Creative WAYS To Support SCHOOLS
SPRING 2016
Parents LEADING
By Example
The 411
ON LOCAL
SCHOOL
COUNCILS
A COMMON SENSE APPROACH WITH
Dr. Hines Powered By
Welcome to the inaugural edition of P2P: Parent-to-Parent Magazine, brought to you by the Chicago Public School’s Office of Leadership and Learning and powered by True Star. P2P is written for parents by parents, and will be offered in English and Spanish in both print and digital formats, four times a year. P2P is designed to keep parents abreast of the current educational trends and best practices in how students learn. It is our hope that by keeping our parents informed, they will serve as positive stewards in their child’s education. In this edition, our focus will be on a special group of parents who have found creative ways to support their schools. Our cover story features Dr. Mahalia Hines, long time CPS educator, Chicago Public School Board Member, and the proud parent of Chicago’s own Common. Dr. Hines shares her story of how education shaped her son’s rise to success. We look forward to taking this educational journey with you. It is our hope that in each edition you will find at least one nugget of wisdom, words of encouragement and best practices that you can utilize. If you have good news stories, events, programs or other information that other parents should know about, please share for possible submission in the next edition. To submit your information visit goo.gl/forms/pz8822aZfa or email us at parentuniversity@cps.edu. Best,
The Office of Leadership and Learning “At the end of the day, the most overwhelming key to a child’s success is the positive involvement of parents.” -Jane D. Hall
Contributors Anita Campbell, Edward Coles Elementary Language Academy Darlene O’Banner, Charles W. Earle Elementary Earlean Green, Ella Flagg Young Elementary, Marshall High School & Al Raby High School Jose Quiles, Steinmetz College Prep & Mary Lyon Elementary Kristin Hovious, Ravenswood Elementary Mary Ann Alexander, Michelle Clark High School & Ella Flagg Young Elementary Rosa Gutierrez, Clay Elementary & Washington High School Theresa Jefferson, Al Raby High School Candy Gowdy, Brunson Math & Science Specialty School Edward Ford, Ronald Brown Elementary & Poe Elementary Monique Crawley, Dunne Technology Academy
Special Thanks Dr. Mahalia Hines, CEO of Common Ground Foundation, Chicago Public Schools Board Member Forrest Claypool, CEO of Chicago Public Schools Dr. Janice Jackson, CEDO of Chicago Public Schools Denise Little, Senior Advisor to the CEO of Chicago Public Schools Arnie Rivera, Chief Officer of Public Policy of Chicago Public Schools
True Star Foundation Executive Directors DeAnna McLeary Sherman & J. Na-Tae’ Thompson Managing Editor Marti Parham Copy Editor Christina Rodriguez Copy Translation Stephanie Manriquez Art Direction Design & Illustration Angel D’Amico-Bauer
Table of Contents Introducing Leadership and Learning 6: Empowered in Leadership & Learning: The Department of Family and Community Engagement 8: Parent University & Parent Engagement Centers: Empowering Parents to Empower Learners 10: Empowering Communities One Neighborhood at a Time: Community Action Councils 11: Participatory Democracy: Local School Councils
Assisting to Inspire 12: A Cause Greater than Myself 13: An Educational “Work Out Plan” 14: Advocating for the Entire Family
Cover Story 16: Dr. Mahalia Hines Talks about a “Common Sense” Approach to Your Student’s Education
Taking the Lead 20: Leading by Example 21: More than “A Cup of Joe” 22: Helping Out Where It is Needed
Engaging the Community 24: A Quality Education: One School at a Time 25: Empowering a School Community to Bridge Relationships in the Classroom and at Home
Paying It Forward 28: The Passing of the Torch 29: Advocate for Generations of Chicago’s Children 30: A Beacon for Hope for Generations Parent 2 Parent 5
Introducing Leadership and Learning
Empowered
IN LEADERSHIP & LEARNING The Department of Family and Community Engagement
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s a department within the Office of Leadership and Learning, the goal of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) is to engage, inform, and empower parents and community leaders by supporting student learning through evidence-based tools and trainings. With 20-plus years of community engagement and educational services experience, Kareem Pender is welcomed as the new director of FACE. As the director of FACE, he oversees FACE managers and CAC facilitators, providing leadership and guidance to develop trust and meaningful partnerships between CPS and its communities. FACE managers provide network and schoolbased supports for the implementation of Title 1 Parent Advisory Councils (PACs), share effective strategies for principals and teachers
on family and community engagement, and deliver monthly Parent Leadership Network development for all parents and community members. FACE is increasing its cross-departmental collaboration by working with our Parent Universities in presenting monthly Title 1/PAC and Parent Leadership Network meetings and workshops, as well as working closely with the Department of Local School Council Relations and Community Action Council. The PAC/PLN meetings provide a wealth of information for PAC members on Title 1 related topics, information on District and school-based initiatives, and presenting Parent University workshops. PAC/ PLN meeting locations have increased from three to seven, with plans to add additional meeting/ workshop locations for parents to be empowered in leadership and learning.
