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2011 highlights
Public School Volunteer
   Week  tm


The Nation Celebrates!

(Pictured above) Maria Jimenez, a Messa Public School Volunteer of the Month, is honored by Michelle Udall, school board member in Mesa, Arizona.

In Maryland 14,000 School Volunteers Honored
Carroll County, Maryland - This week, Carroll County Public Schools will offer a nod of acknowledgment to a portion of the system whose efforts may remain under the radar.  However, the system’s 14,000 registered volunteers will not go unnoticed from April 17-23, Public School Volunteer Week. The honorary week, which recognized annually nationally, is devoted to granting due recognition to registered volunteers in Carroll. Schools throughout the county can choose to recognize their individual registered volunteers in different ways throughout the year, Volunteer Coordinator Jane Farver said.

Texas Couple Helping at Miller High School Exemplify Power of Volunteers  
Nationally, volunteers are being recognized this week for National Volunteer Week and Public School Volunteer Week. The Chapas show that volunteering no longer is just about bake sales, book fairs and …Corpus Christi Caller · 4/14/2011

Manuel Chapa and his wife, Deborah, volunteer their time to help out students in the Miller High School band program. He teaches a 14-student percussion class at the school every day.

Manuel Chapa and his wife, Deborah, volunteer their time to help out students in the Miller High School band program. He teaches a 14-student percussion class at the school every day.

Deborah and Manuel Chapa volunteer at Miller High School in the music department. They are among about 5,000 volunteers who help in the Corpus Christi Independent School District.
Deborah and Manuel Chapa volunteer at Miller High School in the music department. They are among about 5,000 volunteers who help in the Corpus Christi Independent School District.

Volunteer Manuel Chapa teaches a 14-student percussion class at the school every day.Volunteer Manuel Chapa teaches a 14-student percussion class at the school every day.

Miller High School students get the benefit of school volunteer Manuel Chapa Thursday during percussion practice. Manuel Chapa is a 1974 Miller graduate.

Miller High School students get the benefit of school volunteer Manuel Chapa Thursday during percussion practice. Manuel Chapa is a 1974 Miller graduate. Pictures: TODD YATES/CALLER-TIMES


California School District Recognizes and Rewards Parents 
Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento County Board of Education joined thousands of schools across the country and adopted two model resolutions designed to shine a spotlight on our public schools and honor those who donate their time to help our students and schools succeed.  Resolution No. 11-05 declares April 17-23 as "Public School Volunteer Week." Project Appleseed, the National Campaign for Public School Improvement, began Public School Volunteer Week in 1997, which is annually recognized the third week in April to provide opportunities in which parents, guardians, caregivers, and members of local communities can volunteer in their local public schools.   Speak text  (Explanation) 

Arizona Parents Saluted During Public School Volunteer Week in Mesa
The school board proclaimed April 18-22 as Public School Volunteer Week in MPS. The proclamation focuses on how much the district values each volunteer's contribution to student achievement and well-being.


Washington Parents Honored during Public School Volunteer Week
April 12, 2011 – The Board of Directors of Port Angeles, Wash, adopted Resolution No. 1011-05 at its April 11 meeting proclaiming April 17 through April 23 as Public School Volunteer Week in the Port Angeles School District. Project Appleseed, a national campaign for public school improvement, has designated the third week of April as Public School Volunteer Week. “During the past decade,” the proclamation reads, “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."
Illinois' Des Plaines Elementary Schools Laud Outstanding Vols  

Retiree Richard Marecek was honored with the 2011 Community Relations Ambassador of the Year Award from School Dist. 62. Marecek, formerly a Forest Elementary School teacher, was nominated by Julie Fogarty, Forest principal.

Seven Des Plaines Elementary School Dist. 62 volunteers were presented Distinguished Volunteer Awards from the Dist. 62 Board of Education on Thursday, Apr. 14 at Cumberland Elementary School.  It was all part of the school district's observance of Public School Volunteer Week. Volunteers were treated to a Mad Hatters Tea and Associate Superintendent Paul Hertel presented certificates to Joan Dunn, Christine Halblander, Richard Marecek, Yvonne Morrison, Beverly Sampson, Mary Schiemann and Pam Stone. Marecek was named the 2011 Community Relations Ambassador of the Year.


Join the Movement!
Our Signature Family Events!


