PPS Updates May 2024: PPS Attends its First UPLAN Gathering

The purpose of the event was “to build and strengthen relationships, learn from each other about parent-led work happening across the country, engage federal policymakers in discussing issues that matter to parents, and elect the UPLAN core members’ tea [Forward this message to a friend.]( [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]( [View in Browser]( [Logo](   PPS UPDATES May 2024 [Image] Creating Stronger Communities: The Power of Community Schools   Community schools offer a variety of additional options when compared to traditional public schools. One key component of community schools is their focus on partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and government agencies. By collaborating with these outside agencies, community schools provide a wide range of services such as after-school programs, healthcare services, adult education classes, mental health counseling, and family engagement initiatives. Learn more about the community school model in our latest blog. Additionally, PPS will be hosting a webinar entitled, “Community Schools: A Strategy for Student and Family Success” in June! Be on the lookout for registration details via email and our social media platforms. [READ MORE]( PPS Attends its First UPLAN Gathering   Parent leaders from Mississippi and San Francisco, the Hawaii chapter presidents, and Director of Programs and Training, Martha Montufar, were all hard at work during the 2024 [United Parent Leaders Action Network]( (UPLAN) Gathering in Washington, D.C.! This national gathering, held May 15-17, brought together parents and staff from UPLAN member organizations from across the country. The purpose of this event was “to build and strengthen relationships, learn from each other about parent-led work happening across the country, engage federal policymakers in discussing issues that matter to parents, and elect the UPLAN core members’ team.” During the event, our PPS delegation was able to spend time with their elected officials. PPS Presents at NAFSCE Conference   PPS was invited to participate in the 2024 National Community Schools and Family Engagement (NAFSCE) Conference hosted by the Institute of Educational Leadership (IEL). Working in conjunction with parents, youth, and education leaders from NPLI, we kicked off this year’s learning with a pre-conference deep-dive session entitled, “Teacher Diversity: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care!” During the session, Executive Director, Joann Mickens, provided insight on Culturally Responsive Teaching. Participants also delved into the heart of education, exploring the significance of diverse teaching staff and discovered compelling reasons why teacher diversity is a key factor in shaping a well-rounded, equitable, and truly inclusive educational experience. Join Us in Celebrating 25 Years of PPS-San Francisco!   We are excited to announce the 25th Anniversary Celebration of PPS of San Francisco! For more than two decades, PPS-San Francisco has been an integral part of the San Francisco community and has spent countless hours providing essential education advocacy, fostering community engagement, and offering workshops to the unique and diverse families in their city. Their daily efforts equip parents with the skills necessary to effectively support their children’s education and engage with schools and community leaders. To mark this special occasion, the chapter is launching its 25th Anniversary campaign to raise the funds needed to continue their vital work. We invite you to be part of this milestone celebration! Your support will make a huge difference! Click [here]( to give today. By the Numbers   - 70: Recently, the Brown vs. Board of Education Supreme Court decision turned 70. Check out this article, “[70 Years After Brown: A Reflection on Democracy and Education.]( It contains details of a personal account concerning the desegregation of a public school in Florida as well as the need to have “honest and courageous conversations about how the promise of the Brown decision can become a reality” today. - 31: The Biden-Harris Administration has made investments to address chronic absenteeism in schools, which became a significant issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. rate of chronic absenteeism reached about 31% in the 2021-2022 school year; however, this rate has shown improvement during the 2022-2023 school year, with some schools making progress using proven strategies. Click this [link]( view thesummit. Copyright © 2024 Parents for Public Schools, Inc. [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [Web Site]( [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [Powered by thedatabank, gbc.](