GOALS:

Family & Community Engagement in Our Magnet Academies

At St. Martin Parish Magnet Academies, we believe strong family-school partnerships enhance student success. By working together, families, educators, and community stakeholders create an environment that supports both academic achievement and social-emotional growth.

Working Together for Student Success

Families and school staff are valued partners in education, bringing unique strengths to the table. We are committed to fostering meaningful collaboration through ongoing engagement opportunities, two-way communication, and shared decision-making that reflects the needs of our students and families.

The PERFECT Center for Family Engagement

The PERFECT (Parents and/or Guardians Engaged Responsibly for Education and Collaborative Teamwork) Center serves as the hub for family-school partnerships within our Magnet Academies. Through workshops, action plans, and engagement initiatives, the center ensures families have a voice in shaping school policies and activities.

Family Engagement Activities & Events

• Family STEAM Nights (held twice a year) allow families to experience hands-on STEAM activities led by students. These events also provide information on advisory committees, afterschool programs, and summer opportunities.
• Surveys & Feedback – We actively seek family input to improve our programs. Parent satisfaction surveys, recruitment feedback, and ongoing evaluations help shape the future of our magnet schools.
• Advisory Committees – Families can participate in school and district advisory groups to help guide program implementation and ensure alignment with academic and instructional goals.

Transparency & Continuous Improvement

The District conducts ongoing audits to ensure magnet school applications and enrollment processes support desegregation goals. Enrollment data, including racial demographics of applicants and acceptances, will be available on the Magnet Academies website. Additionally, feedback from families will be reviewed annually, with steps for improvement publicly shared.

We invite all parents, guardians, and community members to take an active role in shaping the future of our Magnet Academies. Together, we create an inclusive and innovative learning experience for all students!

Please note that some information provided on this page regarding the St. Martin Parish Magnet Academies’ two STEAM magnet schools may slightly change due to ongoing court proceedings. All updates and program details are contingent upon final court approval. The website will be periodically updated to reflect any changes. The St. Martin Parish School System appreciates your understanding and patience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the STEAM magnet schools and program offerings, please email magnet@saintmartinschools.org.

Open Houses and Information Sessions

Beginning in January each year, the Magnet Academies staff will be available at the district's M-to-M transfer information sessions to provide important magnet school information for interested families of M-to-M eligible students. Beginning February each year and throughout the year, the District will provide at several open house events at the magnet schools and other K-12 schools in the parish to better introduce programs and schools in an informal setting. This will allow prospective students and families to interact with current students and parents to learn first-hand the impact and opportunities available through the Magnet Program. Efforts will be made to conduct tours in small groups during the day to allow for ongoing conversations regarding the magnet program with educators and students from the schools serving as guides. Additional virtual information sessions will begin in November each year to provide parents and/or guardians alternative options to obtain information and ask staff questions related to the magnet schools.

Field Trips for Magnet Schools Exploration

As part of our recruitment and marketing efforts for the two STEAM Magnet Schools, we’re offering exciting field trips for students from M-to-M-eligible schools. During these school-day visits, students will have the chance to experience a variety of activities, including performances, hands-on STEAM projects, guided tours of our innovative classrooms, and much more. These visits allow students to see firsthand what life is like for students enrolled in our magnet programs. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, we’ll also provide field trip opportunities for transfer-eligible students, giving them a unique chance to engage with the dynamic and creative environment of our magnet schools. These field trips are designed to inspire curiosity, build excitement, and help families make informed decisions about their child’s educational future.