"Parent to Parent" Family Support Network - High Country

08/27/2026

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton, beloved singer, songwriter, and philanthropist. During her 60-year career, Parton touched countless lives through her music and philanthropic work, and she will be truly missed.

One of Parton's lasting contributions is her Imagination Library, which has provided over 300 million books to children under age 5. Collections are available in both English and Spanish. We encourage interested families to contact their local Smart Start network for information on enrolling their child in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library today!

08/20/2026

The 2026 Growing Well Conference is coming to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, October 4–6, 2026.

Growing Well brings together families, providers, educators, advocates, policymakers, public health professionals, and community partners to strengthen systems of care for children and youth with special health care needs.

This year’s program includes preconference workshops, keynote sessions, and interdisciplinary breakout sessions focused on physical health, mental health and wellbeing, communication and behavior, advocacy and empowerment, transition, family support, care coordination, early identification, and systems-level collaboration.

The conference is designed for professionals, families, students, trainees, and community partners who want to improve access, coordination, communication, advocacy, and family-centered support for children, youth, and families.

View the agenda and register here:
https://appwell.appstate.edu/outreach/growingwell/conference/

Scholarships are available for parents/caregivers of children with special health care needs. Please reach out to Diane Coffey ([email protected]) for more information.

07/08/2026

This is an incredible FREE event through the Exceptional Children's Assistance Center - ECAC to any parent looking to become a more confident advocate during their IEP meetings. This is located at the Central Forsyth Library in Winston-Salem and hotel lodging may be available if you sign up soon!!

07/08/2026

07/07/2026

H.R.1 Implementation Virtual Training - July 16th - 7:00pm

Learn for the H.R.1 bill impacts Medicaid and CAP/C services and what it means for medically fragile children in North Carolina. Presented by Advocates for Medically Fragile Kids NC

Click here to register: https://tinyurl.com/ac75xk7m

06/17/2026

An exciting new opportunity beginning in Watauga county! Are you interested in bolstering your wellness and stress management tools? This might be the right group for you! Please use this link to submit your interest. Spots are limited! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmBblziTS2NkPbpLnCXjUDBt6qZ0taQuehumUCoJFZOYZoew/viewform

06/10/2026

Are you feeling called on your advocacy journey? Consider applying!

For Immediate Release
June 4, 2026

Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green Launches North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council to Strengthen Family Voice in Public Education

RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction today announced the launch of the North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council, a new statewide initiative designed to strengthen meaningful family engagement in public education and support implementation of the state’s Strategic Plan.

The North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council will bring together parent leaders from across the state to serve in an advisory capacity aligned to the eight State Board of Education regions. The initiative is designed to elevate informed family voice, strengthen trust and ensure that those closest to students play an active role in shaping the future of public education.

For purposes of this initiative, the term "parent" is intended to be inclusive of all primary caregivers, including guardians and other family members who play a central role in a child’s education.

“As we continue to implement our Strategic Plan, it is critical that we engage families not just as stakeholders, but as informed partners,” said North Carolina Superintendent Maurice "Mo" Green. “This Council will help us build a strong group of leaders who understand our system and can provide meaningful input to improve outcomes for students.”

Applications Available Now
Parents and caregivers interested in serving on the North Carolina Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council may submit an application beginning June 4, 2026.

Interested individuals should submit their completed applications directly at this link:

https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fncdpi.az1.qualtrics.com%2Fjfe%2Fform%2FSV_5vXgvVZKs64vVWK/1/0100019e938a7077-54d2bee1-bbfd-4ccd-a7d7-196cac0deb31-000000/xk-XTr3a5axSD48_kpkO6bwwfmpkQICa5qosTxK_Kb4=452

Applications must be submitted by September 15, 2026.

Encouraging Broad Participation

District superintendents, charter school and lab school leaders (“PSU Leaders”) are encouraged to help identify and support strong candidates and to promote this opportunity within their communities. Applicants may also indicate if they were encouraged or nominated by their local Public School Unit.

From the pool of applicants, the North Carolina Superintendent will appoint a statewide Parent Advisory Council of 16–24 members, ensuring representation from each of the eight State Board regions.

Building Informed Parent Leaders

Selected members will participate in a structured virtual orientation led by state education leaders to build understanding of:

- School governance and funding
- State and local education systems
- Accountability and performance measures
- Strategic Plan priorities

The Council will begin meeting quarterly in November 2026, providing structured input on key initiatives and helping inform ongoing implementation of the Strategic Plan.

Most meetings will be held virtually. Members of the Council will be expected to serve for two years.

Contact:
Rupen Fofaria
Director, Office of the State Board of Education
[email protected]

06/10/2026

Kate's last hoorah with P2P will be sharing her knowledge about the difference between diagnosis and eligibility within the school system (and the power of both!). Want to join in and learn more? Sign up here! https://unc.zoom.us/meeting/register/tz8byjVMTrCGZtAPKFIS-Q #/registration

06/02/2026

Williams YMCA of Avery County from 12:00-3:30 on June 6th! Come make a splash!

BOONE — High Country families caring for children and youth with special health care needs are invited to attend “Bloom & Belong with a Splash!” — a free family-centered community

06/02/2026

Another great webinar to consider if you’re looking at legal planning for your child!
Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4817694515075/WN_vCAXp2OnQ9iuEC_hrvJ45A #/registration