Title I/PAC and Parent Leadership Network Meetings: Area/Pod
Location
Meeting Day
Time
North
Logandale ES
2nd Wednesday of the month
9:00am -11:00am
Near North West
Clemente HS
4th Tuesday
10:00am-12:00pm
West
Spencer ES
2nd Tuesday
10:00am-12:00pm
South East
Coleman
3rd Wednesday
10:00am-12:00pm
South
Miles Davis
3rd Tuesday
10:00am-12:00pm
South West
Gage Park HS
3rd Friday
10:00am-12:00pm
Far South
Corliss HS
3rd Thursday
10:00am-12:00pm
For questions or more information on I/PAC and Parent Leadership Network, contact Kareem Pender at kvpender@cps.edu. 6 Parent 2 Parent
FACE continues to emerge within the Office of Leadership & Learning by presenting a redesigned Parent Leadership Institute, an 8-week summer institute for PAC and LSC members on the five components of the FACE Framework. The FACE Framework is a compilation of research-led FACE strategies and instrumental tools that will ensure family and community engagement is transformed systemically and integrated into school life. The holistic approaches offered will allow schools to take into account the economic, social and emotional, cultural, and linguistic strengths of all families.
The FACE Framework includes the following five components: Engagement: Align the home-learning environment with school expectations by bridging educators to parents and/or guardians through best practices in child and adolescent development. Assist parents and/or guardians to produce an effective family-learning environment at home, regardless of culture, socioeconomic status, or beliefs.
learning, school programs, and student progress between the home and school. Reinvesting in School: Collect viable resources in order to reinvest in the school via professional development, volunteering, or training that positively impacts student growth and achievement. Empowering Practices: Establish best practices that cultivate sustainable partnerships with stakeholders, resulting in transparent decision-making, organization, and mobilization around the best interests of the students. Culture of Sustainability: Nurture a climate of accountability and sustainability to leverage existing community resources and services, by linking school needs to community assets, e.g. local businesses, faithbased institutions, health centers, CBOs, elected officials, and other community stakeholders. It is through these five components that the FACE Department will build parent and community leaders and affect student outcomes.
Communication: Create a culture of consistent two-way communication about high-quality teaching and Parent 2 Parent 7
Parent University & Parent Engagement Centers:
Empowering Parents TO EMPOWER
LEARNERS
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arent University & Parent Engagement Centers are based on the understanding that parents and community are an essential component in educating our children. In partnership with Microsoft and the United Way, Mayor Rahm Emanuel opened new Parent Engagement Centers in CPS schools across the city. These centers are school-based sites designed to offer resources to parents and community in the surrounding neighborhood focused on engaging parents in their children’s education and are aimed at closing the digital divide. CPS now hosts 46 Parent Engagement Centers city-wide. A Parent University is a neighborhood-based site within a school designed to offer resources to parents and community members across the city. Parent University aims to provide parents/ community with experiences to provide a new outlook on education and the learning process that will transfer into positive outcomes for our students. Currently, there are three Parent University sites with plans to open two additional sites in 2016.
CPS Parent Universities and Engagement Centers are designed to support the district’s five principles of parent and community engagement:
1:
Provide opportunities for parents and community to engage in the learning process.
2:
Provide opportunities for parents and community to be active participants in the education of our students.
3:
Design programs that encourage parents and community to pursue extended growth opportunities.
4:
Create an environment for parents and community that provides access to needed services and resources.
5:
Develop systems for parents and community to have clear communication with the school district, providing access to system-wide initiatives and current practices. 8 Parent 2 Parent
Parent University Site Locations: The Office of Leadership & Learning welcomes Pamela Price as the new director of Parent University & Parent Engagement Centers. Throughout the years, Price has been known for her wonderful work and presence throughout the community serving as an LSC facilitator and FACE manager. She will be leading the vision of Parent University as well as overseeing site managers at Clemente, Miles Davis, Spencer, Coleman and future Parent University sites. She is an outstanding asset as the Parent University brand drives forward and expands the services offered to parents and community members.
