Over a dozen teachers, parents, administrators, community leaders gathered with consultants Andy Beck and Kathy Flynn Woodland of the School and Main Institute for a strategic planning retreat on June 23, 2016 at Mesa 21 to prepare the Parent Academy for its second year. Student Assignment and Parent Information Director Barbara Allard organized the six-hour session designed to review last year's successes and challenges and to plan for the coming year. The Parent Academy is a district-led, community-driven initiative designed to provide educational resources to parents and families. Academies have been organized in Brockton and Springfield, MA, Providence, RI, Westerly, RI, and Portland, Maine, as well as across the country. Academy courses focus on building capacity in families and empowering them with the information they need to raise their children in a stimulating, proactive and nurturing environment. Click here for a two-and-a-half minute video of the session. Click here for photos and video of a planning meeting in April. For more information about the project, contact Barbara Allard at 508-675-8367.  

(Top row) Over a dozen teachers, parents, administrators, community leaders met at Mesa 21 with consultants Andy Beck and Kathy Flynn Woodland of the School and Main Institute for a strategic planning retreat. (Row two) Fall River Schools' Student Assignment and Parent Information Director Barbara Allard led the discussion with school personnel including Maureen Estes and Michele Dunse. (Row three) Fall River Youth Coordinator Christian McCloskey, United Neighbors of Fall River Executive Director Wendy Garf-Lipp, Children's Museum of Fall River Executive Director Jo-Anne Sbrega, and Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard discuss the project from the point of view of community agencies after Kathy Flynn Woodland of the School and Main Institute outlines the agenda. (Row four) Andy Beck of the School and Main Institute listens as Jessica Rodriguez, center, offers a suggestion. (Row five) Wendy reports for her committee as Barbara and Cameron Kyle from Child and Family Services listen. (Rows six and seven) Andy Beck offers some suggestions for the second year of the project before Barbara outlines the next steps before adjourning.