From the Kitchen Table to the Classroom: A Grassroots Movement to Save America’s Public Schools

Across America, our public schools are under pressure. Educators are stretched thin, communities are divided, and too often, families are left on the sidelines. But we know one truth that has never changed: when parents and families get involved, schools improve and students thrive.

This November, Project Appleseed is calling on families, educators, and community leaders to launch a Family Engagement Campaign in every neighborhood. Go door-to-door, connect through churches, local businesses, and community centers, and bring parents back into the heart of our schools.

A National Call to Action

Mobilizing parents is not just about improving grades—it’s about protecting the future of public education. Families must once again take ownership of their schools and their children’s learning. Every parent has a role to play, and every school has the tools to make it happen.

So this National Parental Involvement Day, let’s move beyond words. Let’s organize, recruit, and act. From teacher home visits to church halls, from business partners to community leaflets—let’s reignite a grassroots movement for our children and our public schools.

Start your Family Engagement Campaign today—and together, we can transform every school into a place where families and educators stand united for success.

Kickstarting a Family Engagement Campaign

Schools can take immediate action using Project Appleseed’s Family Engagement Toolbox—a complete, ready-to-use resource for mobilizing families.

Here’s how to start:

1. Parent Engagement Pledge: Invite parents to commit to active partnership in their child’s education. This pledge extends family involvement beyond homework—it’s a commitment to support, advocate, and participate.

2. Parent Engagement Report Card: Help parents reflect on their own engagement. This self-assessment deepens their understanding of how their daily actions influence their child’s learning journey.

3. Red Carpet Treatment: Welcome families with respect and warmth. Use the Toolbox to create a welcoming school culture that embraces all parents, including those of students with special needs.

4. Survey Teachers and Staff: Ask your educators what help they need. The Faculty & Staff Volunteer Request Form connects teacher needs with parent power.

5. Database of Pledged Volunteers: Build a simple system—collect, track, and connect parent pledges. Centralize your volunteer outreach.

6. Contact Pledged Volunteers: Follow up personally. Communication turns commitment into action.

7. Establish Volunteering Process: Make it easy for families to help. Provide orientation, clear expectations, and background checks where needed.

8. Support Training: Give teachers and staff the skills they need to engage families effectively. Project Appleseed offers in-person and online workshops to sustain momentum.

9. Awards and Recognition: Celebrate your parent volunteers! Recognition motivates continued participation and builds school pride.

10. Continuous Improvement: Revisit your plan each semester. Refine, expand, and sustain engagement as part of your school’s culture—not just an event.