News

<![CDATA[Parent Engagement Institute Archive Feed]]> https://us8.campaign-archive.com/feed?u=c663788b8605d683f97b9de1e&id=deeab385f1 Wed, 18 Dec 2024 11:45:23 +0000 Zend_Feed http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss <![CDATA[Tomorrow's the Day! Make Your Voice Heard Across Illinois]]> https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=c663788b8605d683f97b9de1e&id=5b76ae4b66 https://us8.campaign-archive.com/?u=c663788b8605d683f97b9de1e&id=5b76ae4b66 Tomorrow's the Day! Make Your Voice Heard Across Illinois

Election Day is Almost Here! Don’t Miss Your Chance to Vote.

Election Day is tomorrow, and Illinois is ready to make an impact! Across the state, voters are coming together to choose leaders who will shape our schools, communities, and future. For Chicago, this is a historic moment as residents join the rest of Illinois in electing school board members for the very first time. Every vote counts in creating a stronger, more equitable Illinois, from inside the classroom and out into our communities!

Why Your Vote Matters

This election is about all of us. Your vote is crucial in ensuring that every community in Illinois has a say in the future of our schools, neighborhoods, and the support systems our students rely on. By voting, you’re helping build a stronger, more connected Illinois.

Key Information for Voting Tomorrow

  1. Check your voter registration status in Illinois. If you still need to register, you may register in person at your Election Day polling place (with 2 forms of ID, one with a home address)

  1. Confirm your polling place location and hours.

  1. Chicago residents can also participate in the historic school board election as they join the rest of Illinois in selecting local education leaders. Visit our website to learn more.

Two New Videos Highlight PEICC Parents and Leaders Rallying for Change in Chicago’s First-Ever School Board Elections

We’re excited to share two new videos that spotlight the voices and perspectives behind the Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition (PEICC) as we work together for the future of our schools.

Parent Mentors, PEICC, Partner Organizations Hold Forums with Chicago Elected School Board Candidates

On October 18, PEICC and our partner organizations hosted two school board candidate forums on the Northside and Southside for Parent Mentors across Chicago. These forums offered a unique opportunity for Parent Mentors to hear directly from candidates about their visions for the future of Chicago’s public schools.

By engaging in meaningful dialogue, we are collectively working toward a more informed and inclusive school board election process, amplifying the voices of those most impacted by our educational system. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make these events a success!

Let’s Create the Schools Our Communities Deserve

Tomorrow, Illinois stands together. Let’s unite for schools, communities, and a brighter future for all of us across the state. See you at the polls!

The Parent Engagement Institute is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP).
]]> Tomorrow's the Day! Make Your Voice Heard Across Illinois

Election Day is Almost Here! Don’t Miss Your Chance to Vote.

Election Day is tomorrow, and Illinois is ready to make an impact! Across the state, voters are coming together to choose leaders who will shape our schools, communities, and future. For Chicago, this is a historic moment as residents join the rest of Illinois in electing school board members for the very first time. Every vote counts in creating a stronger, more equitable Illinois, from inside the classroom and out into our communities!

Why Your Vote Matters

This election is about all of us. Your vote is crucial in ensuring that every community in Illinois has a say in the future of our schools, neighborhoods, and the support systems our students rely on. By voting, you’re helping build a stronger, more connected Illinois.

Key Information for Voting Tomorrow

  1. Check your voter registration status in Illinois. If you still need to register, you may register in person at your Election Day polling place (with 2 forms of ID, one with a home address)

  1. Confirm your polling place location and hours.

  1. Chicago residents can also participate in the historic school board election as they join the rest of Illinois in selecting local education leaders. Visit our website to learn more.

Two New Videos Highlight PEICC Parents and Leaders Rallying for Change in Chicago’s First-Ever School Board Elections

We’re excited to share two new videos that spotlight the voices and perspectives behind the Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition (PEICC) as we work together for the future of our schools.

Parent Mentors, PEICC, Partner Organizations Hold Forums with Chicago Elected School Board Candidates

On October 18, PEICC and our partner organizations hosted two school board candidate forums on the Northside and Southside for Parent Mentors across Chicago. These forums offered a unique opportunity for Parent Mentors to hear directly from candidates about their visions for the future of Chicago’s public schools.

By engaging in meaningful dialogue, we are collectively working toward a more informed and inclusive school board election process, amplifying the voices of those most impacted by our educational system. Thank you to everyone who joined us to make these events a success!

