Montclair Schools Host Parent Leadership Academy

Classes are back in session this week in Montclair — but these lessons are for parents.

All families with children enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade in Montclair Public Schools are invited to enroll in the free Parent Leadership Academy taking place Tuesday through Friday.

The Parent Leadership Academy is co-sponsored by the district and the Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence and includes three evenings of seminars and a tour of the Montclair Art Museum.

Superintendent of Schools Penny MacCormack will present a program Tuesday on the recently adopted two-year Strategic Plan for the district. MacCormack will address such questions as “Why a strategic plan?” and “Can all children achieve at high levels?”

On Wednesday, Chief Academic Officer/Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Gail Clarke will explain the Common Core State Standards which will be enforced beginning this fall. Clarke will address how the CCSS will impact students and why the district chose the Marshall Evaluation Model to assess teachers.

Two topics will be addressed on Thursday. First, Student Data Analyst George Glass will demonstrate how the new Skyward Family Access portal will allow families to follow their children’s academic progress as well as communicate with teachers. Second, District Parent Coordinator Sylvia Bryant will give an overview of the School Action Team for Partnerships.

Programs on Tuesday through Thursday will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Charles H. Bullock School, 55 Washington St., in Montclair.

Registered parents will also have an opportunity to tour the Montclair Art Museum, 3 South Mountain Ave., on Friday, from 4 to 5 p.m., while learning about resources available for local families at the museum.

Parents may register in advance or on Tuesday, July 16, at 6:30 p.m. Childcare will be provided. Download a registration form here or print attached .