Parenting is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs. It is filled with busy evenings, running from one activity to the next, helping kids with homework and countless other tasks. Amidst those busy times, we find ourselves wondering, am I doing enough? Did I ask them about the friend they were struggling with? Did I email the teacher today about that missing assignment? Did I remember to grab new pants since they grew several inches (I swear it was overnight)? Somewhere in the middle of all that, we’re hoping our kids feel loved — even if we forgot the pants.
As parents, we all have something in common: we want the very best for our children. It’s easy to forget, but one of the most powerful tools we have is simply showing up. When kids see their parents show up, they begin to build an inner voice that tells them, “You matter”. And when parents show up together in school environments it sends an even bigger message — that not only do they matter but their school matters, their teachers matter and this community partnership matters.
Often, we as parents see school engagement as just one more thing to add to an already overflowing list of commitments. Juggling so many different hats can make getting involved feel overwhelming. But the beautiful thing about engagement is that it’s meant to fit the talents and time each of us has. For example, my kids know that I’ll show up to make copies for teachers every week and send in supplies when needed, but they also know they’ll never find me chaperoning a field trip — and that’s okay! Through conversations with other parents, I’ve learned that every one of us has something different to offer and we all fit together like a parent engagement puzzle. One parent thrives on field trips, another rocks at sending in supplies and someone else supports the school by buying cookie dough during a PTO fundraiser. Engagement comes in many forms. It could simply look like chatting and building community with other parents at pick up, or stepping in and helping one another when the schedules get tricky.
Showing up and engaging at our kids’ schools is important, but showing up together as a community is even more powerful. When we show up as a community, it gives our kids a sense of stability and belonging.
When my son was in first grade, one of his biggest fears was not being picked up from school or being forgotten (I credit this to watching Home Alone several times during the holiday break)! Even after countless reassurances that I would never forget him, that worry still lingered. One day at pick up, I asked him to look around. Look at all the trusted adults here - friendly faces of teachers, staff, friends’ parents, grandparents and crossing guards. I told him, “This is an entire community and they are all here for you!” I reminded him that no matter what, he would never be alone while at school, because all of these adults cared about him and would make sure he was safe, even if I couldn’t be there at the moment.
Parents and guardians also have the opportunity to participate in the civic life and engagement of our district. The Peoria United Parent Council (PUPC) was formed to bring representatives from every school together to collaborate around the well-being and education of our children. This group is special because it celebrates the uniqueness of each school and neighborhood, while uniting around one shared goal: helping kids thrive. Through thoughtful conversations and listening with the intent to learn, we can use our collective voices to help shape our kids’ educational experiences. Recognizing time barriers and the need for accessibility, PUPC holds just four large meetings a year at different locations around the district. Parents have an opportunity to have discussions to collaborate on topics that affect families most.
Some parents show up to every event in person, while others contribute in quieter, but just as meaningful ways, like reviewing bylaw changes or sending feedback via email. One thing is for sure — PUPC needs what you have to offer! It takes many hands to build a community of parents for the fourth largest school district in Arizona. PUPC is about building connections, not conflict, and everyone is welcome. When families partner with schools and with each other, students thrive. We invite you to find a place to plug in and experience the power of community and engagement.
Read the latest edition of unifiED magazine at www.peoriaunified.org/unified.