Let’s Create the Schools Our Communities Deserve

Tomorrow, Illinois stands together. Let’s unite for schools, communities, and a brighter future for all of us across the state. See you at the polls!

The Parent Engagement Institute is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP).
]]> Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:45:09 +0000 <![CDATA[Our Power, Our Schools: Chicago's First School Board Elections]]> https://mailchi.mp/c6a92bc8d2e6/peicc-newsletter-2024 https://mailchi.mp/c6a92bc8d2e6/peicc-newsletter-2024 Our Power, Our Schools: Chicago's First School Board Elections

Our Power, Our Schools: The Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition Gets Out the Vote

For too long, Chicago has been the only city in Illinois without an elected school board—but that’s about to change. During the 2024 General Election on November 5, Chicago voters will elect their school board members for the first time ever.


This moment is about all of us—about building our collective power, ensuring our voices are heard, and shaping the future of education in Chicago and across the state. Every community in Illinois plays a part in creating stronger, more equitable schools for all students.


Join the Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition (PEICC) in an exciting and historic moment. We encourage you to dive into this newsletter to learn more about PEICC’s work, why this election matters, and how you can access valuable resources to make your voice heard this November.

Who We Are

PEICC is a coalition of Parent Mentor community organizations representing Chicago’s largest network of neighborhood school parents. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every community is actively engaged and represented in Chicago’s first-ever school board elections on November 5, 2024.

Our Parent Mentors work in classrooms every day, filling equity gaps with love and attention while striving for the schools and communities our children deserve. Now, it’s time for our schools to reflect the dreams of the neighborhoods they serve.

Watch Our Story

Check out our video to learn more about the faces and voices behind PEICC and why this election is so critical for the future of public education in Chicago. It’s time to co-create the future of our city’s schools—together.

Why This Election Matters

This historic election is our chance to directly influence the future of public education. For the first time, school board members will be elected by the parents, families, and community members of Chicago instead of being appointed. This shift ensures that local voices and concerns are heard at the highest levels of education leadership, bringing greater transparency and accountability.


The election will be held across multiple districts, each representing the diverse communities of our city. Your vote will decide who will represent your district on the school board, a step forward in creating a more equitable and inclusive educational system for all.

Get Prepared to Vote: Essential Information and Resources

We’ve gathered all the essential tools and information to help you participate in this historic election. Visit our resources page to:

  • View the Sample Ballot and Candidate List

  • Explore Proposed District Boundaries and Parent Mentor Program Schools

  • Register to Vote and Find Your District

  • And much more!

Map of Chicago Parent Mentor Program Schools by School Board Districts

This map highlights Chicago schools in the Parent Mentor Program within the boundaries of the new school board districts. Use it to find your school’s district and stay informed ahead of the upcoming Chicago school board elections.

School Board Candidate Forums for Chicago Parent Mentors This Friday

Join us on Friday, October 18, for school board candidate forums hosted by PEICC and our partner organizations. With concurrent forums on the Northside and Southside, this is our chance to hear directly from candidates and learn about their vision for the future of Chicago’s public schools.

Other Key Dates You Need to Know

  • October 3 – Early in-person voting begins in downtown Chicago

  • October 18 – PEICC Southside & Northside ESB Candidate Forums

  • October 21 – Early voting in all 50 wards of Chicago

  • October 31 – Vote By Mail Application Deadline

  • November 5 – General Election Day

Let’s Create the Schools Our Communities Deserve

This election is more than just a vote; it’s an opportunity to reshape the future of education in Chicago. We invite you to join PEICC and take an active role in making history.

The Parent Engagement Institute is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP).
]]> Our Power, Our Schools: Chicago's First School Board Elections

Our Power, Our Schools: The Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition Gets Out the Vote

For too long, Chicago has been the only city in Illinois without an elected school board—but that’s about to change. During the 2024 General Election on November 5, Chicago voters will elect their school board members for the first time ever.


This moment is about all of us—about building our collective power, ensuring our voices are heard, and shaping the future of education in Chicago and across the state. Every community in Illinois plays a part in creating stronger, more equitable schools for all students.


Join the Parent Engagement Institute Chicago Coalition (PEICC) in an exciting and historic moment. We encourage you to dive into this newsletter to learn more about PEICC’s work, why this election matters, and how you can access valuable resources to make your voice heard this November.

