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PECAN Parent Spotlight: Leslie Knox |
Leslie Knox strives to be the change she wants to see in the world and a role model with integrity for her family. She has 15 years of experience in community outreach and social service through mental health, guardianship, addiction and education advocacy. She has a Master’s in Business Administration from the Simon School of Business that provides an added layer of insight to her perspective. She now dedicates her time to urban farming and community advocacy, with a focus on parents in the community and inclusion. Being a parent herself, she knows the importance of parent engagement. She says, "It is the flour in the bread; foundational and essential."
This passion is reflected in her work as board chair of Taproot Collective, whose mission is to design and build holistic systems for healthy local food, dignified housing, and educational opportunities with youth and families.
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PECAN Parent Meeting Focuses on Rezoning |
On May 20th, PECAN parent leaders heard from Ben Gustafson, whose children attend School #15, on the Rochester City School District (RCSD) 2022 Rezoning plan from a parents’ perspective.
During the 2020 – 2021 school year, RCSD and the Board of Education have been exploring options to address the district’s current zones to ensure that all students are receiving access to the same educational experience, regardless of the school they attend. Dr. Shelley Jallow, the State Appointed Monitor, is providing academic and financial oversight to the district. As part of her recommendations, Dr. Jallow has proposed a reconfiguration of schools in the district and instructed a taskforce be created to share its information for potential new zone configurations.
Important questions, such as: How will the RCSD Rezoning Plan impact RCSD families? What are the most crucial elements to the plan that will impact our most marginalized families? And, how can RCSD families provide input on the Rezoning Plan? - were addressed during Ben’s presentation. Watch the recording below.
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Parent Leaders Present at IEL's Family & Community Engagement Conference |
In case you missed it, check out a panel presentation with the National Parent Leadership for the annual Institute for Educational Leadership's Family & Community Engagement conference. Maurice Haskins, PECAN co-chair, and Leslie Knox, a PECAN parent leader, presented on the work of centering parents in decision-making and how PECAN has transitioned to a parent-led group. |
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Sign on to PECAN recommendations for America Rescue Plan Act funding |
The Parent Engagement Collaborative Action Network is comprised of Rochester City School District (RCSD) parent leaders and functions to bring parent perspective and voice into decision- and solution-making around whole child health, and specifically education, in the City of Rochester.
PECAN’s agenda and actions are driven primarily by RCSD parents, and the team is open to all city parents of children in any school, from preK through college.
The recommendations in this document regarding RCSD’s funding infusion from ARPA, CRRSAA, and the Cares Act are presented in response to the community and parent input sessions of the RCSD Board of Education agenda. These recommendations are also shared for public sign-on of support, across the landscape of ROC the Future, as well as interested residents of the Greater Rochester community.
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Equity Stories: Children's Institute |
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Last year, we introduced a series, Equity Stories, lifting up the stories of Convener member organizations who signed the Black Agenda Group’s declaration, Racism is a Public Health Crisis.
Today, we are sharing the story of Children’s Institute. Children’s Institute is committed to working towards the elimination of systemic and institutional racism, individual racism, and implicit bias. Families with children in communities of color demand allies who support, understand, recognize, and transform personal discomfort into decisive action that promotes lasting change around these inequities. Children’s Institute does not stand silent. Silent isn't neutral. They stand and speak for racial justice and public health equity – together.
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New Report on Emotional and Educational Recovery
On March 16, 2020, all schools in New York state immediately shifted to remote learning as a necessary public health intervention to control the COVID-19 pandemic. What was initially hoped to be a short-term situation became long-term and was accompanied by chronic upheaval in people's lives. Everyone was faced with the uncertainty of the pandemic and challenges in meeting basic needs like food. Many families were faced with COVID infections, including long-term hospitalizations and deaths. Childcare facilities closed. Social isolation escalated. Massive layoffs occurred.
Read more to learn about what data from New York state and Monroe County indicate during the first six months of the pandemic.
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FAFSA Report
Post-secondary enrollment and completion among Rochester youth and young adults has been low for many years as a consequence, in part, of low high school graduation rates. However, those high school graduate rates are steadily increasing. This changing landscape calls for renewed focus on ensuring young adults in Rochester have access to higher education.
Read more in our report on post-secondary education.
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The Early Childhood Career Center has established an ECE Employment Network to connect employers and job seeking professionals at all levels. Apply to connect with one of their advisors. |
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Volunteers needed to help build a new playspace at Grand Ave. Park. Work is available for volunteers of all levels of skill and ability.
When: Wednesday, August 11, 2021 to Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (morning volunteer shift) and 1:30pm - 4:30pm (afternoon volunteer shift)
Where: Grand Avenue Park
250 Grand Avenue, Rochester, NY 14609
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We have NEW email addresses. Contact us here: |
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