Austin/Westside - Spencer Technology Academy 214 N. Lavergne Humboldt Park - Clemente High School 1147 North Western Avenue Englewood - Miles Davis Magnet Academy 6740 S. Paulina Pullman - Corliss High School (opening Spring 2016) 821 E 103rd St Bronzeville - Colman 4655 S. Deaborn Street
Parent Engagement Centers Opened in 2015
Lee Elementary 6448 S. Tripp Ave
Bright Elementary 10740 S. Calhoun Ave
Lovett Elementary 6333 W. Bloomingdale Ave
Brunson Elementary 932 N. Central Ave
Mahalia Jackson Elementary 917 W. 88th St
Coles Elementary 8441 Yates
Marcus Garvey Elementary 10309 S. Morgan
Ella Flagg Young Elementary 1434 N. Parkside
Mireles Elementary 9000 S. Exchange
Ellington Elementary 243 N. Parkside
Moos Elementary 1711 N. California
Ericson Elementary 3600 W. 5th Ave
Randolph Elementary 7316 S. Hoyne Ave
Gillespie Elementary 9301 S. State St
Stowe Elementary 3444 W. Wabansia
For more information on Parent University and Parent Engagement Centers, please contact Pam Price at pprice@cps.edu.
Members of the Chicago Public Schools Parent University will receive digital badges for completing tasks such as attending a report card pick-up, participating in a workshop or volunteering at a school function. As parents and guardians continue to participate in Parent University programming, they will earn additional badges. Badges can be used to link one learning opportunity to the next, and serve as an indicator of achievement to colleges and employers. Every Parent or Guardian of a CPS-enrolled student is eligible to participate in Parent University. Visit chicagocityoflearning.org/ParentUniversity and click the join button to create your account. Parent 2 Parent 9
Empowering Communities One Neighborhood at a Time:
Community ACTION COUNCILS
T
he Community Action Council (CAC), under the Department of Family and Community Engagement, exemplifies the continuing commitment of the Office of Leadership and Learning to foster partnerships with community stakeholders. CAC informs parents and community members about the performance and utilization of schools in their neighborhood and the priorities and initiatives of the District; develops strategies to connect schools, students and families to community resources; devises strategic plans to improve their communities’ educational opportunities; and provides guidance in developing and recommending a community vision for a cradle-to-college/career pipeline. CAC partners with nine communities: Englewood, Roseland, Bronzeville, South Shore, Austin, Hyde Park, North Lawndale, Humboldt Park-Orr and Humboldt Park-Clemente. Each CAC consists of 25-30 voting members who are parents, students, school administration and staff, elected officials, faith-based leaders, community-based organizations and business leaders. Members work closely with CPS CAC facilitators to develop and implement community-led strategic plans under the direction of Kareem Pender. The plan serves as a framework for the District, on Community Action Councils
how the community defines education, as well as, what role they can play to support quality education for all. Each CAC works to build community capacity by being stewards of education in the areas of schoolbased support, empowerment of parent and community stakeholders, and community impact. School-Based Support: CAC members directly support schools and students through enrichment activities, civic engagement opportunities, and outreach to parents informing them of upcoming events or policy changes. Empowerment of Parent and Community Stakeholders: The community acts as a change agent not only in education, but healthy living, social and emotional well-being, job training and retention, and providing safe and healthy communities. Community Impact: CAC members provide access to community resources and enact strategies to remove barriers that threaten students’ academic goals. This supports both students and their families to be on track for graduation and life-long success.
Meeting Locations
Meeting Day
Austin
5101 W. Harrison (Michele Clark)
2nd Tuesday of the month
Bronzeville
4510 S. Michigan (Urban League)
1st Monday
Englewood
6500 S. Racine (Ogden Park)
3rd Thursday
Far South
235 E. 103rd St (Metropolitan Family Services)
3rd Tuesday
Humboldt Park East
1147 N. Western (Clemente HS)
2nd and 4th Thursday (Steering)
Humboldt Park West
744 N. Monticello (Chicago Commons, Nia Center)
2nd Monday
Hyde Park
Rotate between schools in Hyde Park
4th Tuesday
North Lawndale
3315 W. Ogden (10th Police District)
3rd Tuesday
South Shore
1750 E. 71st St (BUFI)
3rd Thursday
For questions or more information on the Community Action Councils, contact Kareem Pender at kvpender@cps.edu.
