Minnesota Parent Center, MN PIRC

Upcoming Events

1. “Making Schools Better” – Dec. 4, 2008
2. “Tips for Talking with Teachers” – Dec. 9, 2008

Free Information for Parents

1. Empowering Parents School Boxes
2. “Parent Pages,” a Quarterly Newsletter for Parents

Announcements and News

1. MN PIRC Staff Attend National Conference on Parental Involvement
2. New Title 1 Regulations Published

Parent Involvement Resources for Professionals

1. Title 1 Parent Involvement Training is Dec. 8 – Register Now
2. Free Parent Involvement Poster
3. Beyond the Building – Quick Activities for School Staff Meetings

Upcoming Events - Free Parent Workshops

“Making Schools Better” – Dec. 4, 2008

When parents and schools work together, children succeed in school. Learn about parents’ rights and responsibilities to be involved in school planning, review, and improvement. It’s from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Waite Park School,1800 34th Ave. NE, Minneapolis. For more information, visit PACER.org/mpc or call 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free in Greater Minnesota). Registration is not necessary.

“Tips for Talking with Teachers” – Dec. 9, 2008

This workshop will cover effective communication with teachers. It’s from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Roseville Library, 2180 N. Hamline, Roseville. For more information, visit PACER.org/mpc or call 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free in Greater Minnesota). Registration is not necessary.

Free Information for Parents

Empowering Parents School Box

This free, easy-to-use booklet contains checklists to ensure that parents and their children are ready to meet the goals of the school year. To order, call 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free in Greater Minnesota), or visit PACER.org/mpc.

MN PIRC “Parent Pages,” a Quarterly Newsletter for Parents

“Parent Pages” is MN PIRC’s quarterly newsletter for parents. This edition highlights state academic standards, graduation standards, and report card grades. Look for “Parent Pages” in your mailbox or download a free copy at PACER.org/mpc.

Announcements and News

For more information visit PACER.org/mpc or call the MN PIRC at 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free in Greater Minnesota).

MN PIRC Staff Attend National Conference

MN PIRC staff recently attended the National Network of Partnership Schools conference in Baltimore, Md. As a member and partner of this group, MN PIRC can provide leadership trainings to establish and improve school, family, and community partnerships. MN PIRC can help build stronger ties between school and home with in-services for school and district staff.

New Title 1 Regulations Published

The U.S. Department of Education has published new Title 1 regulations to the No Child Left Behind Act. Included in the changes: Schools are required to do a thorough job of notifying parents of their options if their school is not meeting its goals, and states must begin using the same federal formula to calculate graduation rates.

Parent Involvement Resources for Professionals

Title 1 Parent Involvement Training – Dec. 8, 2008

This free training on Title 1 parent involvement requirements offers easy methods of evaluation for implementation and effectiveness of parental involvement activities. Participants will leave with a packet of data collection instruments. The training is offered by the MN PIRC and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). It’s from 8:30 to noon, Dec. 8, 2008, at MDE, 1500 Hwy. 36 W., Roseville. Register here.

Parent Involvement Poster Available for Schools and Professionals

The MN PIRC has colorful posters for classroom, schools, and offices with the message that Parent Involvement Matters! Order yours now through the Minnesota Parent Center. Call 952-838-9000 or 800-537-2237 (toll free in Greater Minnesota), or visit PACER.org/mpc.

Beyond the Building: Quick Activities for School Staff Meetings

Use these skill-building activities at staff meetings to increase teachers’ capacity for engaging parents in education. Check out the activities here and please let us know what you think at mnpirc@PACER.org.