The Saint Louis Public Schools District (SLPS) has launched an innovative program called Parent University to foster strong partnerships between families and schools, ultimately contributing to student achievement and well-being. The program kicked off at the end of the last school year with a series of events and workshops, culminating in a successful launch on September 5, 2024. With a focus on building momentum and providing valuable resources to parents, Parent University has seen enthusiastic participation from families across the district.
Dr. Latisha Smith, Deputy Chief of Student Support Services, shared insights into the program's development and its positive impact on the SLPS community.
"Our goal was to build excitement and engagement as we approached the launch," said Dr. Smith. "We organized a series of events and workshops throughout the summer, culminating in last night's successful launch on September 5th." Parent University has already seen enthusiastic participation from families across the district, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in providing valuable resources and support.
The summer sessions, which included events such as Baby Arts Play, Phonics and Decoding, and Creating a Literacy-Rich Home, received positive feedback from parents.
"Our parents seem very grateful for the information they received," Dr. Smith explained." They seem very positive about the partnership they felt we were trying to do from the school-to-home perspective. And then they felt very excited about the resources they took home."
The first session of the new school year focused on student well-being, addressing important topics such as social work services, health resources, special education processes, and college and career readiness. Future sessions will cover a wide range of topics, including literacy, data interpretation, and financial literacy. There are even plans for field trips and a panel discussion with principals.
"Our goal is to make sure parents have more tools in their tool belt," Dr. Smith emphasized.
The district is committed to continuous improvement and plans to expand the program. They are exploring different formats, such as online workshops, and are actively seeking feedback from families to shape the program's direction.
"Every way that we can offer learning to families is what we're going to do," Dr. Smith affirmed.
Parent University represents a significant step forward in SLPS's efforts to create a collaborative and supportive environment where families and schools work together to ensure the success of every student.
