|
Ontario Government increasing
its investment in Parent Involvement -
January 30, 2007 More Funding
Made Available To Help Parents In Huron-Bruce Get More Involved In Their
Children’s Education
Clinton– School councils in Huron and Bruce will receive $ 72,789 after
the Ontario government boosted its investment in parent involvement
projects to $2.5 million in response to the impressive number of grant
applications received, announced Carol Mitchell, MPP.
“Parents put a lot of time, energy and creativity into these
applications,” said Carol. “I am pleased that we were able to increase
the investment in these innovative projects that will encourage more
parents to become involved.”
In October 2006, the ministry announced it would invest $1 million
provincewide to support projects that help create a more welcoming
environment for parents who face barriers to becoming involved in their
children's education or school.
More than 2,800 applications for projects were received. In response to
the number and quality of applications, the government is dramatically
increasing its investment to more than $2.5 million.
Nearly 1,400 projects will be funded across the province to address
these barriers, including parent workshops, multicultural school events,
and translation costs to make school materials more accessible to
parents in the community.
“I continue to be inspired by the enthusiasm, dedication and creativity
shown by parents in this province,” said Wynne. “Encouraging more
parents to get involved in Ontario’s publicly funded schools is just one
of the ways our government is working to reach every student.”
In total, 39 projects have been funded. The Avon-Maitland DSB received $
44,071 for 23 projects, the Bluewater DSB received $ 13,900 for seven
projects, the Bruce Grey CDSB received $ 4,928 for four projects and the
Huron-Perth DSB received $ 9,890 for five projects.
In addition, the new Provincial Parent Board will guide efforts to
increase parent involvement. As advisors to the minister, parent members
will play a critical role in ensuring that effective parent involvement
programs are successfully implemented across the province.
Parents and guardians interested in applying to serve as board members
should visit www.edu.gov.on.ca
and follow the parents link. Applications must be received on or before
February 16, 2007. The board is expected to be operational this spring
2007.
The establishment of the Provincial Parent Board and Parents Reaching
Out Grants are key parts of the Ontario Parent Involvement Policy
released in December 2005. The McGuinty government recognizes the vital
role that parents play in the education of their children. Based on this
recognition, the policy provides real support aimed at making it easier
for parents to get involved.
Other initiatives that are helping to create a welcoming environment for
parents in the education system include:
Creating the Parent Engagement Office in January 2006 to support
provincial efforts to facilitate effective parent involvement in the
school system
Launching the parent section of the Ministry of Education website to
give parents access to useful news and resources including “Involving
Parents in the School: Tips for School Councils
Establishing Parent Involvement Committees at school boards to give
parents a direct link to the Director of Education and trustees.
The grants are part of an original $5.2 million investment in activities
to help parents get involved. This investment also includes providing
$500 per school council and $5,000 plus 17 cents per student to support
Parent Involvement Committees in school boards.
“Parents play a vital role in their children’s education,” said Carol
Mitchell. “It is important for us to work with them to make it easier
for more parents to get involved.”
-30-
For further information
Carol Mitchell, MPP
Huron-Bruce
519 482-5630 |
