Some kids view school as an escape from parentdom (I’ll look that one up later).  For my brother and me, however, that wasn’t the case. Our parents were very involved in school. My dad was especially involved. When I wanted to be in the Boy Scouts at John Hopkins, daddy became Scout Master. When I ventured on over to middle school, daddy decided to head up the PTA. And when I made it high school, he decided he needed to head up the PTA there as well! Oh, and when I joined the band, mama decided to hop on the bus as chaperon a few times.

It wasn’t uncommon for me to be on my way to class and bump into my dad. In fact, thanks to my classmates, I’d often hear that he was in the building before I saw him.

What’s the point? Parental involvement is a great motivator for students–not because it scares kids to make good grades, but because it sends a message of caring and expectation. The result: good grades.

Thea Faulkner sent information to me about the Parents for Public Schools of Jackson Leadership Institute.  The Institute is a parent engagement / advocacy training program that gives parents the knowledge, skills, and will to positively impact changes in public education at the school, district, and state level.

The Institute is open to parents, grandparents, community members, and those who work with students in the Greater Jackson area.  Priority is given to parents of current public school children.

This year, Parents for Public Schools is actively recruiting 30 individuals who are eager to learn more about the education system and how they can positively impact it. Training occurs through a series of three, 2-day workshops that occur at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi. Also, the training is free for participants thanks to generous donations to this effort.

Check out the links below if you are interested in participating. Also feel free to spread the word about this program. The deadline to apply is April 18th–so there are only a few more days left!

Leadership Institute Fact Sheet: Download PDF

Leadership Institute Application: Download PDF

If you need additional information, contact Thea Faulkner at (601) 969-6015 or tfaulkner@parents4publicschools.org.