Who We Are

PEICC is a coalition of Parent Mentor community organizations representing Chicago’s largest network of neighborhood school parents. Our mission is simple but powerful: to ensure that every community is actively engaged and represented in Chicago’s first-ever school board elections on November 5, 2024.

Our Parent Mentors work in classrooms every day, filling equity gaps with love and attention while striving for the schools and communities our children deserve. Now, it’s time for our schools to reflect the dreams of the neighborhoods they serve.

Watch Our Story

Check out our video to learn more about the faces and voices behind PEICC and why this election is so critical for the future of public education in Chicago. It’s time to co-create the future of our city’s schools—together.

Why This Election Matters

This historic election is our chance to directly influence the future of public education. For the first time, school board members will be elected by the parents, families, and community members of Chicago instead of being appointed. This shift ensures that local voices and concerns are heard at the highest levels of education leadership, bringing greater transparency and accountability.


The election will be held across multiple districts, each representing the diverse communities of our city. Your vote will decide who will represent your district on the school board, a step forward in creating a more equitable and inclusive educational system for all.

Get Prepared to Vote: Essential Information and Resources

We’ve gathered all the essential tools and information to help you participate in this historic election. Visit our resources page to:

  • View the Sample Ballot and Candidate List

  • Explore Proposed District Boundaries and Parent Mentor Program Schools

  • Register to Vote and Find Your District

  • And much more!

Map of Chicago Parent Mentor Program Schools by School Board Districts

This map highlights Chicago schools in the Parent Mentor Program within the boundaries of the new school board districts. Use it to find your school’s district and stay informed ahead of the upcoming Chicago school board elections.

School Board Candidate Forums for Chicago Parent Mentors This Friday

Join us on Friday, October 18, for school board candidate forums hosted by PEICC and our partner organizations. With concurrent forums on the Northside and Southside, this is our chance to hear directly from candidates and learn about their vision for the future of Chicago’s public schools.

Other Key Dates You Need to Know

  • October 3 – Early in-person voting begins in downtown Chicago

  • October 18 – PEICC Southside & Northside ESB Candidate Forums

  • October 21 – Early voting in all 50 wards of Chicago

  • October 31 – Vote By Mail Application Deadline

  • November 5 – General Election Day

Let’s Create the Schools Our Communities Deserve

This election is more than just a vote; it’s an opportunity to reshape the future of education in Chicago. We invite you to join PEICC and take an active role in making history.

The Parent Engagement Institute is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP).
]]> Thu, 17 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000 <![CDATA[PEI Announces New Co-Director 🙌🎉]]> https://mailchi.mp/0cf4c0e65ecd/pei-newsletter-september-2024 https://mailchi.mp/0cf4c0e65ecd/pei-newsletter-september-2024 PEI Announces New Co-Director 🙌🎉

ANNOUNCING NEW LEADERSHIP MODEL AT PEI

PEI Welcomes Adriana Velázquez of SWOP as New Co-Director, Partnering with Palenque LSNA’s Bridget Murphy

Dear Parent Mentor Family,


Welcome, and welcome back to a new school year! Let’s recognize the 300+ unstoppable Parent Mentor coordinators and organizers who are in our schools and out pounding the pavement this month to recruit and onboard the 30th Class of Parent Mentors! (Yes, you heard that right—we are kicking off the 30th Year of the Parent Mentor Program!)

We are excited to announce that the Parent Engagement Institute has transitioned to a co-director leadership model, and we are thrilled to (re)introduce Adriana Velázquez in her new role as Co-Director of the Parent Engagement Institute.

Adriana Velázquez arrives at the co-director role deeply steeped in PEI experience and values. For the last 12 years, she has walked in the shoes of Parent Mentor Coordinator, Parent Mentor Organizer, and most recently as Program Support Manager at the Parent Engagement Institute. Adriana is a seasoned community organizer and a proud Back of the Yards resident. She has honed her organizing skills for over a decade, connecting the Parent Mentor Program and her many skills and talents to parent leadership development and immigrant justice.

Whether it’s your first year or your 30th year with the Parent Mentor Program, or whether you are starting a career in education or learning about historic school board elections, we know it is going to be a school year to remember!


Grateful to be in this work with you,

The PEI Team

VIDEO PREMIERE

Watch the Premiere of PEI's 2024 Video Showcasing Powerful Parents, Organizers, Educators Behind Ladders of Opportunity Paraprofessional Pathway Program

This is a 10 second preview for a video about an education career pathway program at the Parent Engagement Institute called Ladders of Opportunity.

