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Obama on Parental Involvement
“In the end, there is no program or policy that can substitute for a parent -- responsibility for our children's education must begin at home. That is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue. That's an American issue."
 


Obama on Outsourcing Parenting
President Obama addressing the NAACP on its 100th anniversary, stressing the importance of parenting and responsibility. "That means putting away the X-Box."




Standardized Testing
The No Child Left Behind Act is up for renewal this year, so Katie Couric wonders whether standardized tests truly measure how kids do in school and life. (CBSNews.com)
 


Obama extends grants into 2011 with a $1.3 billion investment in the Race to the Top Fund & $500 million for the Investing In Innovation Fund. The third round - which still needs congressional approval - is worth $1.35 billion.



New Rule: Don't Blame Teachers When there are no books in the house, and there are no parents in the house, you know who raises the kids? That's right, the television. Kids aren't keeping up with their studies; they're keeping up with the Kardashians. We're allowing the television, as babysitter, to turn us into a nation of idiots.
 


Teach for America
The founder and president of Teach for America on Charlie Rose.
 


Teacher of the Year 2010 President Obama thanked and honored the 2010 National Teacher of the Year.
 


College Bound
A series of programs designed to aid parents in preparing their Middle School and High School children for college entry.



Fitness: Childhood Obesity!
First Lady Michelle Obama kicks off “Let’s Move”, a program designed to tackle childhood obesity by encouraging exercise and healthy eating.



Family Time During School
It can be difficult for parents to keep on top of what their children are doing, especially when those parents work at night. a Clovis Elementary school is trying to help those families by encouraging family time during the school day.



Intro to Special Education
Aimed at parents of students with disabilities, this video covers the special education process, including Evaluation, Referral, Creation of the Individualized Education Plan, Placement, and Annual Review.


Low Student Achievement
A national report found that an alarming number of high school seniors lack proficiency in reading and math. Katie Couric says we must do a better job of educating our kids. (CBSNews.com)
Proclamations
Arizona
Mesa Public Schools
Governing Board Proclamation
April 20-24 2009: National Public School Volunteer Week

Whereas, parent and community involvement is a significant factor in the quality of our schools and the success of our students; and

Whereas, we appreciate the dedicated volunteers who give their time and talent to help teachers, administrators and support staff in countless ways; and

Whereas, volunteers reflect the highest values of our democratic society by representing people of all ages and all walks of life; and

Whereas, volunteers reap the rich rewards that come from helping others;
Now, therefore, we do hereby proclaim April 20-24 as Public School Volunteer Week.

We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating the vital work of our volunteers.

We invite others to join our volunteer team in support of our students and staff.



 Oregon
School Board Association

April 19 - 25, 2009, is National Volunteer Week and is often selected for observing Public School Volunteer Week in Oregon. This - or any other - is a fine time to recognize the many contributions of volunteers in our schools. OSBA members can receive information like this plus more ideas and materials to improve your communications with the public through a subscription to PR in Action.

WHEREAS public school volunteers contribute unselfishly to the success of Oregon’s students, teaching and support staff and the goals of American public education;

WHEREAS school volunteers ensure that every student gets help and encouragement according to need;

WHEREAS school volunteers support students and teachers inside and beyond the classroom in myriad ways regardless of the hour and without monetary gain;

WHEREAS school volunteers act dependably, creatively and collaboratively to accomplish whatever tasks they are assigned or commit themselves to;

WHEREAS school volunteers stretch school-district resources to ensure that all students achieve a complete and well-rounded education;

WHEREAS, school volunteer exhibit care, model the best in citizenship and create a climate that fosters learning and a love of education;

(I/we) declare (my/our) everlasting appreciation to public-school volunteers of the (school district name) who, regardless of situation, age, race, or creed, step forward to help, thus widening horizons for others as well as themselves.

THEREFORE, (I/we) proclaim April _____ to _____ School Volunteer Recognition Week and urge all citizens to join us in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local volunteers in preparing today's students for tomorrow's world.
imageVirginia
Carroll County
Public Schools
Proclamation


Public School Volunteer Week

Whereas, Parent and community involvement is a significant factor in the success of schools; and

Whereas, During the past decade, school systems throughout the country have accepted the services of dedicated volunteers to assist professional educators, and these volunteers have offered their time, encouragement, and meaningful contact with students; and

Whereas, By becoming a volunteer, parents and community members are providing an invaluable contribution to the education of our students; and

Whereas, Volunteers are called upon to assist teachers and staff with the day-to-day activities involved in providing a balanced education for our students and are an important part of a team that strives to ensure that each and every one of our students succeeds; and

Whereas, During the school year, approximately 12,000 volunteers are spending 180,000 hours serving Carroll County Public Schools as chaperones, mentors, after-school tutors, club leaders, booster club members, PTA/PTO members, guest speakers, classroom helpers, and in countless other ways;

Be It Therefore Resolved, That the Board of Education of Carroll County does hereby proclaim

Public School Volunteer Week in Carroll County Public Schools and sincerely appreciates our dedicated volunteers for sharing their time and talents with the children in our community.

imageColorado
Board of Education passes resolution authorizing National Parental Involvement Day

At the regular meeting of the Adams 14 Board of Education, Board President Jeannette Lewis read the following resolution into the record.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
ADAMS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT 14

NATIONAL PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT DAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2008

A RESOLUTION CALLING FOR RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT DAY IN ADAMS 14; AND PROVIDING A CALL TO ACTION FOR PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN ADAMS 14 SCHOOLS.

WHEREAS,  The Adams 14 Board of Education recognizes that the future depends on today’s youth who will become tomorrow’s leaders and that a sound education is key to producing the next generation of successful, productive and conscientious citizens; and

WHEREAS,  The Adams 14 Board of Education supports collaborative efforts that promote the academic achievement of children and encourages strong parental involvement through active and meaningful participation in their children’s education, along with an established channel of communication between home and school; and

WHEREAS,  Research indicates there is a direct correlation between high student achievement and the high expectations and positive contributions of a child’s parents/caregivers; and

WHEREAS,  Family involvement in a child’s learning is critical to their success in all stages of their educational careers, and a decisive factor in attaining a good job; and

WHEREAS,  Creating an environment where learning takes place not just in a classroom – but becomes a central part of family life – requires that parents/caregivers play a more active role in their children’s education; and

WHEREAS,  The importance of the role that parents/caregivers have in creating a successful preschool through college education system for each Adams 14 child cannot be overstated; and

WHEREAS,  Adams 14’s school-based parent groups and parent involvement liaison are available to assist families with ideas and resources so that parents/caregivers may engage more fully in their children’s education and develop stronger connections with schools and communities; and

WHEREAS,  It is fitting to support the goals of this observance, as when parents/caregivers, schools and communities work together, our children are more likely to succeed in school and the workplace and, subsequently, in all other aspects of their lives;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:  that the Board of Education of Adams County School District 14, Adams County, State of Colorado, does hereby proclaim Thursday, November 20, 2008, as National Parental Involvement Day in Adams 14.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 11th day of November 2008.
RESOLUTION NUMBER 08-014


imageDes Plaines, Illionois Mayor Tony Arredia  signed a proclamation declaring the third week in April as National Public School Volunteer Week in Des Plaines. Several school volunteers visited the Mayor's Office along with officials from Des Plaines Elementary School District #62.

Pictured left: Interim Superintendent and Cumberland School Principal Christine Schumacher; Volunteer Nancy O'Toole; Board Vice President Brenda Murphy; Volunteer Norine Murphy and Volunteer John Nowak pose for a photograph with Mayor Tony Arredia (seated)