Special events were held in every building to recognize the day
Ann Arbor Public Schools celebrated NAAPID (National African American Parent Involvement Day) with special events across the district today, with each school choosing its own way to showcase community engagement and cultural celebration.
Parents were invited to the buildings for a variety of activities, often beginning with a continental breakfast.
Inspired by the Million Man March, National African American Parent Involvement Day was launched in 1995 by the late Joe Dulin, who at the time was the principal of AAPS’ Roberto Clemente Student Development Center. He aimed to encourage parents to practice the goals of NAAPID, which include:
- Promote African American parent involvement in their child’s education.
- Promote and provide strategies for African American parents and students to take full advantage of the educational process at all levels of the educational system (preschool through post-secondary).
- Identify and develop partnership efforts among all community sectors (business, school, home, etc.).
- Create a national network at the state and local levels to achieve the mission and goals of NAAPID.
- Offer educational workshops, seminars, and institutes about parental involvement and eliminating achievement disparities.
- Establish an annual National African American Parent Involvement Day celebration on the second Monday in February.
Scarlett Middle School teacher Leslie Baugh said the day was a big success, and that about 80 families participated this year, making it one of the best-attended events.
“A lot of collaboration went into the event,” she said. “Our Black Student Union members took on leadership roles, greeting and escorting families to the library. The families that attended my class with their student or stopped by to hi, were uplifted, inspired, and well fed by locally-owned and operated BBQ from the family of a former Scarlett Roadrunner! I continue to be proud of our students, our extended and ever-growing Scarlett community, and my amazing colleagues.”
The following are just a few highlights of the day this year:
At Thurston Elementary, parents were invited to a special day featuring a student assembly, classroom volunteering opportunities, parent resource sessions, and a luncheon. Bach Elementary offered parents a warm welcome with coffee and conversation, followed by classroom visits and a special performance by legendary local musician Vincent York’s Jazzistry.
Burns Park Elementary focused on family lunch dates, while King School created a comprehensive celebration. They began with a continental breakfast and filled the day with rich cultural activities. Classrooms featured read-aloud sessions about Black History Month, social justice, and diversity. Students shared personal cultural heritage items, and the music classroom explored empowerment through a special reading and activity.
Pattengill School hosted “Lunch with Loved Ones,” classroom volunteering, and a musical performance by Ki5, an African American musician. Lawton School offered an extensive program including a welcome breakfast, an all-school assembly with a local guest reader, lunch for visitors, a guest speaker from the UM Department of Afroamerican and African Studies, and a presentation by Detroit muralist Phillip Simpson.
At Pioneer, all families were invited for a continental breakfast, a presentation about the equity work being done there, a school tour, and classroom visits during third hour.
Thanks to all who made this NAAPID another memorable day at AAPS!