This cannot help but affect academic achievement and enhance self-esteem. Yet even as the program has grown and evolved, Powerful Schools hasn't lost sight of its three initial goals. Helping kids, helping the community, and sharing with others-those continue to be the stars by which this program navigates. At 46, he has been both observer and participant as his own two children have moved through adolescence and the teen years. Day care is provided so that parents with young children can volunteer their time.
Training is provided so that parents who are unsure of their own skills can develop self-confidence.
If money is an obstacle to participation, Powerful Schools will even hire parents as tutors. And for parents who may have unpleasant memories of their own school days, Powerful Schools makes sure these interactions are positive. One morning in October, for instance, about 30 parents, grandparents, and even one great-grandmother attended a training session on the fundamentals of reading. Powerful Schools calls its Reading Club. But the rewards have been significant.