Discover the Exciting Return of Philly’s Parent and Family University: Empowering Families for Success!

Philadelphia school leaders are taking steps to strengthen connections between families and the school district. They’re relaunching the Parent and Family University program. This initiative aims to educate and support parents, ultimately improving student outcomes.

Starting on October 14, the program will kick off in eight schools. It provides online classes, health information, and tools to aid children’s learning. In-person sessions will include free babysitting, meals, and extra resources. Superintendent Tony Watlington emphasized that this effort is about more than just offering information; it’s about building trust with parents and families.

A significant focus of the program is to enhance student attendance and engagement. According to Watlington, “This is not just parent involvement; this is an equal partnership.” This approach aims to empower families so they can help their children thrive in school.

One new addition to the program is adult education. Parents will have access to classes on financial management, connecting with community services, and even voting information. Partnerships with organizations like Scholastic provide additional resources and support.

The Parent and Family University isn’t new; it first started in 2009. Initially, it engaged over 12,000 parents with in-person classes. Unfortunately, the program dwindled in later years. When Watlington took charge as superintendent in 2022, he promised to revitalize this initiative as part of a broader strategy to connect with families better.

To understand parents’ needs, the district conducted a survey earlier this year. Results showed interest in school-related topics, mental health, and digital literacy. Interestingly, most parents preferred virtual sessions over in-person ones. However, the survey’s demographic representation didn’t match the school district’s overall diversity.

For instance, many respondents were white and from higher-income brackets, which doesn’t reflect the majority of students who are people of color. Michelle Gainer, a parent at Eleanor C. Emlen Elementary, expressed hope that more resources would help families with vital issues like housing and mental health.

Other parents echoed similar sentiments. Doretha Crooks, whose son recently transitioned back to traditional school, mentioned that understanding new technology and educational methods is crucial. She believes that parents need to be continuously informed to support their children’s changing educational landscape.

The renewed focus on parental education comes at a pivotal time when fostering strong school-family connections is essential. With initiatives like the Parent and Family University, the Philadelphia school district is aiming to bridge gaps and enhance educational experiences for students and families alike.

For more insights on parent engagement strategies, you can check the National Parent Teacher Association for useful resources.

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