Parents for Public Schools, Inc.

07/31/2026

A new school year is just around the corner, and building a strong school community and a culture of attendance starts on day one!

Want to learn how? Join our partners Attendance Works and the Institute for Educational Leadership for a webinar on August 5th! Get the details and register here: https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/webinars/

💬Join us, the Institute for Educational Leadership and the campaign partners on Wednesday, August 5, from 12-1:30 p.m. PT / 3-4:30 p.m. ET for the third webinar in the 2026 Attendance Awareness Campaign series: Create Community in the Fall.
🔗 Register: https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/webinars/
Building a strong school community and a culture of attendance starts in the fall. By intentionally fostering belonging, communicating proactively with families and creating opportunities for students to thrive, schools lay the foundation for strong attendance, student well-being and academic success throughout the year.
In this free webinar, panelists will explore strategies for:
Establishing trusted relationships among staff, students and families
Promoting students’ healthy habits, learning and long-term success
Engaging the entire school community
📢 Don’t miss this free event.
Confirmed speakers:
▪️ Laura Thieman, Senior Manager, Student Attendance & Engagement, Fairfax County Public Schools, VA
▪️ Ileana Rios, Dean, Falls Church High School, Fairfax, VA
▪️ Maria Martin, Dean, Falls Church High School, Fairfax, VA
▪️ Luis Murillo, Assistant Superintendent, Alamosa School District, CO
▪️ Scott Aldridge, Assistant Principal, Alamosa Elementary K-2, Alamosa, CO
▪️ Kwesi Rollins, Interim President, Institute for Educational Leadership
▪️ Elliott Attisha, Senior Fellow for Health, Attendance Works
▪️ Hedy Chang, CEO and President, Attendance Works
🔗 Register: https://www.attendanceworks.org/resources/webinars/


Campaign for Grade-Level Reading | Communities In Schools | Everyone Graduates Center | | Healthy Schools Campaign | Learning Heroes | MENTOR | National League of Cities | United Way | Institute for Educational Leadership

07/22/2026

This month, superintendents in West Virginia just launched their “I love WV Public Schools” campaign! ❤️

Monongalia County Schools Superintendent Eddie Campbell said, “Every day, our public schools prepare the next generation of leaders, innovators, skilled workers, and engaged citizens. They are places where opportunities are created, challenges are overcome, and futures are shaped. That is a story worth telling and one we must continue telling together.”

We couldn’t agree more! Click here to read more about how leaders in West Virginia are showing love for their state’s public schools:

https://www.rfr.bz/f0abee47b

07/13/2026

School may be out for summer, but things in DC are heating up! 🔥

The Department of Education recently announced the closure of key offices that protect students with disabilities, and Congress is considering big funding cuts – including nearly $2 billion in cuts to Title I funding for schools in low-income communities.

Head over to our blog to learn more! https://bit.ly/44Zu2uF

07/02/2026

📚☀️ Keep Young Readers Turning Pages All Summer Long!

Looking for great books to keep your child reading this summer? The American Library Association's 2026 Summer Reading Lists make it easy! With free, age-specific recommendations for children from birth through middle school, these carefully curated book lists help families encourage literacy and prevent the summer slide.

🔗 Download the free 2026 Summer Reading Lists here: https://www.rfr.bz/fc96cdf9c

The 2026 Summer Reading Lists feature book titles and digital media options to keep children engaged in reading and exploring throughout the summer. Four lists are available for birth-preschool and grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8. The lists are free to download and share!

07/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to PPS Board Member Dr. Brittany Gray!

PPS is excited to announce that Dr. Brittany Gray will now represent Ward 6 on the Greenwood City Council!

As she begins this new chapter of public service, we join in congratulating Dr. Gray and wish her continued success as she works to represent and advocate for the residents of her ward.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Gray in the comments! 👏🎊

06/30/2026

📢 Federal Education Funding Could Be Changing—Here's What Families Need to Know

The U.S. House has advanced a proposed FY27 education budget that includes a 10% cut to the U.S. Department of Education, nearly $2 billion in reductions to Title I funding, and the elimination of funding for English language learner programs. The proposal also includes increased funding for charter schools, a modest increase for special education, and renewed bipartisan support for evidence-based literacy through the reinstatement of the National Reading Panel.

These proposals could have significant implications for public schools, educators, and students across the country. Staying informed is the first step toward understanding how federal decisions may impact your local schools.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.rfr.bz/feaa5d505

06/29/2026

📬 Stay Connected. Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.

Want the latest news impacting public schools delivered straight to your inbox?

When you subscribe to PPS, you'll receive:
✅ The PPS Clearinghouse featuring public school news, research, and family resources
✅ Our monthly newsletter with updates from PPS chapters across the country
✅ Breaking public education news and advocacy alerts
✅ Parent engagement resources, events, and opportunities to make your voice heard

📩 Subscribe today: https://parents4publicschools.org/subscribe/

06/26/2026

📚☀️ Make Summer Reading an Adventure!

Looking for fun ways to keep your child reading this summer? The 2026 We Are Teachers Summer Survival Guide features exciting reading programs, library challenges, book clubs, and opportunities for kids to earn free books, pizza, prizes, and more!

🔗 Explore these summer resources here: https://bit.ly/4g8CtL6

Kids earn free books, pizza, and more just for reading! Plus, get our free printable summer reading lists for every grade.

06/25/2026

🎥📚 Looking for resources to keep your child learning this summer?

The Achievery, a free digital learning platform created by AT&T, offers more than 1,000 engaging videos, lessons, and activities designed to spark curiosity and support learning beyond the classroom. Whether your child is interested in science, reading, math, technology, or the arts, there's something for every learner.

🔗 Start exploring today: https://bit.ly/4vskmEz

Create your account for free to explore The Achievery, a digital platform designed by experts for educators, parents, and families to engage K-12 students.

06/24/2026

⭐ Mississippi Families: MDE Names Eight New Military Star Schools

MDE recently named 8 Military Star Schools for 2026–2028. This designation recognizes schools that have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to supporting military-connected students and their families.

🔗 Read more about the newly designated schools and the Military Star School program: https://bit.ly/4eFSqWu

NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: June 15, 2026 MDE names eight new Military Star Schools for 2026-28 JACKSON, Miss. – The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) has named eight schools as new Military Star Schools for 2026-28. This designation recognizes schools that have made a significant ...