Family engagement can take many forms. It may involve activities in the school, at home, or even at another location. There are a variety of ways you can remain informed, prepared, and involved.
Helpful Resources
Grand Rapids Public Schools encourages our families to take advantage of the resources and research dedicated to positive attendance and future success that are available through Parent University.
Parent University is a free resource to families offering classes and resources about many topics to help guide academic success for scholars, including the importance of regular school attendance. Parent University Website: parents.grps.org
Family Support Specialists’ primary focus is to reduce absenteeism by identifying and removing barriers that are keeping children from school. Working directly with families through home visits and other contacts, providing attendance interventions and resources on the whole child is another key factor to support the child. (on electronic version, a list of the Family Support Specialists names, emails, and affiliated schools could be included)
Youth Advocates’ primary focus is to provide support for scholars at risk, their parents, and family members and guardians. Youth Advocates also work with school building staff to advocate for the rights of children at risk. (on electronic version, a list of the Youth Advocate names, emails, affiliated schools could be included)
To help reduce chronic absenteeism our schools utilize a community approach which includes:
- Kent School Services Network (KSSN)
- Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Behavioral Specialist
- Mental Health Services Nurse Services
- Early Warning Systems Attendance/Wheel Meetings
