PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The School District of Philadelphia hosted a family engagement conference to provide resources and support for families and students.
Parent Nicole Blackmon says experts were available to talk about literacy, legal help, academic and wellness information, as well as other resources and support for families and students.
“There's so much more happening in Philadelphia than I even knew about,” Blackmon said. “I didn't really know a lot about the specialties programs. I didn't know a lot about the different literacy programs that they have for children. … A lots of different things that I didn't even know about.”
Tempest Burgess, with the district’s Office of Family and Community Engagement, says it’s much more productive to host a family conference than it is to just send home flyers about school district and city programs.
“To get them in front of the content experts to ask the questions that they need to ask, as well as be in an interactive environment — we hosted it on a Saturday, so they're able to bring their children with them.”
Burgess said it’s easier for parents to get information from real people than it is to navigate a website or try to get information on the phone.
“They are with the actual content experts. They're able to address any questions they have right there on the spot. Unfortunately, sometimes, when they call down to our office, they get to a call center person that isn't that expert or in that actual category or whatever the need is that their family has,” Burgess said.
Ivy Harris says she found the conference helpful to help navigate choices her daughter will have to make next year.
“We get ready for school selection for high school. I have more clarity than I had coming in the building. And just great that this is here and I wish that more families take advantage of it.”
Burgess says the next family engagement conference will be held on Nov. 18.