Home and School Connections
The Islamic education of a child begins at home with the parents from the moment the child is born. It is very beneficial for the child if parents are actively involved in the Islamic education process with the School. Children learn by example. The parents and guardians should model a positive attitude about being a Muslim. It is in this way that all members of the Muslim community can demonstrate that they value Islamic education.
The learning environment of the child is enhanced by communication between the parents or guardians and the School. Parents are expected to attend all parent-teacher conferences. It is essential for you as parents to help your child prepare for School. Insist that your child has a good night’s rest and nutritious breakfast. In addition to a clean body, make sure your child has clean school uniform, supplies, books and homework. Please do not allow your child to bring toys of any kind to School without the teachers’ permission. Students should also avoid bringing excessive amounts of money or other valuables to School. Over $5.00 is considered excessive. Monies for trips, tape recorders (for projects) and etc., should be turned in to the appropriate teacher for safekeeping. Please make tuition payments directly to the office. ISC-M distributes its own newsletter quarterly. Please look for this as it holds very informative information about the School for the whole quarter.
Getting Involved
Islamic School of Columbia-Missouri (ISC-M) invites all parents and community members to take an active part in the Islamic education process. There are two major ways that this can be done:
First, by participating in the PTCA (Parent-Teachers-Community Association). This is a school-parent dialogue group that exchanges learning ideas regarding Islamic education and parenting in North America. The PTCA was formed as a task force group designed to implement programs such as fundraising projects, upgrading ISC-M facilities, assisting with enrichment activities, and providing assistance to staff during special events. This group is open to all and encourages active participation. Meetings are scheduled in the ISC-M Calendars. However, PTCA activities are ongoing throughout the month.
Secondly, parents are always welcome to volunteer help during special event activities, such as field trips, Arabic night, science, social study, technology and math fairs, Qur'an competitions, extra curricular and other educational activities, etc. Homeroom helpers are always welcome. Please let the school know if you would like to participate in any of these ways.
School Visitors
Parents are welcome to visit and participate in school programs. However, parents are requested to make arrangements at least one day in advance to allow the staff to accommodate your request. Visiting parents may not bring other children or adults unless prior permission has been given or the person(s) accompanying the parent is a prospective enrollee. Likewise, parents may not send other non-enrolled children to spend the day or part of the day with their enrolled child without the principal’s advanced authorization.
To help teach our children the value of the Islamic dress; all parents are also required to observe Islamic dress standards and behavior at ISC-M. All visitors must sign in with the School’s Administrative Assistant.
ISC-M Principal has an open door policy. This means the parents may come to see him or call to talk to him anytime during working hours, if he is not with staff, students or other parents. However, for the sake of courtesy and to make sure not to waste the parents’ time, parents should call for appointments. If a concern or problem is not satisfactorily resolved at the initial conference, the School Education Board may be contacted for assistance.