Parental, as well as student involvement in school initiatives is considered an essential phase of the governance process.  The BMI Charter School has an “open door” policy and the administration is attentive to parental needs and concerns.  Parents play a vital role in decision-making in several ways. Three parents are member of the Shared Decision-Making Committee.  This Committee is valuable input to the Board of Trustees on key school policy matters such as the budget, curriculum, developing business partner relationships and community involvement.  One alumni parent is a member of the WEEA board.  Parents are also able to attend regular open meetings of the BMI Board of Trustee.  In addition, parents participate in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), a national organization designed to forge an alliance with teachers and parents, that will be used as a vehicle to provide parents and teacher with an opportunity to independently articulate their needs and recommendations on various issues in a formal setting.  The PTA also is exclusively responsible for sponsoring several important school events throughout the school year.    The BMI Charter School has numerous activities to link parents, pupils and school personnel, business partners, and the community including:   ·        Monthly PTA Meetings ·        Parent Volunteer Program ·        Leadership organization to work with community churches, agencies, and businesses ·        Fall Harvest Festival ·        Dad’s Day ·        Business Partners Involvement Days ·        Career Day ·        Project/ Portfolio Presentation ·        Community Health Fair ·        Thanksgiving Luncheon ·        Room Parents for each Classroom ·        Get Acquainted Day ·        Grandparents’ Day   Families are expected to contribute to BMI’s basic operation, in the classroom- both as aides and as instructional leaders (e.g. seminar program)- and by working with their own children, supporting the successful completion of their individualized learning plans.  Our current policy states that each family is expected to contribute at least twenty volunteer hours per school year for one child, or at least 30 hours per year for two or more children.  At least 5 of those hours must be spent working directly with students, in the classroom, on field trips or during special evening or weekend events.  Parents must also attend a minimum of four school-wide meetings each year.