Parent Facing Letter

Portrait of a man with glasses, gray hair, and a trimmed beard, wearing a black button-up shirt. He is standing in front of a wooden bookshelf filled with various books and framed pictures.

Dear Parents,

My name is Irving Roman, and I am the Family Leadership Coordinator at the Office of HS Superintendent Marcel Deans. Our district, referred to as Bronx North, includes a network of non-affinity high schools located in Community School Districts 8, 10, and 11. Our dedicated team of professionals is based at 1 Fordham Plaza, 8th Floor.

Alongside my colleague, Family Support Coordinator Amy Mendez, I have the privilege of providing support and guidance to all our school-based elected parent leaders and their school's parent coordinators.

Research consistently shows that parent participation in education has a significant positive impact on student outcomes.

From Dr. James Comer at Yale University in the 1960s, Dr. Joyce Epstein at Johns Hopkins in the 1980s, to Dr. Karen Mapp at Harvard in the 2000s, studies have demonstrated that when parents participate, volunteer, and/or organize, they help to:

Portrait of a smiling woman with long straight hair, wearing a black blouse, standing in front of bookshelves filled with books in a library setting.

Improve Academic Achievement

Students with involved parents tend to achieve higher grades and test scores, enroll in higher-level programs, and have better attendance.

Enhance Social Skills

Parental involvement is linked to better social skills and behavior. Students with engaged parents are more likely to exhibit positive attitudes and behaviors.

Increase Motivation and Self-Esteem

When parents are involved, students often have higher motivation and self-esteem. They are more likely to set higher educational goals and pursue them.

Improve School Attendance

Active parental participation is associated with improved school attendance and lower dropout rates.

Create a Positive School Environment

Schools with high levels of parent participation often have better teacher morale and more effective communication between home and school.

How to Get Involved!

Interested in Volunteering?

Schools with high levels of parent participation often have better teacher morale and more effective communication between home and school.

Contact Irving Roman

Interested in Joining/Participating in the PA/PTA, Title 1 Parent Advisory Council, or SLT?

Contact your school’s
Parent Coordinator.

Outline illustration of three raised hands in blue, with the center hand featuring a heart symbol in the palm. The image symbolizes care, support, and volunteerism.

NYCPS Family Empowerment

Ways parents and guardians can support student success. Families are our closest partners in helping our students to thrive.

Learn More!

Non-Profit PTA

Schools host parent teacher conferences four times a year and it is important for families to attend.

Learn More!

NYU Family Engagement & Leadership

Our researchers working collaboratively to develop novel, engaging, participatory, and culturally responsive ways to explore family engagement and leadership.

Learn More!

High School Family Resources

Our elected Parent Leaders and volunteer parents play a major role in helping and connecting families to needed services. Here are some resources every high school parent can use:

HITE Site

Connecting New Yorkers with free and low-cost health and social services.

Learn More!

HRA

To find out what services a New York City resident qualifies

Learn More!

NYC Well

Free, confidential mental health support. Speak to a counselor via phone, text, or chat 24/7. Call or text 988, or chat online

Learn More!

Federal Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at FAFSA

Learn More!

New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

For financial aid information

Learn More!

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Together, we can make a positive impact on our children's education and future.

Warm regards,
Irving and Amy

Group photo of students, staff, and parents gathered in a school library. Some people are seated in front, including a man in a blue suit and pink tie, while others stand behind. Bookshelves filled with books are visible in the background.
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