Gov. Heineman Proclaims October Parental Involvement Month

(Omaha, Neb.) PHOTOS -Gov. Dave Heineman today signed a proclamation declaring October to be Parental Involvement in Education Month. For the second year in a row, he visited a Nebraska elementary school to highlight the importance parents can have on their child’s education. 

Belvedere Elementary in Omaha is one of 37 schools in the state participating in the Nebraska Parental Information & Resources Center (PIRC) program. An effort is underway to expand the number of PIRC programs to 72 Nebraska schools.

“It is important that as parents, we take every opportunity to be more actively engaged in our children’s learning,” Gov. Heineman said. “Setting high expectations, meeting with teachers and taking an active interest in their educational achievements are some of the best ways to ensure that each student is on track to meet their educational goals. I hope more parents will take this opportunity to contact their children’s schools to find out what resources exist to help them get more actively involved in their student’s learning and school activities.”

The Governor’s visit to one of Nebraska’s PIRC schools is part of a larger effort to draw attention to the need for parents to be more involved in their children’s education and promote resources already available in Nebraska schools to help parents play a bigger role in their child’s education.

The PIRC program provides information and resources to parents and educators to help strengthen partnerships between schools and families. Each PIRC maintains a library of resources and is supported by a network of educators, administrators, communities groups and family representatives. PIRC advisory councils typically consist of a school principal, several parents and teachers, as well as representatives from early childhood and after school programs.

Nebraska State PIRC Director Dr. Lisa St. Clair said, “These councils connect the school and those in the community to support each child from birth through high school and beyond. These supports help ensure that every child can be successful.”

The state PIRC effort is supported by the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation, Munroe-Meyer Institute/University of Nebraska Medical Center, and the Nebraska Department of Education.