Family engagement virtual events available throughout June
(05/29/2020) A number of family engagement virtual events and roundtables are being provided by Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center and the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) throughout the month of June.
The following virtual events are learning experiences aimed at providing an opportunity for parents/guardians with different backgrounds to talk with and ask questions of an expert in family and community supports, and in-home and school partnership, with the aim of sharing ideas and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic
Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center events:
- Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m.: Balancing Caregiver & “Teacher” Roles at Home
- This Families Learning from Families Virtual Roundtable event, facilitated by scholar-mother Dr. Jada Phelps-Moultrie, assistant professor at Michigan State University, provides a great opportunity for parents and caregivers from different backgrounds to share their concerns, offer ideas, and learn about strategies related to balancing family roles with their new roles as educators at home in the age of COVID-19.
- Saturday, June 13 at 11 a.m.: Supporting Emotional Wellness: Coping with Anxiety and Fear During the COVID-19 Pandemic
- In this Families Learning from Families Virtual Roundtable event, we invite families from different backgrounds to come together to discuss their anxieties and fears related to the pandemic and learn self and community care strategies for promoting emotional wellness in the age of COVID-19. This virtual roundtable is facilitated by Tracy Pruitt, M.Ed., a trained school counselor specializing in parent support around trauma, grief and loss, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and behavioral and anger management.
- Saturday, June 27 at 11 a.m.: Five Essential e-Tools & Family Activities for Summer Enrichment
- This Families Learning from Families Virtual Roundtable event is an interactive showcase of e-tools and resource websites for parents, caregivers, and families with varying experience and exposure to internet-based resources. During this showcase, Dr. Rosiline Floyd, assistant director of technical assistance from the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center, will overview five online activities to support summer learning and enrichment for families. Join other families as we learn from each other what engages their students at home this summer during the COVID-19 pandemic, preparing them for successful re-entry into school buildings in the fall.
Throughout next week, the MDE will be providing family engagement resources with education experts hosting a series of online events to help support families over the summer months during these unprecedented times.
Minnesota Department of Education events:
- Tuesday, June 2 at 1 p.m. families can learn more about summer learning activities hosted by public libraries and community locations during a webinar with State Library Services. Register for the event.
- Tuesday, June 2 at 4 p.m. parenting educator and 2011 Minnesota Teacher of the Year Katy Smith will provide tools for Parenting in Uncertain Times. Register for the event.
- Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m. families can learn more about engaging early learners in literacy and math with activities for the whole family. Register for the June 3 event. This webinar will be repeated on Thursday, June 4 at 5 p.m. Register for the June 4 event.
- Thursday, June 4 at 10 a.m. families can learn about MDE’s Summer Food Service Program including how they can access free meals in their community. Register for the event.