 National Parental Involvement Day, November 15, 2012
18th annual celebration, held on the third Thursday in November 

Public School Volunteer Week, April 22 - 26, 2013
16th annual celebration, held during the third full week in April.


Over 9 million family members participate in our celebrations at over 18,000 schools in all 50 states each school year.  We estimate that nearly every public school in America has recognized or celebrated these grass roots occasions, at least once, over the last two decades.  Each year parents and family members, state departments of education, nonprofits, businesses and thousands of school districts are involved.  There are currently over 300,000 links to our signature events Public School Volunteer Week & National Parental Involvement Day in the Google search engine.  Save the dates and join us! 

 Success! Thank you volunteers!
Public School Volunteer Week, April, 2012!

 Here are two schools that count and thank volunteers!
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Colorado - An 80-year-old Loma, CO., resident worked at Fruita Monument High School for over 20 years, but even after retiring, continues to work. School District 51 had over 82,000 hours donated by nearly 2,200 volunteers.

Colorado - Volunteers in the Poudre School District contribute over 250,000 hours of work every school year.  Lopez Elementary school thanks these volunteers.



Celebrate with us this year!
For nearly two decades Project Appleseed has inspired millions of parents to volunteer in thousands of schools nationwide. We have created signature family engagement days for schools, that produce hundreds of millions in volunteer time each year.  Through our national events local parents can engage with their public schools and raise valuable social capital for their school community. (Pictured above: Bowman High School in Santa Clarita, California)

 
Tennessee: Project Appleseed thanks Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam, for their support of the 17th Annual National Parental Involvement Day 2011! Gov. Haslam, a Republican, continues the tradition first begun by former Governor Phil Bredesen, a Democrat. Parental involvement is a bipartisan issue we can all embrace. Thank you Tennessee!



Texas:  Houston Independent Public Schools joined thousands of schools nationwide and recognized the role parents and grandparents play in the education of the district's nearly 200,000 students at the annual HISD Parent Involvement Day in conjunction with the 17th Annual National Parental Involvement Day 2011.


Start Now! Family Engagement Events for Schools!
1.  Get Ready   Our national celebrations of family engagement in schools - calls upon parents, grandparents and caring adults to assist teachers and staff with the day-to-day activities involved in providing a
balanced education and nutrition for our students.  Schools should engage parents, grandparents and caring adults as an important part of a team that strives to ensure that each and every student succeed.

Chart: Alsup Elementary School, Commerce City, CO - National Parent Involvement Day 2010


2.  Get Your Team  It's About Teamwork! Working together with employers, employees, parents, mentors, and educators is key to creating a successful day that strengthens the connection between education and home, between parents and their children.


3. Get Inspired  The most important and most effective way to get the word out about your celebration is to use it in all parts of your school program. Make Project Appleseed's signature event an integral point of reference for all that you do at your school. In this way, all partners will understand how their commitments and their actions contribute to improved student learning and high achievement for all students. Here are some ways you can make your Parental Involvement Pledge count.

highlights

Television

NBC & Project Appleseed

NBC is highlighting Project Appleseed as a national resource for schools on the "School Pride" education page.

Meet a Deadline with Project Appleseed

Find out how you can help Project Appleseed, a place where they understand that it takes a village to help our schools excel.

When parents are involved in children's learning, at school and at home, schools work better and students learn more. Project Appleseed is working with schools, families, employers and community organizations to develop local partnerships that support a safe school environment where students learn to challenging standards. To get the best results from your parental involvement efforts, we want you and your schools to join our movement to plant the seeds of school improvement in your local schools with National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week! 


A Great Success! Thank you America's parents! 
National Parental Involvement Day 2010tm


ALBANY, GA (WALB-NBC) –  In a scene that played out in thousands of schools across the nation, the Dougherty County School system thanked several hundred parents for their volunteer work at schools on Project Appleseed's National Parent Involvement Day, November 18, 2010.  The school system hosted nearly 300 parents, telling them they appreciate their volunteer efforts. Public School Volunteer Week - April 17-23, 2011, marks Project Appleseed's next parent celebration for the school year.

CBS News / Calling All Parents

NASHVILLE (AP/CBS NEWS) November 19, 2010 - Tennessee Education Commissioner Bruce Opie says more needs to be expected from parents and guardians and not just students. He said in a statement that active parents can influence policies, practices and programs that support expanded learning opportunities.

