PPS Takes Center Stage at Communities in Schools Leadership Town Hall

We are thrilled to share that PPS co-hosted an exciting breakout session at the Communities in Schools Leadership Town Hall in Dallas, TX, on September 18-20, 2024 [Forward this message to a friend.]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]( [View in Browser]( [Logo](   PPS UPDATES September 2024 [Image] Action Required: Public Schools Must Be Safe Places to Learn   According to a 2024 [article]( by CNN, the U.S. has witnessed at least 50 school shootings, with 37 occurring on K-12 school grounds. Sadly, these tragic incidents have claimed the lives of 24 people, injured 60 others, and left countless others with scars from the aftermath of these events. Although the initial months of the pandemic saw a significant decline in school gun violence, the years following it have shown significant increase. In fact, 2023 documented over 80 school shootings, and 2022 became one of the deadliest years on record, with nearly 50 casualties. As we enter the final quarter of 2024, the pressing questions remain: When will these senseless tragedies end, and what are we willing to do to ensure that no more lives are lost? The escalation of gun violence in our schools cannot continue to be met with inaction. We are in an era where bold decisions must be made to safeguard our children and their teachers. No longer can we afford to be complacent. The time to act is now because our schools must be safe places to learn! Learn more about school safety in our [blog.]( PPS Takes Center Stage at Communities in Schools Leadership Town Hall   We are thrilled to share that PPS co-hosted an exciting breakout session at the Communities in Schools Leadership Town Hall in Dallas, TX, on September 18-20, 2024. Our Executive Director, Joann Mickens, alongside Aisha Walters, Senior Director of Equity and Inclusion Programs for CIS National, led a thought-provoking session, “Cultivate Empowerment & Inclusion: Family Involvement vs. Family Engagement for Change and Advocacy.” This dynamic and interactive session enlightened participants on the difference between family involvement and true family engagement—and how engagement can drive systemic change in education. Additionally, this important session highlighted our PEP-Parent Leadership curriculum and the vital role families play in shaping student success. PPS-PC Launches Community Leaders School Tour Series   PPS-PC kicked off its annual Community Leader School Tour Series, in partnership with Pitt County Schools and proudly sponsored by Meridian Park! This fall, PPS-PC and its partners are opening the doors to five incredible schools, giving community leaders the opportunity to learn firsthand about the amazing programs and initiatives happening in Pitt County Schools. Whether an elected official, faith leader, realtor, or medical professional, these tours will help participants stay informed and ready to engage with families about local public schools in Pitt County. From the Sadie Saulter Pre-K Center to Bethel School (K-8), Ayden-Grifton High, Belvoir Elementary, and A.G. Cox Middle, each stop on the tour will showcase unique strengths such as dual language immersion, STEM electives, and community-driven atmospheres. To become a part of shaping the future of education in Pitt County, contact Joshua Breazeale, jbreazeale@ppspittcounty.org to learn more about the Community Leaders School Tours. PPS-Greenwood and Leflore County Chapter Leader Earns Certification in Foundations of FamilynEngagement   Longtime PPS of Greenwood and Leflore County chapter leader, Lula Moore, has successfully completed the Foundations of Family Engagement certification course hosted by Ohio State University! This graduate-level seminar spanned several weeks of independent study, journal writing, and rigorous assessments and was followed by interactive workshops designed to deepen participants' understanding of effective family engagement strategies. The course covered essential topics such as the importance of family engagement, trust-building, power dynamics, and how to redesign family engagement practices to better reach all families. Lula shared that the course was "extremely engaging" and revealed new insights into educational approaches, including updates to Bloom’s Taxonomy. Lula believes that the completion of this seminar will enhance the chapter's ability to foster more inclusive and innovative strategies for family engagement, further strengthening the support they provide to students and families. Congratulations on this achievement, Lula! We look forward to seeing these new skills in action within the PPSGLC community! By the Numbers   - 50% - “As of mid-2023, just over half the United States population lives in a state with an Extreme Risk (Red Flag) law.” These laws are a proven way to intervene before an incident of gun violence—such as a mass shooting—occurs. Learn more [here](. Copyright © 2024 Parents for Public Schools, Inc. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [Powered by thedatabank, gbc.](