Participatory Democracy:
Local SCHOOL Councils
I
n the midst and excitement of the Local School Council (LSC) election season, it’s important to reflect back on how LSCs have transformed parent to parent, parent to school, and parent to student connections. LSCs have remained an important vehicle for participatory democracy, allowing not only educators, but parents the opportunity to make important decisions about how their children will be educated. It is through these decisions that parents are connected with educators to better align family and community engagement goals to student achievement; community members to help leverage community resources for the school; and other parents to share best practices and success stories. The strategic lever that drives the LSCs is the Office of Local School Council Relations, headed by the Director, Guillermo “Willy� Montes de Oca. For years, Montes de Oca has been the face of LSC operations, ensuring that Local School Councils are held accountable for the development and implementation of their school improvement plan, management of their budget, and the evaluation and selection of their school principal. Montes de Oca and his team of LSC facilitators have continuously provided individual coaching and technical
support to the LSCs, and facilitated trainings which cover: understanding budgets, evaluating and choosing principals, and ensuring LSCs are complying with the law. The Office of Local School Council Relations recognizes the importance of building engaged and empowered parent leaders by: connecting them with resources to help support student achievement, encouraging them to run for LSC elections every two years, and ensuring they become part of the adult learning process. It is through LSCs that parents are given a unique opportunity to have a voice in the decisionmaking table and engage in student-driven dialogue with community members, educators, students, and other parents. This year is an important year for Local School Councils because it is an election year. Each LSC is made up of the principal of that particular school, a handful of teachers, parents, and community members as well as one student (in the case of high schools). Just like in any mayoral election, it is important for all of us to get out and vote. So on April 13th (elementary schools) and 14th (high schools), please make sure you go to the school in your neighborhood and vote for your next LSC! Parent 2 Parent 11
Assisting to Inspire
A Cause
Greater THAN MYSELF By Theresa Jefferson, Al Raby High School
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heresa Jefferson is an ordained minister in the state of Illinois and has been a resident of Chicago’s West Side all of her life. She is a product of Chicago Public Schools herself, graduating from both Dodge Elementary and Richard T. Crane High School. Jefferson loves the chance to teach children to live virtuously. She enjoys being nurturing and leading by example so that she will have a positive impact on children’s lives. Jefferson also loves to help children see the greatness in themselves, become productive members of society, and adhere to their calling. She believes in the power of education and recently received her bachelor’s degree from Concordia University in Organizational Management. Jefferson started her career volunteering as a Just Say No Coordinator for Chicago Housing Authority in the program CADRE (Combating Alcohol and Drug Through Rehabilitation and Education). Since, she has served on boards for many organizations and helped to establish Each One Reach One Outreach Ministries. Jefferson is very involved with parent and community engagement through several workshops and community events. She links parents, families and especially mothers to medical homes and social supportive services. In addition, she provides tools for parents, 12 Parent 2 Parent
Favorite Quote/ Mantra:
You can do all things through Jesus Christ that strengthen you.
community representatives and stakeholders, especially in the areas of health, education and wellness. Jefferson also provides resources and connects agencies to Parent University to help it be a resource to empower parents and community members. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: One of the best practices is to first stay involved, take what you learned, apply it, and share with other parents. Our children are like sponges so make sure you exemplify the behavior you want to see. Her belief is that knowledge is power and it is more powerful when we put it into action. Never give up on your children and yourselves and ensure you have a support system. Put your faith first and all things will work out.
An Educational
“WORK OUT PLAN” By Monique Crawley, Dunne Stem Academy
M
onique Crawley, parent at Dunne Stem Academy, believes parenting is about the teachable moment. She sees her parenting experience as an opportunity to teach her children things her parents did not have the opportunity to share with her. At Dunne Elementary, Crawley takes on the responsibility of informing parents of upcoming meetings and workshops. Crawley credits her success to working with a principal who wants to see parents engaged in their child’s education. She believes that when parents are allowed to volunteer around the school, or participate in workshops and activities, they build better relationships with teachers. In turn, parents are better equipped to support students in the classroom. Crawley has always been passionate when advocating for others, which is evident in her role as a community organizer. She gets joy out of her ability to make an impact, even if it only affects one person. It is this passion and commitment to others that makes her such an effective advocate for the students of Dunne Stem Academy. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: It is important to know your child’s school, not just on report card pick up! Chaperone field trips or offer to read a story. Come into the class for holiday parties and make a craft with them. Offer to discuss your job with the class or tell a story about an important time in history that made a difference in your life. There are so
many things people can do. Parents often wait for the teacher to ask, when they could just “offer” instead. Bringing in resources and donations is a good way to support your local school. When making relationships with donors, it is important to recognize them with a thank you card or a name in your program. We have an annual Community Partnership Breakfast and invite all of our partners to come and eat, while networking with each other. This helps build new relationships, and provides you the opportunity to acknowledge your appreciation for their support.