The Ladders of Opportunity Paraprofessional Pathway Program provides a route for Parent Mentors to advance their roles in schools and pursue careers in education. The video highlights how this program empowers parents to build on their existing involvement in the classroom, offering opportunities to become paraprofessionals through training and mentorship. Featuring interviews with former Parent Mentors and insights from community organizers and school administrators, the video showcases the transformative impact of the program.


Through this initiative, parents gain paraprofessional credentials, allowing them to offer more personalized support to students, and in turn, strengthening school communities. The video underscores the deep connection between empowered parents and successful students, illustrating how Ladders of Opportunity creates a pipeline for career development while fostering strong parent engagement.


Community organizers and educators also advocate for the program's continuation and expansion, emphasizing its potential to address staffing needs by investing in the talents and dedication of local community members. The initiative exemplifies the power of nurturing local talent to fill critical educational roles, proving that when you invest in the community, everyone benefits.


We would like to extend a special thank you to the dedicated individuals who contributed to this project:

  • Perkins Bass Elementary School: Ms. Carolyn Jones, Ms. White, and Ovanni Vaughn

  • Teamwork Englewood: Sabrina Jackson

  • Marvin Camras Elementary School: Clariza Dominici and Filiberto Leyva

  • Northwest Center: Veronica Tabares

Click the button below to watch the video and experience the impact firsthand!

ORGANIZING OUR DREAM SCHOOLS

Who are PEICC?

We are on a mission to make sure our communities are actively engaged in Chicago’s first school board elections. PEICC is a coalition of Parent Mentor community organizations representing Chicago’s largest network of neighborhood school parents.


In the Parent Mentor Program, we roll up our sleeves every day to volunteer in classrooms, filling equity gaps by giving love and attention to our students while we work together towards our dream schools and communities.


It is time for our schools and communities to help co-create the future of public education in our city.

If we plant the seeds of love, healing, and knowledge, we will see them blossom and grow our communities together!

Learn more about Chicago’s Elected School Board on Chalkbeat Chicago.

KICKING OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR

Celebrating Learning and Connection: A Recap of Our Orientation, Train-the-Trainer, and Annual Kick-Off Events!

In August and September, we launched our annual series of events to kick off the new school year and strengthen the Parent Mentor Program. Our Orientation provided coordinators and organizers with essential training on policies, procedures, and the program’s vision. Following that, Train-the-Trainer 101 offered participants hands-on experience in facilitating the PMP curriculum, focusing on relationship building and growth. Finally, the Annual Kick-Off Celebration brought everyone together in person to celebrate, reconnect, and energize our community for the year ahead. See photos from our kick-off event below.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

List of Upcoming Fall Events

  • Wednesday, October 9: Classroom Orientation

  • Wednesday, October 16: Quality Questions

  • Wednesday, October 23: Reading to Rise Up

  • Wednesday, October 30: Safe Space

  • Wednesday, November 6: Social Emotional Support

  • Wednesday, November 13: Disability Learning

  • Wednesday, November 20: Organizing 101 Pt. I

All workshops take place on Zoom and are offered at two times:

  • 11:30 am - 1:00 pm:English, Spanish, Mandarin or Arabic

  • 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm:English or Spanish.

Parent Mentor helping one of her students with a classroom activity at Gale Academy.

The Parent Engagement Institute is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP).
]]> PEI Announces New Co-Director 🙌🎉

ANNOUNCING NEW LEADERSHIP MODEL AT PEI

PEI Welcomes Adriana Velázquez of SWOP as New Co-Director, Partnering with Palenque LSNA’s Bridget Murphy

Dear Parent Mentor Family,


Welcome, and welcome back to a new school year! Let’s recognize the 300+ unstoppable Parent Mentor coordinators and organizers who are in our schools and out pounding the pavement this month to recruit and onboard the 30th Class of Parent Mentors! (Yes, you heard that right—we are kicking off the 30th Year of the Parent Mentor Program!)

We are excited to announce that the Parent Engagement Institute has transitioned to a co-director leadership model, and we are thrilled to (re)introduce Adriana Velázquez in her new role as Co-Director of the Parent Engagement Institute.

