National African American Parent Involvement

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Jan. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) will be observed Monday, February 11, 2008. Parents will be taking their children to school/visiting theirchildren in school in support of this national endeavor to encourage parents to come together in a single setting to promote educational excellence for today’s youths. “Of all the civil rights for which the world has struggled and fought for five thousand years, the right to learn is undoubtedly the most fundamental.” (W.E.B.DuBois). This day is an excellentopportunity for improving home, school and community relations. Ann Arbor (MI) Public Schools principal, Joseph Dulin, founded NAAPID, a nonprofit 501(C) (3), volunteer, national initiative. He conceived the idea of a National African American Parent Involvement Day after accepting the challenge made of them at the Million Man March to return to their individual homes and do more to build, involve and increase their commitment to improving the quality of life in their community, particularly for African Americans. Without question, he credits parent involvement for much of the success that he has experienced as an educator. Further, research supports parental involvement as a viable means of enhancing children’s academic successes. Dulin believes that, “Every parent wants their child to have a better quality of life than they themselves have had. It is the American dream, and for many African Americans, this dream has not been realized as a result of their child’s failure in school. Education is the key to success and parents are educators’ greatest allies.”

While the focus of the day (during Black History month) is primarily focused on African Americans, the purpose and intent of NAAPID is not mutually exclusive. ALL parents are encouraged to participate. This national observation provides a vehicle to open up dialogue among teachers, parents and students that will lead to a more conducive learning environment for every student from kindergarten through college. School districts across the nation are requested to make a special effort to make this day “parent friendly”.

Events and activities for the day are at the discretion of the schools. Things to do can range from classroom visitations to luncheons/dinners to national speakers to weeklong celebrations. Some districts have even formed a coalition to work together to present “NAAPID @ Night” in order to further expand the school day and to allow parents an opportunity to be involved who are unable to attend during regular school hours.

We ask that public and parochial institutions of learning plan to participate in this win/win endeavor. NAAPID needs not only the academic community, but also the “village” as a whole.

PARTICIPATE IN YOUR CIVIL RIGHT TAKE YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL/VISIT YOUR CHILD IN SCHOOL MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2008

For more information or an interview contact: Joseph Dulin at 734.997.1236 or Barbara James at 800.351.4097; FAX 734.997.1903; Web site–www.naapid.org; mailto:E-Mail--info@NAAPID.org