OCDEL 
October 22, 2013
    
Welcome to the OCDEL Family Engagement Pilot Project eNews

Keeping you up-to-date with what's happening in regards to the OCDEL Family Engagement Pilot Project--upcoming opportunities, accomplishments, and resources you can use! 
   
Celebrating Early Learning: PA's Promise Month Capitol Exhibit and Press Event

 

Four families from across Pennsylvania convened in the Capitol with the Early Childhood Education Caucus on October 16 to share how quality early learning has impacted their children's preparation for school and success in life. Families were joined by nearly 20 legislators, many of whom shared their stories and commitment to quality early education for Pennsylvania's young children.
 
Kurt Kondrich of Pittsburgh, parent co-chair of the State Interagency Coordinating Council, opened the event with some reflections of his daughter Chloe, age 10, who was born with Down Syndrome and thanks to Early Intervention and early childhood education, attends 5th grade at her neighborhood middle school reading at a 5th grade level. Families and legislators followed up with sharing their own stories about the importance of early learning and the impact it has made in their lives.

Read the stories of the families and the support of the legislators, and watch the video of the event on the PA's Promise for Children website. Also find information on how you can help celebrate PA's Promise for Children Month and support quality early learning opportunities in your community. 
  

National PTA Standards: First Steps to Building a Family-School Partnership 

 

The guide from the National PTA Standards will help local school communities implement  programs, practices, and policies that encourage partnerships between families, schools, and communities and promote student success. Use the guide and the supporting resources at the Family-School Partnership resources page to educate your community about the importance of family involvement, and to direct the development of effective partnerships.


Read recommended steps, the Background on the National Standards, and explore the National Standards Implementation Guide and Action Plan Template.

 

  
Team Updates: 
  
logoSupporting their work: The Upper Adams School District has added the PA's Promise for  Children link on their School District. This demonstrates how the Superintendent, Dr. Wes Doll, supports the work done by the pilot group! 
  
Promoting Family Engagement: The Butler Eagle ran this article in the October 15th edition to promote Family Engagement in Celebration of PA's Promise for Children Month.

 


Questions about the OCDEL Family Engagment Pilot Project? Contact us!
  
Sarah Holland at saholland@pa.gov
 or 717.787.8691
Christine Behm at cbehm@pa.gov
or 717.214.5704
Mary Hall at marhal@berksiu.org
or 717.213.2077