The school offers many opportunities to involve parents. Getting people in is the other half of the battle. If I were beginning again I would reconsider how we started the workshops. We have learned that there are many, many other parents quietly sitting back, wishing someone would initiate a project like this. . . . They are eager to help out, but haven't the time or, sometimes, the confidence to initiate such a project.
All parents have a contribution to make to their children's education.
Learning how to recognize, support and celebrate what each parent has to offer is an important step towards parent empowerment and involvement. They have not felt involved in the decision-making process of what happens to their children when they become involved with the juvenile justice system. I wouldn't miss this experience though.