CBSE Releases Parenting Calendar 2025-26: How can it be made to deliver at school level

CORE GROUP FOR COORDINATION AND FEEDBACK BASED IMPROVEMENT

The CBSE has provided the guidelines and a calendar for activities to strengthen the parents-school relationships for 'fostering holistic student well being'. The calendar claims that guidelines are 'in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020'

The CBSE clarifies that calender and guidelines is not prescriptive and can be adapted and made flexible for 'student development by engaging parents meaningfully in their child's educational journey.'

The affiliated schools have been asked to integrate the parenting calendar into their annual academic calendar and implement the recommended activities effectively. to provide structured engagement opportunities, including: Strengthening parent-school teamwork; Integrated classroom strategies for parental involvement; Parent-child bonding activities and workshops; and Fostering creativity, trust, and family connections.

"To further enhance this initiative, we (the CBSE) encourage schools to share their feedback, experiences, and best practices in implementing the Parenting Calendar. Please send your insights and any innovative approaches adopted to cbse.counseling@gmail.com. Your contributions will help refine and improve

this initiative for the benefit of all stakeholders," adds the circulars fot urging the stakeholders an active participation and commitment to fostering a learner supportive learning environment by ensuring age-appropriate activities that foster creativity, curiosity, and emotional strength.

An AI Overview on school-parent relationship informs, "A strong school-parent relationship is vital for a child's success, fostering open communication, increased parental involvement, and ultimately, improved student outcomes." It adds, "When parents are actively involved in their child's education, they gain a better

For building a strong school-parent relationship, the following guidelines have been suggested.

• Open and Regular Communication: Establish clear communication channels (e.g., email, phone, school website). Share both positive and negative information with parents.

• Respond promptly to parent inquiries.

• Positive Interactions:Start with positive communication by sharing good news about students. Celebrate student achievements. Be approachable and respectful in interactions with parents.

• Parent Involvement: Encourage parents to attend school events and meetings. Invite parents to volunteer in the classroom or at school events. Provide opportunities for parents to learn about the school curriculum and teaching methods.

• Respectful Relationships: Recognize that parents are their child's first educators and have valuable insights into their child's needs and strengths.

• Respect each other's roles and expertise. Work collaboratively to address any challenges or concerns.

• Set Realistic Expectations: Establish clear expectations for both parents and teachers. Ensure that both parties understand what is expected of them.

  
  

As CASTME-India Adviser I suggest the School Management Committee (SMC) must set up a 4-member core group (2 parents, a teacher, and VP) to prepare an adapted calendar that is contextual and get it vetted by the Chairman of VMC through the Principal and share it with the first meeting of the PTA and submit the feedback report to the principle and in turn at the quarterly meeting of the SMC.

It is cautioned that any initiative if not systemised with a common understanding, it soon become a futile and hood-winking checklist of activities of no consequences

Only a locally planned and shared school-parent relationship calender can lead to fostering meaningful communication and parental involvement for improved student outcomes and well-being, I feel