Family Engagement Plan
Family Engagement Plan
The Family Engagement Plan (FEP) is organized into four impact areas. We will be working together this year to build positive and goal-oriented relationships in each area. Families and staff at school developed this plan together.
Welcoming Environment
Our school has staff member(s) available for families to discuss this plan and ask questions
● Principal: Teresa Vibar
● Assistant Principals: Kris Chlebecek & April Hayes
● Family Liaison: Wendy Caucutt
Our school communicates with families in many ways.
● Hidden River Weekly Family Newsletter is the best source for current school information. It is sent directly to families each week, and also posted on the website.
● The school’s website (www.spps.org/hiddenriver) is updated with important information
● Automated voice, text, and email messages are distributed to families for urgent information and event reminders.
● Family-Teacher conferences (in-person or virtual) are scheduled three times per year.
● Flyers are distributed through the Peachjar email distribution system.
● Family-Staff Organization (FSO) meetings are held four times per school year and try to focus on topics of interest to middle school families
● Principal Vibar hosts monthly “Coffee with the Principal” gatherings where families and community members can gather informally to chat
● When families call or email, we do our best to respond within 24 hours.
The achievement gap, or rather the “opportunity gap,” between students of color and white students in Saint Paul Public Schools is unacceptable. Our school is working to change practices and systems by identifying the barriers that make it harder for students of color to succeed and for their families to support their learning. For more about our work on racial equity, contact:
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Principal Vibar at Teresa.vibar@spps.org
Transitions between schools can be challenging, and we work to help families as their children start and leave our school. For new students and families, we support the transition by:
● Hosting “Back to School Open House” during the last week of summer vacation
● Orientation provided for all students during first week of school through Foundation classes
● WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) leadership class where 8th grade students mentor 6th grade students and assist with planning and carrying out school activities and events
● Elementary school groups visit Hidden River for tours
● Providing tours and student shadowing experiences to prospective students and families from November – April
For students and families moving to the next school in their pathway, we support the transition by:
● Guidance Counselors meet with 8th graders individually and in groups to plan for high school
● 8th graders are taken on a field trip to Central High School
● Central High School guidance counselors come to Hidden River to help students register for classes
Family Partnerships
Our school-parent compact establishes the shared responsibility for student success between the school, families, and students. Families and teachers work together to develop the compact.
| Copies of the compact are available: | The compact will be updated: |
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There are many opportunities for families to build connections to the school and to each other.
● Title I Annual Meeting where we will share information about school programs
● Quarterly Family-Staff Organization (FSO) meetings
● Occasional “Coffee with the Principal” gatherings
● National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) will be on February 9, 2026
● Home Visits - Parent Teacher Home Visits can be arranged with interested families
We work to make these meetings and events available for every family in the school.
● Translation/Interpretation can be arranged whenever required
● Transportation can be arranged for families to attend FSO meetings and Family Engagement events
● Childcare is available at FSO Meetings
● Weekly Family Newsletters are created on the Smore platform, which is translatable
Our school supports families as advocates and provides opportunities for parent leadership
● Family members are encouraged to volunteer in the school, visit classrooms, and reach out to staff and teachers at anytime
● Our staff receives professional development about working with families from both internal and external partners
● Families are consulted (through electronic surveys, in-person feedback, and an office comment box) on how to improve our family engagement practices and support students and their families
Teaching and Learning
Our school shares information about state standards, assessment and student achievement with families in multiple ways
● Report cards and progress reports will be made available quarterly through the Campus Parent online portal. These reports can also be emailed or mailed home, per request.
● Conferences are held three times per year – October, December, and March.
● Monthly Family-Staff Organization (FSO) meetings and “Coffee with the Principal” gatherings
Our school will engage in personalized learning as a key strategy to accelerate student achievement. Parents can get more information using many tools.
● Schoology is used to organize and maintain student grades throughout the academic quarter. Parents/guardians are given a log-in to also monitor their student’s academic progress.
● Login-in information can be accessed at spps.org/onestop or by calling the school
Many before- and after-school enrichment and support opportunities are available for students
● Extended Day Learning (EDL) – Available after school two days a week, this program is provided free-of-charge and provides transportation to eligible students. Students are able to explore areas of interest with community partners.
● Athletics – Hidden River sponsors fall, winter and spring athletic teams
Community Partnerships
Our school develops community partnerships to provide additional support for students and their families
● Macalester College – classroom volunteers (and Macalester funds and staffs our Volunteer Coordinator position)
● University of MN – classroom volunteers
● University of St. Thomas – classroom volunteers
● Girls Taking Action – engages students in leadership
● Boys of Hope – engages students in leadership
● Project Kofi Counseling Services -- mental health support for students
● Change, Inc -- mental health support for students
● JK Movement – after school programming at Jimmy Lee Rec Center
● Right Track – partnership with City of St Paul helping 8th grade students explore employment opportunities and gain professional skills
This plan is available on our school website at https://hiddenriver.spps.org/about/title-i, and printed copies are available in the office.