Every time I have the opportunity at our Superintendent Parent Forums to connect with parents, share experiences and talk about how we can work together to ensure that Every Child Succeeds, I come away feeling inspired.
This year, each of the five forums addresses the major themes of our Family and Community Engagement Plan. Wednesday's event was the second forum of the year and focused on tools and resources to support families in being their children's first educator and advocate.
Jeannie Nelson, a parent leader for Schmitt Elementary, spoke about how volunteering at school helps her children know that schoolwork is a priority. "It is helpful that they just know that I talk to their teachers and I know what their homework is and when it is due. It teaches all the other siblings that Mommy is going to make you do your work so you might as well do it now."
Family support and involvement is vital to your child's academic success. That's why it is a critical component in accomplishing the goals set out in the Denver Plan 2020, our ambitious strategic plan.
The research is clear -- when parents and families get involved in their children's education, their academic performance improves. Reading a book or going over homework can make a huge difference for a child. In fact, just talking with your child -- in any language -- improves their language and literacy skills.
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Watch this DPS Features video about the importance of building strong family and school partnerships.
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From the diverse range of panelists, including teachers, parents and DPS staff, we heard that parents don't have to be perfect to make a difference for their kids. Parents don't have to fully understand the subjects their child is studying or even be able to spend time in the school to advocate for his or her best interests.
Danielle Harris, a former DPS teacher who now leads culturally responsive education for the district, shared invaluable advice for working parents. "Being a single, working mom, it can be challenging to get into the classroom," she said. "I think by sending emails, texting the teacher, letting them know that you are in Infinite Campus and Parent Portal, you get to know what assignments are missing. ... Because sometimes our kids aren't their own best advocates, communicating with teachers is critical."
Supporting and advocating for our children is among the most important work any of us can do as parents and guardians. For families at all income levels, our involvement means that kids will be more likely to have better grades, social skills and attendance, and makes kids more likely to graduate and go on to college.
I hope you'll join me for the next Superintendent Parent Forum on Wednesday, Dec. 13, which will focus on strengthening the voice of families and community in school and district decision making. For more information or to register to attend, visit face.dpsk12.org.
