The Home-School Connection The whole community has an essential role to play in the growth and development of a child, is a popular proverb with a clear message. In addition to parents and family members, the broader community has a responsibility to assure high quality education for all students. In today’s world, the models for success included parents, stepparents, grandparents, caregivers, siblings, teachers and community groups. Parent, family and community involvement in education is the key to higher academic performance and school improvement. The evidence holds true both on an elementary as well as a secondary level that strong family-community partnerships results in higher educational aspirations. Research developed by Joyce Epstein of Johns Hopkins University, describes six types of involvement – parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision making and collaborating with the community. Each type of involvement cannot stand alone. To be successful, they are all well integrated with the school’s overall missions and goals. Research shows parent-school involvement strengthens families, community support and student achievement. Duffield Elementary is committed to encourage and strengthen our home-school connection to ensure the best possible success for all of our students.