In June 2011, a survey was distributed to all Granada parents to solicit their feedback about the school. One hundred and three (103) responses were collected; the majority of which (76%) were parents of students in grades K-4. Twenty-seven percent (27%) of these parents had students enrolled at GIS for 2-3 years, 1 year (26%), more than 7 years (18%), 4-5 years (17%) and 6-7 years (11%).

Communication

School Communication

• Preferred mode of communication: electronic (58%), meeting (34%), and mailing (9%)
• Highly Effective: email distribution list, monthly newsletter and parent-teacher conferences
• Effective: School website, Parent Orientation, and Back-to School night

The majority of parents (87%) indicated that issuing the school newsletter on a monthly basis is sufficient. The following sections were rated as very important: Principal message, Department updates, Events update, student writing, and the inserts. Field trip reports and PTSO letters were rates as somewhat important.

Teacher Communication

61% receive weekly communication

18% receive monthly or once-a-trimester communication

• 82% email messages
• 51% folders/ class letters
• 21% room mother
• 26% Schoolnotes.com

Majority of parents agree that

• I feel informed about school events (80%)
• I feel informed about school news (73%)
• I feel informed about my child’s academic progress (72%)
• Communication from school is professional (71%)
• I feel informed about extra-curricular activities (66%)
• Communication from school is frequent (65%)
• Communication from school is adequate (63%)
•  I feel informed about my child’s social development (50%)

Program Evaluation

Quran Pilot Program (grades 4, 5 and 8)

Forty-five (45) parents rated their children’s Quran level. The majority agrees/strongly agrees with noticeable improvement in:

• Understanding – 64%
• Memorization – 57%
• Reading level – 56%
• Considerable difference – 61%

New Technology Equipment

Parents rated their children in terms of technology. The majority agrees or strongly agrees that:

• Child was more interested (76%)
• Technology skills improved (74%)
• Child was more aware (69%)

Social Skills

Seventy-eight (78%) of parents indicated the school should have a high priority on the teaching of social skills.

Parents indicated that the school promotes student learning and practice of the following social skills to some (or great) extent:

• Showing respect for others (77%)
• Showing respect for themselves (76%)
• Working successfully in groups as participants (75%)
• Showing appreciation for differences (64%)
• Working successfully in groups as leaders (61%)
• Effective listening (59%)
• Verbal communication skills (58%)

Co-Curricular Activities

Parents value all events offered to students and agree that they are very beneficial to the learning of the students:

• Hajj program (78%), Sports Day (74%), Science Fair (72%),   Reading Day (70%), Eid Celebration (71%)
• Earth Day (69%), Math Festival (67%), English Spelling bee (66%), Book Fair (65%), International Day (64%), Arabic Spelling Bee (61%)
• Art Fair (52%) Heritage Day (49%), Quran Competition (47%), Talent Show (38%)

After School Activities

• 48% of children participate
• 57% agree that activities are sufficient

• Main reason for enrolling students is to “build my child’s individual interests.”
• Main reasons for not enrolling students

• 38% lack of time
• 31% activities not appropriate
• 28% not interested

Lunch Program

The majority of parents rated the School Caterers lunch program as excellent or good as follows:

• Online ordering (82%), Variety (77%)
• Quantity (69%), overall satisfaction (67%), quality (67%), and price (60%)

Extended Care

• 52% believe program is sufficient
• 73% never use program

Safety Measures

• Excellent:  Morning drop-off, Dismissal procedure
• Good: Classroom supervision, recess supervision, overall student supervision, first aid/ medical and building security

Level of Satisfaction

Parents agreed or strongly agreed that:

• They are satisfied with Islamic education (80%)
• The teachers are responsive to their needs/ concerns (76%)
• They would recommend Granada (74%)
• They feel assured of their child’s safety (74%)
• The administration is responsive to their concerns (72%)
• They are satisfied with Arabic education (72%)
• The staff reflects Muslim values (71%)
• They are satisfied with academic education (61%)
• They are satisfied with PTSO (61%)