Favorite Quote/Mantra:
“If you still look cute when you’re done, you didn’t do it right.” I say that as a fitness instructor. …If you give mediocre effort, that’s the result you’re going to get. Parent 2 Parent 13
Advocating
FOR THE Entire Family By Darlene O’Banner, Charles W. Earle Elementary School
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arlene O’Banner is a well-known advocate around the Earle community. She works tirelessly to ensure students have the resources they need as well as to make them aware of opportunities available to them. Some students never get a chance to venture outside of their community so O’Banner’s goal is to allow children to have various experiences. She wants students to know they are not limited to their neighborhood. One way she does this is by organizing college trips for students. She feels joy when a student realizes an activity or career path they did not know before. O’Banner knows how important it is to get the entire family involved in a student’s education. Therefore, she collaborates with the Earle community and staff to coordinate family field trips. Recently, she traveled with over 20 families to the STEMfest at Northern Illinois University. Parents were able to experience STEM education in action alongside their children creating a shared learning experience. In addition, it was a full day opportunity for parents and children to spend time together outside of the home. Together, parents and students were able to see what college life is like through a tour of the campus and exploring the dormitories. Parents need to feel empowered to get involved at their child’s school and connecting with teachers is an important piece. In addition, one way to feel empowered is by parents being active in their own education. She encourages 14 Parent 2 Parent
parents to enroll in GED or further education classes so they can spend time helping their child with homework. She hopes Earle will someday be home to a Parent University so parents will have access to educational programs and technology at the same place and time as their children are in the classroom. Until then, she fiercely advocates for parents to take advantage of offerings at the Parent University at Miles Davis Magnet Academy. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: Take advantage of all resources available to you, especially Parent University. O’Banner wants parents to benefit from the free programming including cooking, fitness and digital classes. In addition, through the Chicago City of Learning platform, chicagocityoflearning.org, parents can earn digital badges to demonstrate their skills, which they can put on their resume.
Parent 2 Parent 15
Dr. Mahalia Hines
Talks about a “Common Sense” Approach to Your Student’s Education
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r. Mahlia Hines has had an illustrious career with Chicago Public Schools. She has been a teacher, principal and currently serves as a member of Chicago’s Board of Education. She is the proud mother of rapper and actor Common - a Grammy, Golden Globe and Academy Award winner. Q: When you raised Common what values did you want to instill in him? Dr. Hines: Education was important. It allows you not only to open your mind but also open doors for you that would not necessarily be open if you did not get an education. Q: How were you able to instill those values? Dr. Hines: I provided him with choices that helped him choose reading over TV. We did not have a lot of TV in our house when he was growing up. A lot of the gifts he would get at Christmas, in addition to other things, would be books. So he became a lover of reading at a young age. Q: As an educator yourself, a teacher and a principal, how did you incorporate learning at home? Dr. Hines: We would read together. I would make sure he would do his homework every night. I would support him and help him with it. We didn’t have TV except on the weekends. 16 Parent 2 Parent
Q: Were you able to leverage any of the resources around Chicago? Dr. Hines: Definitely. Libraries were a big thing back then because there was no Internet. We definitely would go to the libraries. We would go to the museums. We would go to the aquarium. Those things themselves were learning experiences for him. Q: What are some strategies you could share with CPS parents that help support their child’s education? Dr. Hines: It is very important that they have books in the home. I think their children should see them reading, especially their younger children. They should read to their children and read with them. Learning should be incorporated into their everyday lives. I used to let my son figure out what a 20 percent tip would be of a total restaurant bill when we went out to eat. Q: How could you advise CPS parents to get involved at the school level? Dr. Hines: I think one of the most important things is that they should know what the kids are supposed to be learning. It’s important parents know what the curriculum is. They don’t have to know everything about how things are taught but they should know what is being taught. When their children come home with homework, depending on the level, they may not be able to help them with all of it, but they should monitor
it. Also, make sure that they contact the teacher before their child has problems. They should know who their teachers are and the teacher should know who they are. Be very supportive of the teacher and never get combative, especially in front of their child. Children should see the teacher and parent as working together. Q: Are there any resources you would recommend that are helpful with parenting? Dr. Hines: Nowadays, there is so much online. If they know what their kids are learning, it is easy to go online and find games that are fun and also correlate with what they are learning. cont. on page 18 Parent 2 Parent 17
“It is more important than anything they have to model behavior that they want to see in their children.” -Dr. Hines
Q: How do you hope the Common Ground Foundation can help CPS students? Dr. Hines: What we are doing right now is supporting them and motivating them to do well in school. We are also exposing students to things that would not necessarily be exposed to the students. For example, we take them away to camp once a year. We have a set curriculum that supports some of the things that students are doing in school. The other thing we do is try to build in a service learning attitude. We have quite a few service learning projects because we also think it’s important that students learn to give back. Q: We know Common’s upcoming movie, Barbershop: The Next Cut, is being released soon. As he’s progressed in his career, how have you seen some of the values and educational lessons you taught him demonstrated? Dr. Hines: At the Golden Globes and at the Academy Awards, he spoke about civil rights and doing the right thing. These were things he learned growing up. Also, as a rapper, he 18 Parent 2 Parent
remembered he must speak the “King’s English” because that’s what I expected from him. He was always articulate and he used his words well. I don’t care what arena you’re in, you must be able to speak well and present yourself well. I see him doing that constantly. He also grew up knowing the importance of giving back and now he does it, not only through his foundation, but in many different ways. Q: Any other advice you want to give to parents in general? Dr. Hines: It is more important than anything they have to model behavior that they want to see in their children. Whether it’s reading, whether it’s speaking correctly, whether it’s what you watch on TV because they are watching you. More than anything, what you want to see from your child, I would say, model that behavior. The most important thing you can model is doing what’s right, respect and love. For more information about the Common Ground Foundation, visit commongroundfoundation.org. Barbershop: The Next Cut is slated to hit theatres April 15, 2016.
