Clayton schools launch 'Passport to Success' and expand volunteer 'Village on Patrol'

Shakira Rice, director of engagement for Clayton County Public Schools, told the school board the district is rolling out a set of engagement frameworks meant to standardize student, family, employee and community outreach.

Rice described Passport to Success, a stamp-based program that rewards families for participating in school and district events; local businesses will offer incentives — from free family meals to haircuts — once families complete a set of engagement activities. She also highlighted a ‘‘You’ve Been Noticed’’ recognition program that gives two students per month a $100 gift card selected by principals.

Rice emphasized volunteer partnerships, including Village on Patrol, a grandparent volunteer corps who support school arrival routines and reading programs. ‘‘When you see those shirts, thank you,’’ she said, acknowledging volunteers at the meeting.

She also said the district will pilot four first-generation college trips this year that allow one parent to attend with a student; the first trip is set for Nov. 14 to Payne College with capacity for 100 students and 100 parents. Rice said the district is standing up a districtwide student-government association to strengthen student voice.

The board pressed for metrics showing impact on student outcomes. Rice said staff collected about 1,300 parent surveys at a recent event and that the engagement team is working with technology to correlate Infinite Campus access and missing-assignment rates. Board members requested dashboard metrics to inform budget decisions.

The district plans to publicize Passport to Success and other initiatives on its social channels and to share detailed frameworks with principals and the board.