Parent Ambassadors to Help Others Get More Involved in Education

Students whose parents are actively involved in their education and school life are more likely to achieve at higher levels. With that in mind, 14 new Parent Ambassadors are now ready to fan out across the district to encourage and help more parents take a more active role in their children’s education. The new stipended positions are the creation of MVUSD Superintendent Dr. Judy D. White, who wants to reach out to parents according to specific target groups: African-American; Asian; Caucasian; English Language Learner; Foster Parent; GATE Program; Grandparent; Hispanic; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT); Low Socio-Economic; Middle Eastern; Native American; Pacific Islander; and Special Education. “Each of these groups faces both common and unique challenges when it comes to involvement in their children’s education,” she explained. “Our Parent Ambassadors are assigned based on their knowledge and understanding of these groups, and their ability to speak the same language, sometimes quite literally.” Parent Ambassadors will help bring more parents into the decision-making process, a key state expectation under the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and the required Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP), and an important component of MVUSD’s new Strategic Plan. Ambassadors will be especially attuned to helping parents navigate the process for completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form, and arranging for SAT preparation. The ultimate goal for Parent Ambassadors is to help fulfill the district’s mission, which is to ensure all students graduate high school prepared to successful enter into high education and pursue a viable career path.