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Health & Fitness

PTA and Pomona Unified School District empower parents in the School Smarts parent engagement program

PTA is empowering parents to become more involved in their child's education through the School Smarts parent engagement program.

California State PTA, Pomona USD Council of PTAs and Pomona Unified School District (PUSD) are empowering parents to become more involved in their child’s education and advocate for a high-quality, complete education for all children through the School Smarts parent engagement program. This month, more than 30 parents graduated from the inaugural School Smart program at San Antonio Elementary School.

“Research shows that when parents and families are involved, students achieve and have more success in school,” said California State PTA President Carol Kocivar. “Empowering parents and strengthening their connection to their local schools is an essential focus for PTA.”

To promote such parent engagement, the PTA, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, developed the School Smarts program.

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School Smarts includes a campus-wide engagement event and a seven-session Parent Academy, where parents and family members learn more about how to help their children in school, how to become more involved at school, and how to work together to advocate for a quality education for all children.

The School Smarts program was launched in 2010 in 14 pilot schools in four school districts. Now in its third year, the School Smarts Parent Academy is being offered in 29 schools in eight districts including PUSD. PUSD is participating in the academy for the first time. Principal Anna Rico and facilitator Dolores Villasenor partnered with PTA to help deliver the program.

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"Throughout the seven sessions we were amazed at how diligent parents were in taking the activities learned in class and applying them at home with their families,” said facilitator Dolores Villasenor. “The parents truly loved the art and returned to each session with their homework and shared what role their children played in constructing the homework. I especially loved the ‘reflection’ time in writing their personal goals and turning them in to us with much pride!”

The School Smarts graduation event at San Antonio Elementary School buzzed with excitement as school board president Dr. Roberta Perlman addressed the parents. Two graduates also shared remarks with the group, expressing thanks for being given the opportunity to learn how to navigate their school and giving them the tools to help their students succeed.

For more information about California State PTA, please visit www.capta.org.

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