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Taking the Lead
Leading BY Example By Rosa Gutierrez, Henry Clay Elementary School / George Washington High School
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osa Gutierrez believes that Chicago Public Schools is a great choice for her and her family. The open door policy allows Gutierrez the opportunity to talk to her children’s teachers and principal. The fact that it is a quality public school with no cost helps elevate the stress on her as a single parent in a one income family household. Being a single parent is difficult at times, but Gutierrez does not let that stand in her way. Gutierrez has been actively involved in the education of her children. She serves as the chair of the Parent Advisory Council, Bilingual Advisory Council and a committee member of the PTA at Clay Elementary School. The Parent Leadership Network meetings exposes Gutierrez to a wealth of knowledge and topics that she then shares with other parents to engage and inform them; some of the topics she’s exposed to include communicating with teachers about your child, how to leverage CPS’ Parent Portal to keep up with your child’s grades, and how to look for signs of cyberbullying. Gutierrez brings back the information to her school to help spread the word about the wonderful happenings in CPS.
Favorite Quote/Mantra:
Gutierrez believes that without her strong faith she would not be the parent and woman she is today.
Gutierrez is currently working on planning the annual book fair and science fair. She also volunteers to chaperone on field trips. Gutierrez prides herself on making sure she’s available whenever the school needs her because she knows how important it is that students of Washington High School have proper role models. She genuinely enjoys working with students and seeing parents participate in after-school programing with their children. As a BAC parent representative, she gets satisfaction in making sure students have access to a variety of opportunities and is involved 20 Parent 2 Parent
in fundraising money to provide the students special learning opportunities. All the hard work and many hours of volunteering at the school are worth it for Gutierrez because she loves to see the happy families and their success from working with school administration. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: Keep the line of communication open with the parents and students.
More than
“A CUP OF Joe”
By Candy Gowdy, Milton Brunson Math & Science Specialty Elementary School Favorite Quote/ Mantra:
W
We are here to mentor
hen Candy Gowdy went to school, she did not have people and resources to assist her. As a result, she is now taking the opportunity to give back to the school her child attends. Gowdy is an advocate for both the parent and students of Milton Brunson, and does whatever she can to support her school. In January 2015, Gowdy became a parent mentor and volunteer at Brunson Elementary. Often times, she would spend the entire day at Brunson making truancy calls to encourage students to come to school. She also can often been seen in the classroom, providing support to teachers across grade levels. By the end of the semester, she served more than 100 volunteer hours in the school. Since Gowdy has a son in 2nd grade at Brunson, she likes being able to be there while he is in school. She is able to have more interaction with him during the day and provides him encouragement with a hug at lunch or afterschool recess. In addition, by being present during the school day, she can have an ongoing dialogue with his teacher, as well as immediately address any behavior issues. Gowdy was nominated to be the parent coordinator, supervises eight parent mentors, is the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) chairperson, and is running for Local School Council (LSC) this year. She actively welcomes parents into the Parent Engagement Center (PEC) at Brunson,
the whole child - mind, body, and spirit.
closely with professional choreographers to gain firsthand experience of what it feels like to be a committed dancer. Along with her PAC colleagues, Gowdy helped create a Parent Cafe and a Kiddie Corner within Brunson’s PEC. This space provides parents and community members a warm and inviting place to sit down and relax with a cup of coffee. To Gowdy, you never know how a person’s day is unless you say “hello”. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: Volunteer. It takes a village - just because it’s not your child, it does not mean you can’t help. By having more parents in the schools, it would have a positive effect on students’ behaviors and attitudes. Parent 2 Parent 21
Helping Out
WHERE IT IS Needed By Anita Campbell, Edward Coles Elementary Language Academy
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s a parent and grandparent of two 6th graders at Edward Coles Elementary School, Ms. Anita Campbell knows what it means to be an engaged parent. She has been volunteering with the school for six years and has served as the Local School Council chairperson for the last five years. She is a staple at Coles. She volunteers at the annual school Book Club to raise funds. She helps decorate the school for Halloween and passes out candy to the students. She volunteers for field trips and assist teachers with grading papers. Campbell is a Certified Nursing Assistant from Englewood, who now lives on the East Side of town and works the late-night shift. She went into nursing because she enjoys helping others. So when she became the mother of a kindergarten student at Coles and realized that they had a huge need for parent volunteers and not enough people willing to help, she knew she had to do something. She became a parent volunteer and then a year later, ran and was elected to Coles’ Local School Council. She gets off of work, takes her daughter and grandson to school and then spends the next few hours working in the school and helping out where she can. Campbell believes in the power of information and knows how valuable it is to have all of the information she’s able to access as a parent volunteer and LSC chairperson. It’s helped her grow as a person and hopefully her story will encourage others to become involved so that they can grow as well. 22 Parent 2 Parent
Favorite Quote/Mantra:
Be involved! Join your school’s Local School Council and let your voice be heard.
