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Grand Rapids Parent UniversityGrand Rapids Parent University

About Parent University

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In 2010, passionate parents attending a Believe 2 Become community meeting responded to the question, “How do we help our children reach their full potential?”

With the guidance of LINC Community Revitalization, one group of parents formed an action group called Parent University.

In 2012, several of the parent-leaders joined a more expansive design team to create the framework and a robust offering of classes for Parent University. This design team of parents, aided by Evolve!, Believe 2 Become, Grand Rapids Public Schools, LINC Community Revitalization, Kent School Services Network, and Creative Change Mission, spent more than 100 hours putting the details together for a 2013 fall launch.

As articulated by the parents, the Parent University vision is to “Help parents be strong advocates of their children’s success.” The parent and community steering committee of Parent University welcomes everyone to join the ranks of Power Parents, helping children succeed.

Want to submit a course proposal?

Are you a local organization, parent, teacher, school leader, or other community partner interested in contributing to Parent University in the future? Submit your course proposal online today.
Submissions are reviewed by the Parent University Curriculum Review Committee. The Committee convenes as needed for the purpose of reviewing and selecting courses for Parent University.

Criteria for course selection are as follows:
Course must address at least one of the four areas of focus:

  • Effective Parenting
  • Personal Growth and Development
  • Navigating the Educational System
  • Health and Wellness
  1. Course uses researched, evidence-based curriculum and information.
  2. Course defines a skill or enhances awareness students will take away from their experience.
  3. Course is culturally sensitive and content is inclusive.
  4. Course is relevant, current, interesting, and addresses the needs of families.

Click here to submit your course proposal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do classes cost?
All Parent University classes are free of charge for current and prospective GRPS parents and GRPS volunteers
Are the classes available in Spanish?
Many classes will be available in Spanish, as indicated in the course list. If the expected audience will have Spanish speaking parents in attendance we will either have a Spanish speaking presenter or a translator. The school office will be able to confirm this.
Where are the classes located?
Parent University is not a location. Parent University classes are held at Grand Rapids Public Schools or Community partner organizations. Schools can request classes to be held at their school by calling the Family and Community Engagement Office at 616-819-1977. A list of courses currently being offered are listed under the Courses tab on our website. Additional topics can be requested by the school.
Is child care provided? Can I take my children along to the class?
Childcare may be offered for some classes. For up to date information, please call the Family and Community Engagement Office at 616-819-1977. Unless childcare is provided, it is best for you and the other parents if children do not attend the classes.
Will I receive a confirmation notice after I register on the site?
You should receive a welcome email from the Parent University office after registering. We will send periodic emails about upcoming Parent University events as well. Your information is not shared with anyone outside the GRPS district or Parent University program.
Do I need to register for the classes?
Most of our classes are held at your local school and you don’t need to register. You can just show up. Some classes require you to contact the school office to register such as the Basic Skills Computer Classes, the ESL classes, and the Cooking Matters class. Community based classes such as the Play & Learn classes have their own registration at the class. If you have any questions please call the Family and Community Office at 819-1977.
Do I need to take anything along?
All materials that you need will be supplied at the class, except for a pencil or pen for taking notes.
Do I get any credit for taking these classes?
At this time classes do not offer credit. We hope that future classes will provide GED credit, early college credit or job- training accreditation.
What if I have other questions?
You can call the Family and Community Engagement Office at 616-819-1977 at any time.

Who are the teachers? Are they professionals?
All Parent University teachers are professionals in their field. They are either GRPS department experts or experts from the community.

Translators

Please note that classes offered in English will have a Spanish translator if Spanish speaking parents are expected to attend. Likewise, if a Spanish class expects English speaking parents to attend, a translator will be provided. Parents are always welcome to bring along a personal translator, as well.

Your Grand Rapids Public Schools office of parent engagement

Mel Atkins
Executive Director of Community and Student Affairs
Atkinsme@grps.org

Emmanuel Armstrong
Counseling Coordinator / Head of Parent Engagement Office
Armstronge@grps.org

Jan Wilkins
Parent Engagement Coordinator
Wilkinsj@grps.org

Edna Stewart
Supervisor of Community and Student Services
Stewarte@grps.org

Nikki Tardy
Generalist of Community and Student Services
Tardyn@grps.org

Parent Engagement Office
parentengagement@grps.org
(616) 819-1977

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