and Curriculum Nights
Recognition Events
Daily and Weekly Communication Folders
School Flyers and Newsletters
School Marquee
myStudent Parent Portal
Teacher and school-approved digital communication platforms
Student Progress Information
GTES will provide parents/guardians with regular updates regarding student academic progress through methods that may include:
Mid-quarter progress reports through the myStudent Parent Portal
Quarterly report cards through the myStudent Parent Portal
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Progress Monitoring Plan (PMP) conferences, when applicable
Student communication folders and teacher communication
FAST reports and progress-monitoring information throughout the school year
Additional district and school assessment reports, as applicable
Supporting Families in Understanding Academic Expectations
GTES will provide families with information and assistance in understanding topics that may include:
Florida's B.E.S.T. Standards and applicable state academic standards
Grade-level academic expectations
Progress Monitoring Plans
State, district, and school assessments
FAST progress monitoring and student achievement data
Title I requirements, programs, and services
STEM learning opportunities and STEM Fair information
Cambridge and Magnet Program information and articulation
Strategies and resources families can use to support learning at home
Accessibility and Family Participation
This written Parent and Family Engagement Plan will be made available to all families of students attending GTES in an understandable and accessible format. To the extent practicable, information will be provided in languages families can understand.
The plan will be available on the school website and accessible to the local community. It will be reviewed and updated periodically to address the changing needs of students, families, and the school. If the plan is not satisfactory to parents/guardians, families may submit comments or concerns in writing. School staff and administration will review feedback, work collaboratively to address concerns, and respond appropriately.
In carrying out the family engagement requirements of this plan, the district and school will, to the extent practicable, provide opportunities for the participation of parents/guardians of students with limited English proficiency, parents/guardians of students with disabilities, and parents/guardians of migratory students. This includes providing school information and reports in accessible formats and, to the extent practicable, in languages families can understand.
Annual Review and Continuous Improvement
GTES administration, in collaboration with the School Advisory Council (SAC), families, staff, and other stakeholders, will continually monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the Parent and Family Engagement Plan. Family feedback will be used to identify barriers to participation, determine family needs, strengthen communication, and improve opportunities for meaningful engagement.
If the schoolwide plan under applicable Title I requirements is not satisfactory to parents/guardians of participating students, GTES will submit parent/guardian comments regarding the plan to the appropriate local education agency in accordance with applicable requirements.
Together, We ROCK the REEF!
