Welcoming participants to the Title 1 Parent Summit were from left, Director of Special Programs, K-12, Jennifer Bloch, Watchung secretary Donna Hamblin, Hillside teacher Karja Longmore, Montclair’s 4th Ward Councilwoman Dr. Renee Baskerville, and Edgemont Principal Cheryl Hopper.
On Tues., May 23, close to 40 parents gathered at the Charles H. Bullock School for the district’s Title 1 Parent Summit.
Two sessions of workshops on a variety of topics were available to parents according to their interests. They included: Special Education 101, Middle School Mathematics, Understanding the Cultural Proficiency Continuum, The Best Early Literacy Skills at Home, The Best Strategies to Enhance Comprehensive Reading Skills, Navigating Montclair Public Schools, Helpful Tips for Supporting Student Mental Health Development, Helpful Tips for Parents/Guardians of ELL Students (Dual Language Presentation/Spanish), Genesis and Electronic Bookbag and Avoiding Summer Slide.
Presenters included Edgemont school psychologist Sade Henry; Interim Director of Technology, Alice Velez; Director of Special Programs, K-12, Jennifer Bloch; Buzz Aldrin Math teacher Nisha Gandhi; special education teacher Cathay Macysyn; CHB secretary Beth Albert; special education teacher Karja Longmore; world language teacher Barbara San Martin; special education teacher Janet Villalobos; Nishuane Student Assistance Counselor Amillah Pinnock; and School Nurses Anne Riordan and Marjorie McShane.
Childcare was provided so caregivers could get the most out of the experience.
“I am very pleased with the thoughtful and meaningful presentations prepared with our parents/guardians in mind,” said Dr. Kendra V. Johnson, Assistant Superintendent for Equity, who organized the Summit. “Our parents/guardians are our partners in this meaningful work we call educating 21st century thinkers, learners and innovators. To that end, we will continue to reflect upon feedback given by our parents/guardians in attendance and create deliberate and responsive parent engagement activities in the near future.”