Opie released the comment in conjunction with the 17th annual National Parental Involvement Day sponsored by Project Appleseed. He said Tennessee can successfully rise to the top only with the help of parents. Gov. Phil Bredesen said it’s important that parents and educators form strong partnerships that will result in higher student achievement.


highlights

State Education Agencies,
PIRCS, State Education Reform Groups

Tennessee
Govenor Embraces Project Appleseed for 2nd Year
Tennessee Classrooms Open to Learning and Parents
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Education is encouraging all parents and guardians take an active role in their child’s education. November 18, 2010 marks the 17th annual National Parental Involvement Day. In recognition, Tennessee is promoting new Parental Involvement Standards and more frequent participation from parents both at home and in the classroom.
 
“Parent involvement is a critical part of achieving a high quality education system and helps ensure student achievement,” said Governor Bredesen. “It is important that parents and educators form strong partnerships that will result in higher achievement of students.”
 
In July 2010, Tennessee implemented Parental Involvement Standards in an effort to welcome and include parents in the education process. The following standards aim to promote participation, raise awareness, and improve student achievement through increased parent involvement.
  • Standard 1: Welcoming all families into the school community- Families are active participants in the life of the school, and feel welcomed, valued, and connected to each other, to school staff, and to what students are learning and doing in class and school.
  • Standard 2: Communicating effectively—Families and school staff engage in regular, meaningful communication about student learning.
  • Standard 3: Supporting student success—Families and school staff continuously work together to support students’ learning and healthy development both at home and at school, and have regular opportunities to strengthen their knowledge and skills to do so effectively.
  • Standard 4: Speaking up for every child—Families are informed and enabled to be advocates for their own and other children, to ensure that students are treated fairly and have access to learning opportunities that will support their success.
  • Standard 5: Sharing power—Families and school staff are equal partners with equal representation in decisions that affect students and families and together inform, influence, and create policies, practices, and programs.
  • Standard 6: Collaborating with community—Families and school staff work together with community members to connect students, families, and staff to expanded learning opportunities, community services, and civic participation.
“As we ask and expect more from our students, we must also ask and expect more from our parents and guardians,” said Education Commissioner Bruce Opie. “Active parent participation informs and influences policies, practices, and programs that support expanded learning opportunities. Tennessee can only successfully rise to the top with the help of our parents.”
 
Tennessee’s Parental Involvement Standards were enacted by Senate Bill No. 293. These standards are based on the PTA’s National Standards for Family- School Partnerships and formally adopted by the State Board of Education beginning in the 2010-2011 school year. For more information and resources, visit www.tn.gov/education/fedprog/fpparentinvolve.shtml.
 
National Parent Involvement Day is sponsored by Project Appleseed, a major nonprofit resource and advocate for families engaged in education and the improvement of learning, wellness, and school facilities. For more information about Project Appleseed, visit www.projectappleseed.org.
 
For more information, contact Amanda Maynord Anderson at (615) 532-7817 or Amanda.Anderson@tn.gov.

Maine
Helping children achieve success
By Dolly Sullivan
Special to the BDN Posted Nov. 16, 2010

Maine Opinion
Thursday is National Parent Involvement Day — a day to focus on the importance of parents taking a strong role in their children’s education. Maine’s future depends on our ability to prepare our people for success through a quality education, and parental involvement is an important factor in helping children learn.

The Maine Coalition for Excellence in Education, the Maine Parent Teacher Association, the Maine Parent Federation, Unum and Project Appleseed are marking National Parent Involvement day by launching a Parent and Family Involvement campaign. This campaign is part of the coalition’s Prepare Maine initiative, which is uniting community, business, education and law enforcement leaders around a vision of a 21st century educational system that prepares all Mainers for success in college, career, life and citizenship.

Research shows that parent and family involvement is key to improving student performance and overall school quality. Parents have a role and enormous responsibility to make sure their children are ready to learn and be successful in school, and that schools are meeting the needs of all of the children they serve.
To begin to understand the state of parent engagement in Maine, MCEE recently did an informal survey of teachers about parent involvement. We asked them what strategies they use in their classrooms to engage parents and families. We asked about district policies that focused on improving parent engagement. But when we asked them what is the most important thing a parent can do to ensure their child succeeds in school, we were struck by how simple and common-sense the answers were.  More...

