Parent Leadership Academy a Summer Success

The Montclair Public Schools, The Department of Instruction and the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellent sponsored the second annual Parent Leadership Academy during the summer with support from the Montclair PTA Council and the Montclair Public Library. Parents and caregivers of students in grades K-8 were invited to participate in the four-day program, “Promoting Strategies and Tools for Academic Achievement,” which took place July 16-19 at the Charles H. Bullock School.

Bullock School’s Chelo Keys introduced attendees to technology in the classroom.

Sylvia B. Bryant, District Parent Coordinator for the Academy coordinated the program again this year. “It is gratifying to see the tremendous participation from parents and family members, and a wonderful opportunity for parents to be informed of the district-wide programs that they can connect to,” said Bryant. “It increases their involvement in their child’s school programs, promoting the idea of ‘parents as partners’ and it advances our mission to reach out and engage other parents/caregivers who may not be as involved. This is paramount to new parent leaders in building a support system that is not only concerned about the individual child, but all students.” 

Topics on the first night included Getting Started – Quick Guide to Navigating the School System, presented by Bryant; an update on the Anti-Bulling Law by Assistant to the Superintendent, Dr. Felice A. Harrison; Help  With Homework...You are Not Alone, by Glenfield teacher Rhonda Copeland-Smith and School Action Team Best Practices, presented by Dr. Joe Putrino, principal, Northeast  School.

The focus the second night was on technology. Montclair Public Library’s Youth Services Librarian Matilda Williams and Bullock technology teacher Chelo Keys discussed tools that support academic achievement and spark creativity with parents having the opportunity to explore the technology that students use in the classroom.

	Participants got a better understanding of 6-8 curriculum from Mount Hebron’s Nisha Gandi (Math) and Michelle Kinnas (Language Arts).

Dr. Barbara Weller, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, facilitated the third evening which concentrated on curriculum and instruction. Topics included K-5 and 6-8 Language Arts (Susan Becker, Bullock School/Michelle Kinnas, Mount Hebron School); K-5 and 6-8 Math (Brenda Coe, Bullock School/Nisha Gandi, Mount Hebron School); Steps for Getting Involved – ways to help your child and share your ideas (Rochelle Wilson, Sydney Simon, and Ghana Imani Hylton, PTA & School Action Team representatives.)

On the last night of the Academy, participants were invited to the Montclair Art Museum for a one-hour guided tour of the Montclair Art Museum with Gary Schneider, Director of Education.

“We often hear about empowering people to be actively involved in schools. Mrs. Bryant, who created the Parent Leadership Academy, has turned ideas into actions. We hope that this year’s participants, like last year’s, will become or remain active members of their school communities, which will benefit students in numerous ways,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Barbara Weller. “I would also like to give a special thank you to Mr. Schneider, for the wonderful museum experience he provided for our families.”

Free childcare was provided each night that was both educational and entertaining. Volunteer Sandra McKnight said, “I had the pleasure of working with children from age 3-12 and presented literature-focused crafts. Each lesson offered the children a fun look at a variety of literature with the creation of a final product. They had the opportunity to use their listening skills, fine motor skills and cooperatively work in groups.”

Hylton said participating in the program was a rewarding experience."The Parent Leadership Academy was an amazing 'coming together' of parents, community leaders and school administration. It was wonderful to discuss homework tips, best school practices, and just ways to get more involved in your child's educational journey. Mrs. Bryant and her team are doing a fabulous job keeping us informed and you can tell she is getting positive support from the Board of Education, which is crucial. I look forward to it again next summer!"