Last week, we had a very informative VIP (Very Important Parents) Parent Committee Institute led by T/TAS specialists, Dr. Robin Gadsden-Dupree and Krystal Lindsey. Robin and Krystal always provide relevant educational information and valuable personal experience to their trainings. Another part of the virtual training that contributes to the learning experience is the information shared between programs. Below are a few ideas that came from the attendees that help with parent committee participation in their programs:
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Create a coffee cafe or Parent Cafe. |
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Teachers keep children busy and monitored while parents participate in a "Parent Power" committee and then combine for a family activity. |
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One program offers three special parent meetings throughout the school year- a Winter art show in December, a dance party in February, and a family celebration at the end of the year. |
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Throw a Disney-themed dance party with Disney-themed food. |
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Host a Potluck in the Park where the program provides the main dish, and the parents bring sides and share all their different cultures. |
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Offer gift cards for teachers with the most attendance. |
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Sponsor family raffle baskets where names are chosen at the end of the meeting. |
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Partner with local university/culinary school/SNAP program and/or local extension office and offer cooking classes. |
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Go on a parent field trip to a school board meeting. |
We hope you find some of these ideas to be useful for your program or inspire you to come up with some ideas of your own.
