PPS Expands Efforts to Drive Systemic Change in NC Public Schools

PPS has launched an initiative in North Carolina designed to drive systemic change in public schools. [Forward this message to a friend.]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]( [View in Browser]( [Logo](   PPS UPDATES August 2024 [Image] PPS Expands Efforts to Drive Systemic Change in North Carolina Public Schools   PPS has launched an initiative in North Carolina designed to drive systemic change in public schools. This effort, supported by a $140,000 [grant]( from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, aims to create a sustainable network of engaged parents focused on improving public education statewide. Under the guidance of Jarred Gibson, PPS Project Manager, parents and other public education stakeholders across the state will connect and create a unified voice for change. By participating in PPS’s Parent Engagement Program (PEP), these advocates will develop leadership plans that will enable them to grow as education leaders and create meaningful change in their communities. Most significantly, the North Carolina systemic change initiative will prepare parent leaders for key roles in education advocacy such as serving on school boards, leading community volunteer efforts, or engaging in local, state, and national advocacy. In addition, these parent leaders will also be able to identify barriers to academic success, recognize quality teaching opportunities, and address educational equity for all students, especially those who are most vulnerable. Subscribe to ParentPowered: A Free Resource for Families   Exciting news! PPS National has purchased ParentPowered’s text messaging system as another means to communicate with parents. This program—designed to assist with learning at home---provides activities to support academic and social-emotional growth from birth to high school. By signing up for ParentPowered, parents will receive three helpful text messages each week full of facts and tips on nurturing whole child development. ParentPowered’s curriculum is aligned with national learning standards and covers language, math, science, social skills, physical health, and safety. Best of all, this incredible resource is FREE for all families who sign up! To subscribe to ParentPowered, click[here](. Empowering Parents Through Engagement: PPS-Hawaii's Parent Engagement Program   PPS-Hawaii (PPS-HI) is offering a series of Parent Engagement Program (PEP) workshops which assist parents in becoming more active partners in their children’s education. Developed in collaboration with PPS National, these workshops are tailored to meet the specific needs of the local communities in Hawaii and provide valuable tools that help parents navigate the complexities of today’s educational landscape. PEP workshops will be offered at no cost to parents and schools. Sessions are typically 45-90 minutes and will be hosted both in-person and online. This school year PPS-HI will offer a variety of sessions. For additional details, visit [ppshi.org/pep/.]( PPS-Pitt County Focused on Engagement and Advocacy   As students return for the 2024-2025 school year, PPS-Pitt County is focused on the opportunities for community engagement and advocacy in support of public education. The start of a new school year presents a perfect time for families to connect with their child's teachers, get involved with parent-teacher organizations, and explore new ways to contribute to their school communities. Whether through setting up early conferences with teachers or initiating a parent group at a school, every form of engagement can significantly impact a child's educational experience. Additionally, advocacy plays a vital role alongside engagement. It involves being proactive in asking questions, voicing concerns, and ensuring that students receive the necessary support to succeed. Advocacy can be simple and personal, such as having a one-on-one conversation with a teacher about a child's specific needs. To learn more about the chapter’s work with engagement and advocacy, visit: [( PPS-San Francisco Addresses Opportunity Gaps and Chronic Absenteeism in Schools   PPS-San Francisco (PPS-SF) has been working tirelessly to address the evolving challenges faced by public schools and their communities. Through its partnership with Mission Promise Neighborhood (MPN), PPS-SF has actively engaged parents to support the well-being of public schools, ensuring that all students succeed, and initiatives like MPN play a crucial role in closing opportunity gaps for students by fostering collaboration between community partners and schools. PPS-SF's efforts to address opportunity gaps have shifted the focus towards understanding the root causes of chronic absenteeism. Through strategic equity enrollment, the organization has helped parents become more informed about the programs offered by San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) high schools, such as technical education programs, rather than solely concentrating on the enrollment process. This approach ensures that parents are aware of the available resources and how they can benefit their children. Read more about how PPS-SF is addressing opportunity gaps and chronic absenteeism [here](. By the Numbers   - 1977 - PPS has joined forces with Communities in Schools (CIS)! CIS is a national organization that ensures every student regardless of who they are, their ability, zip code, or socioeconomic background - has what they need to realize their potential in school and beyond. Communities in Schools has surrounded students with communities of support since 1977. This year, their goal is to be present in 333 new schools and expand their reach and support to nearly 200,000 students. Communities in Schools (CIS) is interested in PPS's Parent Engagement Program (PEP) and how it might enhance their work with families. PPS executive director, Joann Mickens, will introduce CIS leaders to PEP at the CIS Leadership Townhall in Dallas, TX, September 18-20. To learn more about Communities in Schools, click [here.]( Copyright © 2024 Parents for Public Schools, Inc. 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