National Parental Involvement Day 2025

Theme: “Parents Are in the Driver’s Seat”

This year, as we celebrate the 31st Annual National Parental Involvement Day on Thursday, November 20, 2025, we are excited to announce our theme: “Parents Are in the Driver’s Seat.” The theme highlights the critical role families play in guiding student success, reminding schools and communities that when parents lead the way, students thrive.

One of the signature activities of this day is Curbside Cookies & Treats—a simple but powerful way to show appreciation for families. In schools across the country, parents are welcomed in the car rider line with coffee, cookies, or other small tokens of gratitude. These gestures remind families that their contributions matter and that they are valued partners in education.

But National Parental Involvement Day is about more than one event. Schools are encouraged to celebrate in their own unique way—through assemblies, family breakfasts, thank-you notes from students, special proclamations, or creative community events. The goal is not to fit into a single mold, but to ensure everyone is included and every family feels welcome.

“Project Appleseed wants everybody involved,” says Kevin Walker, President of Project Appleseed. “This is a powerful grassroots movement—built from the ground up by parents, schools, and communities. Even those who have traditionally ignored National Parental Involvement Day—much like climate deniers ignore global warming and Earth Day—are invited to join us. Family engagement is too important to be overlooked, and every parent deserves a seat at the table.”

By making this day your own, you affirm that family engagement is not just a yearly celebration, but a year-round priority. Whether your school community chooses to hand out cookies, host a family concert, or simply say “thank you” in a meaningful way, what matters most is recognizing the essential role parents and caregivers play in helping students succeed.

Together, let’s put families in the driver’s seat—and build stronger partnerships for brighter futures.