National Parental Involvement Day: A Grassroots Movement to Strengthen America’s Public Schools
- Project Appleseed
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Restoring the Partnership Between Parents and 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. Yet one truth has stood the test of time — when parents and families get involved, schools improve and students thrive.
Since its founding, National Parental Involvement Day (November 20, 2025) has reminded the nation of that truth — capturing the attention of everyday parents and policymakers alike, from local school boards to the U.S. Secretary of Education. It’s a day when families and leaders across the country unite around one simple, powerful idea: parents matter.
This November, Project Appleseed is calling on families, educators, and community leaders to launch a Family Engagement Campaign in every neighborhood. Knock on doors. Partner with churches, community centers, and local businesses. Bring parents back into the heart of our schools — where they belong.
Curbside Coffee & Treats: A Simple Way to Engage Families
This year, schools are encouraged to host Curbside Coffee & Treats, a simple and inclusive activation held in the car rider line. Participation is completely optional. The idea is straightforward — distribute pre-packaged treats, offer a warm welcome, and express appreciation to families during morning drop-off or afternoon pick-up. This approach removes barriers for working parents and creates a positive, low-pressure environment for meaningful engagement.
The Six Slices of Family Engagement: Turning Ideas Into Action
To help schools build lasting connections with families, Project Appleseed has compiled dozens of activities, events, and strategies aligned with each of the Six Slices of Family Engagement. These activities serve as a central feature in carrying out your campaign and can be implemented throughout the 150 days between National Parental Involvement Day and Public School Volunteer Week — or anytime during the year. Each slice helps schools create welcoming environments, improve communication, and invite families to play an active role in student success.
A National Call to Action
Mobilizing parents isn’t just about raising test scores — it’s about protecting the future of public education itself. Distribute the Parent Engagement Pledge to all the families in your schools! When families and schools stand together, they strengthen democracy, bridge divides, and build trust in our communities. 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 gatherings, from local business partnerships to community rallies. Together, we can reignite a grassroots movement that ensures every child has access to a high-quality public education and every family has a voice in shaping it.
Start your Family Engagement Campaign today — and join us on November 20, 2025, as we celebrate the 31st Annual National Parental Involvement Day.
Let’s make this the year we turn awareness into action — and restore the partnership between parents, schools, and the communities they serve.
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:
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.
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.
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.
Survey Teachers and Staff: Ask your educators what help they need. The Faculty & Staff Volunteer Request Form connects teacher needs with parent power.
Database of Pledged Volunteers: Build a simple system—collect, track, and connect parent pledges. Centralize your volunteer outreach.
Contact Pledged Volunteers: Follow up personally. Communication turns commitment into action.
Establish Volunteering Process: Make it easy for families to help. Provide orientation, clear expectations, and background checks where needed.
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.
Awards and Recognition: Celebrate your parent volunteers! Recognition motivates continued participation and builds school pride.
Continuous Improvement: Revisit your plan each semester. Refine, expand, and sustain engagement as part of your school’s culture—not just an event.
