What did you do in practice?
For our big fall hack, students and families were invited to a Trojan Tailgate Party that featured a DJ (the school principal), games, food, swag bags for all and fun. Due to rain, the tailgate was moved indoors although it did not dampen the fun for families, staff and students. Approximately 80% of the middle school students stayed after school for the tailgate and we reached nearly 50% of the families of the students who stayed after school. The tailgate was held the same day as our football team’s senior night and we had many families stop in for a bite to eat right before the game.
Why did you do this implementation trial?
Within the rural California Area community, athletics is a strong common thread and an interest we can build upon. We wanted to embrace what we are doing well and benefit the mission of the Parents as Allies (PAA) team to initiate trust between families, educators, and administrators. By bringing families, students, teachers, and administrators together in a fun event like the tailgate, an opportunity would be created for all of us to begin the work of positive bonding and building relationships within the middle school community.
