Members of the Parent Support for Education Council held a virtual discussion on parental engagement.
ST. PETERSBURG — Parent Support for Education Council (PSFEC) invited community members to participate in a webinar panel discussion with child advocacy experts and Pinellas County Schools district officials earlier this month.
Pinellas County School Board Member Caprice Edmond, who delivered the keynote address, spoke about the importance of family engagement. She also provided a brief update on the district’s agreement between the school board, the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, and law enforcement from surrounding municipalities. Previously, Edmond had a successful career serving as a teacher and science coach for the district.
Corey Givens Jr., an educator and member of the Parent Support for Education Council, moderated the conversation, which took place virtually. St. Petersburg College Collaborative Labs provided the virtual platform for the discussion, and community members could submit questions before the event or through a “Q&A” feature.
The in-depth conversation covered a myriad of topics including, conflict resolution, childhood trauma, tools for effective communication, free community educational resources, and how to advocate for your child or children effectively.
Panelists included Donnika Jones, principal of Melrose Elementary, Keosha Simmons, Pinellas County Schools Parent Advocate, Moneshea Harris, parent ambassador, and Erica Hardison, Sing Out and Read.
The webinar concluded with a gift basket raffle conducted by PSFEC board member McCleata Edwards, and a closing prayer offered by PSFEC president emeritus Pastor Martin Rainey.
Parent Support for Education Council meets at 6:30 PM every third Thursday at John Hopkins Middle School’s Community Resource Center.
