CSI is a parent participation program based on the assumption that parents have the right and the responsibility to be actively involved in their children’s education. This parental volunteering is also modeling in good citizenship for our CSI students. Parents participate in a variety of ways, such as teaching “Parent-driven Explorations,” assisting in the class, Field Investigations, planning and chaperoning Field School, and Fundraising. Parent meetings occur as needed, during which teachers share information about relevant classroom activities and plan upcoming events.
Parents are encouraged to participate in Marshall all-school activities, such as the Marshall Community Council (MCC), the student store, theater productions, and activity nights.
CSI Parent Resource Association
The CSI Parent Resource Association is our parent booster organization. We are a non-profit 501(c)3. All parents and guardians of CSI students are members.
Parent-driven Explorations
Parent-driven Explorations introduce students to new learning experiences and are an important part of CSI. Parents and community members lead these enrichment courses, which are scheduled on selected Fridays. They run nearly two hours and may be designed around themes that complement the regular curriculum, such as: handicrafts, cooking, sports, languages, community involvement, the arts, and exploration of Olympia’s natural environment. These explorations give parents the opportunity to share their passions and expertise with students in small groups.
Field Investigations & Field School
CSI's field trips, or Field Investigations, take place around the Marshall Middle School campus, and go all the way to Tacoma and the Olympic Peninsula - places we can get to and return from within a school day. Field School is a longer, overnight trip, taking us a bit farther afield to places like Orcas Island, Northern Oregon, CISPUS, and regional places that have great outdoor science learning opportunities. Parents can support these field activities as chaperones. Sometimes we need parents to drive as well, but most of the time, we travel by school bus or transit. Parent chaperones have the opportunity to get acquainted with other CSI students and parents, and to get first-hand experience in what their own child is learning in the program.
Fundraising
Fundraising is needed to support the CSI budget. The funds are used for Field Investigations, Exploration supplies, field school speakers, etc. Fundraising efforts vary from year to year, and include activities such as film screenings at the Capitol Theater, chocolate and coffee sales, and bake sales.
For more information, you can email us at [email protected]