New DCPS Parent Academy will launch this month!
8/9/2013
Duval County Public Schools took an important step toward its strategic goal of engaging parents, caregivers and the community Thursday as it previewed the launch of the Parent Academy that will be opening this school year.
All parents care about their children's education, but many need tools, resources and networks to plug in, Superintendent Nikolai Vitti told community planning committee members and donors at a preview event on August 8.
The Jacksonville Public Education Fund has helped facilitate private investment for the first three years of the Parent Academy, including support from The Michael and Kim Ward Foundation, the Delores Barr Weaver Fund and JP Morgan Chase. The $300,000 private investments secured for the Parent Academy will be matched by $200,000 in district funds.
The mission of the Parent Academy is to promote parental involvement and enhance student achievement. Parent Academy classes will be offered throughout Duval county in schools, libraries, community centers, government offices and faith-based institutions. The overall goals of the academy are to strengthen parents' networks, help parents navigate through their child's education from birth to graduation and create a positive impact on student achievement.
The Parent Academy's main curriculum strands center around:
• Student Achievement
• Parent and Advocacy
• Personal and Individual Growth
Ultimately, the academy will have many benefits, the district believes. Family involvement leads to better attendance and homework completion for students, and academic advocacy among parents improves graduation rates and helps student succeed at a higher academic level.
To register or learn more about the Parent Academy workshops, please contact the DCPS Community and Family Engagement at (904) 390-2960 or email cfeinfo@duvalschools.org
Parents can also register online at www.duvalschools.org.
-- Ale'ta Turner