New for the 2024-2025 school year, Derby Public Schools introduced a “Partner Practice” program, designed to foster meaningful family engagement in our students' academic progress. This initiative reinforces skill development by encouraging collaboration between home and school, because we believe that family involvement is key to enhancing academic outcomes.

Why Partner Practice?

• Families Are Key: Your investment in your child's education is invaluable.
• Better Outcomes Together: Family participation is essential for increasing academic success.

Research shows that even 15 minutes of focused reading each night can significantly improve vocabulary and reading levels. The same applies to math fluency and other areas where after-school support can make a big difference.

Elementary Level:
Elementary students will receive reading and math worksheets for practice, Monday through Thursday when school is in session. Completed Partner Practice assignments will be turned in every Friday. More details about this process will be shared soon.

New Adjustments for Middle School:
For middle school, the first nine weeks of feedback led to some enhancements in the Partner Practice program. Originally, students were asked to complete 60 minutes of IXL Math and 60 minutes of IXL Reading Practice per week. Now, students will have more flexibility and engagement opportunities through a choice board of activities. Each Monday, middle school students will receive a choice board handout, with assignments due by the following Monday, accompanied by a parent/guardian's signature.

New Starting the Second 9-Weeks:

Choice Board Activities: Instead of just focusing on IXL, students will receive a weekly choice board (one for Math and one for English) with various activities, such as:

• Completing IXL practice if they choose to
• Reviewing a lesson with a parent/guardian
• Reading a book of their choice

These activities are designed to encourage parent-child interaction and reflect classroom learning, with conversation starters that fit your family’s evening schedule. If your child is enrolled in the Brainfuse High Dose Tutoring program, their tutoring time will count towards their Partner Practice.

The Partner Practice Homework Program Aims to:

• Strengthen academic achievement
• Enhance family involvement in learning
• Create a collaborative partnership focused on student success

Thank you for your continued support and feedback as we work together to make a difference in your child’s education. Partner Practice provides a wonderful opportunity for families to engage with their children’s learning while reinforcing the key concepts being taught in the classroom.