Families and Students Build Connection Through Their School

Education and Family Involvement Goes Hand-in-Hand

National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) is a national call to action to get African American parents more involved in their children’s education. It is an opportunity for schools to open dialogue among teachers, parents, and students, which will lead to a more conducive learning environment for Black students from kindergarten through college. 

John Muir Elementary

Instructional assistant Anisha Noriega organized John Muir’s NAAPID event. As the leader of the school’s Black Excellence Committee, she put together a community-driven career fair, aimed at inspiring all students by exposing them to diverse career paths. Students were able to engage in meaningful interactions and ask questions as they visited different participants. 

“They love it! They’re so happy and encouraged, and they can see who they could be in the future besides the typical football player, basketball star, Beyoncé,” Noriega said. “[They think] ‘Oh, I can be a doctor, I can be a judge, I can be a council member, I can own my own business. I can be in real estate. We’re just showing them all the options that are available to them.” 

John Muir Principal Quinta Thomas said events like this reinforce how important it is for parents to show up. 

“Having parental input and having them involved in the day-to-day aspects of the school is very important,” he said. “It just shows your kids and all kids that you care, and we care, and that we’re all in this together.” 

Orca K-8

It was beautiful affirmation of the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” at the Orca K-8 celebration of National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) in February.  

Mothers, fathers, guardians, extended family, staff, administrators, and students came together to celebrate Black history, Black culture, and parent involvement in their child’s education. 

Families had the opportunity to see first-hand what their children experience and learn in the classroom. They heard from students who shared what their culture means to them, and they had a chance to discuss their students’ dreams and how Orca K-8 is doing in helping their students achieve those dreams. Middle school families and students heard from guest speakers who represented careers in aviation, firefighting, and engineering. 

This special day of family bonding and involvement also included a lunch featuring Somali, Ethiopian, and soul food and the smooth jazz sounds of Principal Beverly Luster playing her rendition of Kenny G’s, You’re Beautiful.