One of the things that matters most in school reform is the opportunity for parents to get more involved in their children’s school and education. My children’s school, Darwin Elementary, along with the Logan Square Neighborhood Association (LSNA) and three other elementary schools formed an Annenberg Challenge Network where one of our main goals was more meaningful parent involvement with students and teachers. It’s the basis for our Parent-Teacher Mentor Program, where parents receive training and then work a minimum of 100 hours a semester in a classroom. At the end of the semester, there’s a graduation for the Parent Mentors and we receive a stipend. It’s been a life-changing experience for me and my kids.
