On September 12, MPB held Parents Are Teachers Too, a conference focused on helping parents become more involved in their children's school lives. Featured speakers talked about their own work and experiences as educators and parents, and a panel discussion gave parents an opportunity to ask questions about the obstacles and challenges to being involved.
Guests at the event included:
Dr. Wanda Newell, Associate Professor of Child Development, Department of Human Sciences at Alcorn State University
Pigs-In-Flight Children's Museum is led by its founder, Wanda Y. Newell, Ph.D. who holds a doctorate degree in Human Sciences with a major in Child Development and Family Life from Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama. Dr. ewell has used her academic training and experience to improve the lives of children and families. She is also the founder and President of Better Equipped, Inc. a regional childcare training agency and the Human Science Auxiliary Council, Inc.; a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting positive outcomes for children, families and communities.
Jed Oppenheim, Director of Community Engagement, United Way of the Capital Area
Jed has been with the United Way for a little more than a year. He also serves as a board member in the Jackson Public School District. Prior to joining United Way he worked at the Southern Poverty Law Center as an advocate. His focus was working with youth and families to end the school to prison pipeline and the over-use of youth incaceration - and it still is.
LaCiana McIntyre, Wellness Coordinator, Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi
LaCiana McIntyre, a Brando native, is the Health and Wellness Coordinator at the Partnership for a Healthy Mississippi. Ms. McIntyre holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Master of Science in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion from Mississippi State University. She is responsible for implementing The Partership's signature interactive childhood obesity prevention program, Just Have a Ball in elementary schools scross the state of Mississippi.
Amber J. May, Programs Director, Operation Shoestring
As Programs Director, Amber supervises and coordinates the daily functioning of Operation Shoestring's programs by serving as the administrator/manager of program staff; and represents the mission of Operation Shoestrong publicly through grants, fundraising, and other community outreach events. Proactively serving as an advocate for the service community and community stakeholders she serves as the vice-chair of the Alignment Jackson Elementary Committee, a collective impact initiative whose mission is to leverage community resources to support Jackson Public Schools District strategic goals.
[View the story "Parents Are Teachers Too! A Parent Engagement Conference" on Storify]
