Decatur Public Schools launches program to connect with parents

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — Decatur Public Schools' Parent University is not a new concept, but this year, Superintendent Dr. Rochelle Clark is bringing some new changes. While this program has previously focused on helping parents with tasks like filling out the FAFSA or finding employment, this year the program will include other aspects of parenting.

"Parents may not know how to address your child that may be failing in school, how to work with cell phone issues," said Dr. Clark. "The things that are locked away in cell phones like you may thing you are looking at a calculator, but there may be notes hidden in the app. "

These changes come after several fights within DPS, including one where parents were involved. Dr. Clark said students missed crucial learning during COVID, including social-emotional skills like emotional regulation. The administrator said without parents stepping up, these skills won't be taught to students.

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"If we don't work together, we're going to miss something and we do not want our kids falling through the cracks," said Dr. Clark. "So what we are saying in school, we're actually hoping our parents are saying the same things when they get home."

DPS Parent University — DPS61 Parent University will take place on February 22nd at MacArthur High School from 5-7pm. For more information and to register, click this link.

Dr. Clark said she wants to empower parents to have tough conversations with their kid and be supportive. She also wants to see parents get more involved in schools.

DPS61 Parent University will take place on February 22nd at MacArthur High School from 5-7pm. For more information and to register, click this link.