November is Parent Engagement Month, and Atlanta Public Schools will join school districts across the nation as we recognize the contributions of parents, families, and community in student growth and achievement.
The APS Office of Family Engagement will host the second annual Parent and Family Engagement Conference (Nov. 16-19), featuring a plethora of virtual sessions for families.
“The Parent and Family Engagement Conference is an opportunity for all families, employees, students, and community partners to continue relationship building,” said Keasha Copeland, director of Family Engagement. “This year’s theme, ‘Together, We Are One- Family, School, Community (Juntos somos Un- Familia, Escuela y Comunidad),’ highlights our vision. We are motivators for families to become champions who support student success.”
To learn more and register for Parent and Family Engagement Conference sessions listed below, click here (English) or click here (Spanish).
Handle with Care: Grandparents Online!
Monday, Nov. 16, 5-6 p.m.
Danielle Stewart and Jason Allen of Community Empowerment, Inc. and Lillie’s Foundation will provide tips and strategies to grandparents raising school-aged children in the following areas: self-care, technology and education.
The Possibilities are Unlimited
Monday, Nov. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Special Education is not a place but a service or a list of services designed to help students reach their full potential. Join Edith Abakare from the Atlanta Public Schools Department of Special Education on a journey of exploration of the many services that are available for students in schools and their communities.
Virtual Family Game Night Fun!
Tuesday, Nov.17, 5–6 p.m.
Many of our social calendars went from jam-packed to wide open. Just because you are staying home does not mean that you have to cancel game night. With so many video chat options available today — services like Zoom, FaceTime, and Skype — there are tons of opportunities to stay connected and to nurture creativity and family engagement. Join Shirley Pattman-Stubbs and Dr. Quail Arnold from the Atlanta Public Schools Gifted Department for some Virtual Family Game Night Fun!
Supporting Your Grieving Student
Tuesday, Nov. 17, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Liz Carson from Kate’s Club will lead this session in support of parents and navigating their own grief while meeting the needs of their children. You will walk away with strategies and resources related to grief as well as general parenting. Also discuss special considerations for COVID-19 as well as grief during the holiday season.
Talk with Me Baby
Wednesday, Nov. 18, 5–6 p.m.
Amanda Bisgaard from Hands on Atlanta will lead this session geared towards parents, family members, and caregivers of children ages 0-5. Learn why early language is important and get tips to increase early literacy and set children up for school and future success.
Mindful Living 365
Wednesday, Nov. 18, –6:30-7:30 p.m.
Ottavia Lang (Atlanta Public Schools- Burgess Peterson) will address the importance of mindfulness and how to navigate consciously through every season of the year. The session will highlight seasonal affective disorder and how to manage from season to season. There will also be techniques and tips to include breathing methods, meditation, sound therapy and other practices to relax the body and mind and reduce stress. A sound bath therapy meditation with crystal quartz singing bowls and Tibetan singing bowls will close out the session.
The Challenge of the Males Presence in Education
Thursday, Nov. 19, 5-6 p.m.
Chris Williams of MBM Consulting will provide tips and lead this transparent conversation regarding the presence of fathers in schools.
Desde mi rancho a su casa/ From my hometown to yours
Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Betsy Cowell, Kataya Orozco, Luz Baqueiro and Joana Garcia from the APS Office of ESOL and World Languages Department presents this interactive, virtual event in Spanish with English translation, focusing on the trans-national public education experience between Latin-American and the U.S. During this event, parents and families will have the opportunity to illustrate their lived experience through an array of culturally relevant methods. Thus, creating a space for open dialogue, shared knowledge, and insight into the world of public education through a trans-national lens.
Talk Up APS 