Parent Engagement

One of PEN’s core beliefs is that parent and community engagement is essential to building strong schools so all children can reach their potential. Since parent engagement has a direct impact on student academic success, we encourage all parents to engage with their own students, their school community, and/or the district.

Every parent and caregiver is different, but no matter who you are or how much time you have, it’s important to remember that all levels of engagement make a difference. The most fundamental level of engagement centers on your own child, ensuring that they come to school ready to learn. Whether you remain focused on your own student, begin participating in parent organizations or volunteering at your school, or engage with PUSD as a district by participating in district-level parent meetings, PEN can help you find resources and opportunities.

Support Your Student

The more parents are engaged with their student’s education, the more likely the student will be successful in school. The most important role a parent can play is to know what is expected of their student and create an environment that supports learning. This is where your parent engagement journey can start.

Engage with Your School

Engaging with your school can be one of the most rewarding experiences that parents can have. You’ll get to know the staff and families, develop lifelong relationships, and become an active participant in your school community. But most importantly, you’ll be learning and working with diverse groups of parents and staff to create a better school environment for all the children at your school.

Engage with PUSD

Once you’ve gotten involved at the school level, you may want to learn more about PUSD as a school district. Whether that’s understanding governance or school budgets, or even joining a district level committee, this is where you can make a difference not only for your own child, but for all children. Over the years, PEN parents have been some of the most involved parents. They have joined the school board and held many leadership positions for district-level parent groups.