Adriana Velázquez arrives at the co-director role deeply steeped in PEI experience and values. For the last 12 years, she has walked in the shoes of Parent Mentor Coordinator, Parent Mentor Organizer, and most recently as Program Support Manager at the Parent Engagement Institute. Adriana is a seasoned community organizer and a proud Back of the Yards resident. She has honed her organizing skills for over a decade, connecting the Parent Mentor Program and her many skills and talents to parent leadership development and immigrant justice.

Whether it’s your first year or your 30th year with the Parent Mentor Program, or whether you are starting a career in education or learning about historic school board elections, we know it is going to be a school year to remember!


Grateful to be in this work with you,

The PEI Team

VIDEO PREMIERE

Watch the Premiere of PEI's 2024 Video Showcasing Powerful Parents, Organizers, Educators Behind Ladders of Opportunity Paraprofessional Pathway Program

This is a 10 second preview for a video about an education career pathway program at the Parent Engagement Institute called Ladders of Opportunity.

The Ladders of Opportunity Paraprofessional Pathway Program provides a route for Parent Mentors to advance their roles in schools and pursue careers in education. The video highlights how this program empowers parents to build on their existing involvement in the classroom, offering opportunities to become paraprofessionals through training and mentorship. Featuring interviews with former Parent Mentors and insights from community organizers and school administrators, the video showcases the transformative impact of the program.


Through this initiative, parents gain paraprofessional credentials, allowing them to offer more personalized support to students, and in turn, strengthening school communities. The video underscores the deep connection between empowered parents and successful students, illustrating how Ladders of Opportunity creates a pipeline for career development while fostering strong parent engagement.


Community organizers and educators also advocate for the program's continuation and expansion, emphasizing its potential to address staffing needs by investing in the talents and dedication of local community members. The initiative exemplifies the power of nurturing local talent to fill critical educational roles, proving that when you invest in the community, everyone benefits.


We would like to extend a special thank you to the dedicated individuals who contributed to this project:

  • Perkins Bass Elementary School: Ms. Carolyn Jones, Ms. White, and Ovanni Vaughn

  • Teamwork Englewood: Sabrina Jackson

  • Marvin Camras Elementary School: Clariza Dominici and Filiberto Leyva

  • Northwest Center: Veronica Tabares

Click the button below to watch the video and experience the impact firsthand!

ORGANIZING OUR DREAM SCHOOLS

Who are PEICC?

We are on a mission to make sure our communities are actively engaged in Chicago’s first school board elections. PEICC is a coalition of Parent Mentor community organizations representing Chicago’s largest network of neighborhood school parents.


In the Parent Mentor Program, we roll up our sleeves every day to volunteer in classrooms, filling equity gaps by giving love and attention to our students while we work together towards our dream schools and communities.


It is time for our schools and communities to help co-create the future of public education in our city.

If we plant the seeds of love, healing, and knowledge, we will see them blossom and grow our communities together!

Learn more about Chicago’s Elected School Board on Chalkbeat Chicago.

KICKING OFF THE SCHOOL YEAR

Celebrating Learning and Connection: A Recap of Our Orientation, Train-the-Trainer, and Annual Kick-Off Events!

In August and September, we launched our annual series of events to kick off the new school year and strengthen the Parent Mentor Program. Our Orientation provided coordinators and organizers with essential training on policies, procedures, and the program’s vision. Following that, Train-the-Trainer 101 offered participants hands-on experience in facilitating the PMP curriculum, focusing on relationship building and growth. Finally, the Annual Kick-Off Celebration brought everyone together in person to celebrate, reconnect, and energize our community for the year ahead. See photos from our kick-off event below.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

List of Upcoming Fall Events

  • Wednesday, October 9: Classroom Orientation

  • Wednesday, October 16: Quality Questions

  • Wednesday, October 23: Reading to Rise Up

  • Wednesday, October 30: Safe Space

  • Wednesday, November 6: Social Emotional Support

  • Wednesday, November 13: Disability Learning

  • Wednesday, November 20: Organizing 101 Pt. I

All workshops take place on Zoom and are offered at two times:

  • 11:30 am - 1:00 pm:English, Spanish, Mandarin or Arabic

  • 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm:English or Spanish.

Parent Mentor helping one of her students with a classroom activity at Gale Academy.

The Parent Engagement Institute is a partnership between Palenque LSNA and the Southwest Organizing Project (SWOP).
]]> Mon, 30 Sep 2024 12:30:00 +0000