Florida
Parent Resources Readily Available Statewide
Community based resource centers offer education, training, and support to families.

TALLAHASSEE – As Florida continues its recognition of Parental Involvement Month throughout November, including tomorrow’s celebration of National Parent Involvement Day, the Florida Department of Education (DOE) is reminding parents that a valuable tool is available to help them support their children’s academic success. Developed in partnership with DOE, Florida School Choice Parent Resource Centers (PRCs) are community-based organizations that provide parents with the opportunity to become meaningfully involved in the education and development of their children.

“Florida is playing an important role in setting a new standard for school choice options in the United States,” said Education Commissioner Dr. Eric J. Smith. “I encourage parents to take advantage of our Parent Resource Centers so they can receive the best information possible about options that can truly benefit their children for years to come.”
Maryland State Board Recognizes Family Engagement
And National Parental Involvement Day




Oklahoma:  Pledge promises school volunteering, reading

MUSKOGEE - Peggy Willard is an old pro when it comes to volunteering at her grandkids’ school, Harris-Jobe Elementary.

“I always try to be hired as a monitor for the testing period they have here in the spring, and I always try to be involved in other functions,” she said.

Willard put that involvement in writing Thursday when she joined her granddaughters at a Thanksgiving luncheon and parental involvement program at Harris-Jobe on National Parent Involvement Day. Muskogee public schools used Thanksgiving lunches as a way to encourage more parents, grandparents and others to get involved with their children’s education.

MPS Parent Involvement Coordinator Kathleen Harris said parents attending the lunches were encouraged to sign a Parent Involvement Pledge. The pledge committed signers to volunteer at least five hours of time at their children’s school and to spend at least 15 minutes each school night reading or working with their children.

Pictured above: Harris-Jobe Elementary fourth-grader Kerrigan Medlock, 9, watches her grandmother, Peggy Willard, sign a Parental Involvement Pledge during a Thanksgiving lunch Thursday at her school. Parents, grandparents and other adults throughout Muskogee Public Schools are being encouraged to spend more time with their children’s education. More...

Oregon
State Superintendent Castillo Recognizes Parents Play A Critical Role

SALEM - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Susan Castillo commemorated National Parental Involvement Day, recognizing several outstanding parental outreach efforts across Oregon and encouraging all parents to take time to be engaged in their children’s education. (Picture:  Oregon schools superintendent Susan Castillo, left, and U.S. Senator Patty Murray(D-OR), center, participates in a panel discussion on education with and Rep. Rubén Hinojosa (D-TX) right)


“The evidence is overwhelming that parents play a critical role in their child’s success. Whether it is better grades, less discipline problems or overall lifetime achievement, parents who take the time to be engaged in their students’ education make a real difference,” said Castillo. “I encourage every parent to make the time in their busy schedules to stay involved in their local school – it will make a big difference for their child and help improve education for all Oregon students.” More...

Iowa
20,000 Volunteer Hours in Iowa District

In the Bettendorf Community School District several hundred volunteers invest a total of more than 20,000 hours a year in support of Bettendorf schools and their students. April 18 - 24, 2010 is Public School Volunteer Week – a time when schools honor their volunteers.

"Parent and community volunteers have been very important in the history and success of the Bettendorf Community School District, "said Dr. Theron J. Schutte, Superintendent. "Our volunteers are involved and passionate about supporting local education efforts. They are earnest in supporting the success of our students. They also help provide many activities that further enrich and enhance the school experience. I'd like to thank all those who take the time to volunteer. You are greatly appreciated!"

According to Volunteer Coordinator Nancy Herrin, volunteering is an excellent way for parents/guardians, families, and community members to support local education. "We welcome community members to become part of our volunteers, offering their time and talents to benefit all students in the school system. Public School Volunteer Week is a special time that schools celebrate volunteers. It's also a great time for those interested in volunteering to get involved by lending a helping hand to make positive things happen in our schools."

Texas

Community progress starts with parents

April 16, 2010, Dallas, TX. - This week provides the chance for parents in the southern half of the city – as well as the rest of Dallas – to get involved with their child's learning.

Project Appleseed's Public School Volunteer Week starts tomorrow, with an emphasis on parents taking a pledge to get – and stay – involved with their child's education. We hope this week sparks a conversation at DISD headquarters about how the district can create its own pledge for parents to sign so they will remain committed to their child's academic progress. More...