Resources & Tips for Other Parents: Campbell believes in gathering as much information as you can from your child’s principal, teacher, and your community because information is power! Utilize this power to help your child be successful.
Engaging the Community
A Quality Education: ONE School AT A TIME By Jose Quiles, Steinmetz College Preparatory High School & Mary Lyon Elementary School
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or 26 years, Jose Quiles has been a community activist who has worked to improve the quality of life of others in the Belmont-Cragin community.  He first became involved when his daughter had to be bused to school because the nearest school was overcrowded. Since he did not want his children to have to travel, he became involved in the Local School Council to advocate for more quality schools in his community. He became chair of the LSC at Steinmetz High School for four terms and Mary Lyons for one term. During his tenure on LSC, he has been a driving force to ensure students get the best education they can. He does this by supporting the development of new schools such as Belmont Cragin Elementary School, Prieto Math and Science Academy and Cameron Elementary school in his community. Quiles is supporting the development of a partnership between Mary Lyons Elementary School, Steinmetz High School and Robert Morris University to provide students information and opportunities to learn about various career fields. By exposing students to different career options in elementary school, they will be able to reinforce their interest in high school. Once in college, students will be more prepared and feel more confident in pursuing whatever field they choose. Quiles believes in the importance of building collaboration between students, parents and schools because what happens in the school affects everybody in the community. Through the 24 Parent 2 Parent
Favorite Quote/ Mantra:
Together we can make a difference.
Education Committee for the Quality of Life for Belmont Cragin, 10 of the 14 schools in the area meet to build collaboration amongst the schools and give the community a voice. By creating a subcommittee to address issues efficiently, Quiles hopes to increase programming and reduce class sizes. Quiles also wants more education for parents and community members such as GED and ESL classes. By helping parents educate themselves, you impact the student because the better educated the parent is, the better able he/she is to support and guide the child in the education process. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: The best thing to do is come in and get involved. These are our kids we have to look out for and if we care about the education of our kids, we can take just a few minutes of our day.
Empowering
A SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO BRIDGE RELATIONSHIPS IN THE CLASSROOM & HOME By Kristin Hovious, Ravenswood Elementary School
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ristin Hovious is an advocate for her children and their schoolmates at Ravenswood Elementary. She knows a high level of parent involvement leads to better outcomes for students. As a result, she works closely with her supportive principal to continue positive progress in her school. Hovious works as the tour guide at Ravenswood, introducing prospective parents to the school community, as well as serving as a resource to make the enrollment process easier. She does this by sending regular email communications to families to inform them of their lottery status. By providing a transparent informational process, it shows that Ravenswood cares about families. When Hovious researched Ravenswood, she noticed parent training was a CIWP (continuous improvement work plan) priority. Hovious was interested in getting involved and now hosts a monthly series of family meetings in the form of the Ravenswood Positive Discipline Book Club. This monthly series is available in the morning and evening, making it accessible to parents with varying schedules. As a parent trainer, she works with the group to bridge what is going on in the classroom with the support parents can provide at home. Since 2014, the Book Club has helped over 50 families build community around stressful times at home. It also has helped parents think about solutions and develop mutually respectful relationships in the household. Hovious also leads a PD Book Club for Ravenswood’s Before and After School Program
Favorite Quote/ Mantra:
Before you complain
Coordinators. The about something, have Club focuses on supporting students to you asked if you can develop self-discipline, volunteer? responsibility, cooperation, and problem solving skills. Since she has been working with the staff, there have been less interruptions at lunch and recess, leading to fewer referrals to the office. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: • It is helpful for parents to understand creating change does not happen quickly. By managing your expectations about the pace of change and focusing on the long term vision, it can alleviate some frustration. • Read and be familiar with school documents (e.g. CIWP, school progress report) and know how school performance is measured. • Stay in contact with your child’s school, attend as many LSC meetings and parent focused meetings (PTA, Friends of, etc.) as you can, and read the school newsletter to stay informed. Parent 2 Parent 25
Paying It Forward
The Passing OF THE Torch
By Edward Ford, Ronald Brown Elementary School & Edgar Allan Poe Elementary School
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dward Ford truly enjoys being a parent. His sons mean more to him than anything else in the world. He gets a great deal of satisfaction from being able to shape and mold his children, as well as teaching them valuable life lessons. He’s proud to send his 3rd grader to Chicago Public School’s Ronald Brown Elementary and his 2nd grader to Edgar Allan Poe Elementary. He too is a product of CPS, and knowing that his children are getting the same values that were instilled in him as a child, makes him feel connected to them in ways he can’t fully describe. Ford values the opportunity to share what he has learned in his experiences in the Chicago Public Schools. Ford has been an engaged parent in his children’s school for the past three years. He’s a firm believer that parents need to stay engaged and informed in order to provide their children the right support and guidance. He tirelessly works to bridge the gap between community and his school. Since serving as the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) chairman for the second year in a row, he has made it his mission to provide parents with access to information to help support their students. Ford ensures that the parent and community members he encounters are given the quality resources to empower their children in the classroom. He also hosted a workshop to expose parents to educational technology, math, and English/language arts. He infused programming to provide important guidance and tips about cyberbullying. Ford is a 28 Parent 2 Parent
Favorite Quote/ Mantra:
Time waits for no man.
