Last week Gary Community School Corporation Manager Dr. Paige McNulty met with a group of parents from various schools to hear concerns and answer questions about programs and events taking place in the district.
Due to the pandemic, guidelines for visitors and building access were modified to ensure the safety of students, staff and faculty.
“Are parents allowed in the schools?” asked LeBarron Burton, Sr., who has five children in the district.
“Yes, parents are welcome to come in the building,” said McNulty. “However, we must follow the COVID-19 protocols in order to keep everyone safe.”
McNulty went on to share that volunteers are limited at this time to minimize the traffic in the building.
Members of the district’s leadership team spent hours with the families discussing how to creatively and safely increase community involvement in the schools. One of the strategies included the development of a district-wide PTA. The district will also host more community-based events allowing parents and students greater interaction.
Saturday, October 23, the District hosted “Trunk or Treat” at West Side Leadership Academy, and all of the schools were involved. Children came dressed in costumes and were able to safely trick or treat at the decorated vehicles of administrators and teachers. The Gary Fire Department participated as a community partner, giving hats and fire safety books to the children. The FACE (Family and Community Engagement) Liaisons gave out books and resources for parents.
“This is exactly the type of camaraderie we talked about having with parents, and it was an amazing turnout,” said McNulty. “It was great to be able to do something fun with our families while letting them know how much we care about their scholars.”
Each school has scheduled parent workshops to engage the families. Parents and guardians interested in future events are encouraged to follow the news provided on the district social media pages, website, monthly newsletter and Skyward. Any families who need assistance with receiving notifications of events may contact the Parent Liaison at their child’s school.
For updates and information, visit garyschools.org.