cheerleader for the Parent Involvement Council and the Network of Parent Leadership. He knows it takes a village and he’s just trying to do his part to make sure that other parents are as informed as he is. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: •Live your life by the “Five P’s” Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance. •Take the time to get to know your children. Really get to know who they are, what interests they have and what they value. •It takes a village to raise a child.
Time waits for no man.
Advocate
FOR Generations OF CHICAGO’S CHILDREN By Earlean Green, Ella Flagg Young Elementary School, John Marshall Metropolitan High School & Al Raby High School
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arlean Green grew up on the West Side of Chicago and graduated from Marshall High School in 1964. She considered Marshall a second home. Green is a lifelong member of the alumni association and served as the association president for two terms. She is a firm believer in Chicago Public Schools and the quality education it provides to young people. She has been an advocate across the generations including her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is not only concerned about her grandchildren who attend school but also about all the students in the schools that she volunteers in. You will see her in the hallways taking the time to speak with students to find out what is going on with them and just to check in on them. Green was one of the original Local School Council members and has served on the LSC since 1989. Green is extremely excited about the Parent Engagement Center that has opened at Ella Flagg Young. She believes that when parents and community members are actively involved and seen in the school on a regular basis, children will behave in the correct manner. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: Green encourages parents to be involved in LSC and other volunteer opportunities.
Favorite Quote/Mantra:
-Be passionate in what you do. -Each one, teach one. -You are never too old to learn.
She recommends that you find something in the school that needs improving, contact the principal, and collaborate to see how you can use your passion to make improvements for the students. You can utilize your passions for the betterment of the children of Chicago. She strongly suggests that parents research schools that they are interested in their children attending and not just look at the name of the school. Figure out what your children have an interest in and grow that interest. Parent 2 Parent 29
A Beacon OF Hope FOR Generations By Michelle Clark High School, Ella Flagg Young Elementary School
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ary Ann Alexander is a great example of a product of Chicago Public Schools. She has been a resident of Chicago since 1960 and a graduate of John Marshall High School. Alexander has raised seven children, five nieces and nephews and grandchildren who are all products of Chicago Public Schools. She was constantly involved in the school system as all of the children were growing up. Alexander knew the importance of being involved and maintaining positive relationships with the schools. She currently holds the office of chairperson of the Local School Council and the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) organizations. Alexander has always been involved in helping to empower the parents, children and community members. She has been a staple in Michelle Clark and Ella Flagg Young and has volunteered in a myriad of ways throughout the years. In 2013, she started the Young Adults Ministry for women ages 17-50, dedicating her time and energy empowering young woman to become great achievers. Currently dedicating her time to the parents, children and community, she is also looking forward to starting her own business in marketing and sales. Resources & Tips for Other Parents: Alexander’s most important tip for parents is, “Be consistent, dedicated, committed and inspiring to whomever you’re involved with.” She feels that parents must also remember that in order for our children to succeed, they must succeed as parents and as a community. Perseverance is the only key 30 Parent 2 Parent
Favorite Quote/Mantra:
“I do not think that there is any other quality so essential to success of any kind as the quality of perseverance. It overcomes almost everything, even nature.” ~John D. Rockefeller to success. Alexander also tries her hardest to encourage parents to get involved in the parent components of their child’s school. They can join the LSC and/or the NCLB. When they become a parent of these organizations it gives them the chance to have their voices heard and become part of the decision making process to help their child move forward in life.
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