DPS Parent & Family Engagement

09/19/2026

Latinx Welcome to the Latinx Picture Book Library! Brigette Hecht 2020

09/18/2026

A very happy Hispanic Heritage Month to all our families! 🌟
(September 15 - October 15).

At OEC-Ana & Crew, we believe celebrating diversity is central to a strong, connected community.

Join Ana today as we kick off a month of celebration! We are proud to feature stories, resources, and First Chapter Friday selections from Latino authors all month long.

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

¡Celebramos el Mes de la Herencia Hispana! 🎉💃🏽✨ (Sept 15 – Oct 15) Join us as we honor the incredible strength, rich culture, and powerful contributions of our Hispanic communities!

Did you know that approximately 710,000 Hispanic individuals in the U.S. are living with epilepsy? 🧠💜 Behind every number is a story, a family, and a community standing strong together.

The Epilepsy Foundation and the National Hispanic Medical Association are jointly offering a free Seizure Recognition and First Aid Certification course in Spanish during National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15, 2026).

Knowledge is power! ⚡ When it comes to epilepsy care, our Hispanic families often face extra hurdles on their health journey:

Healthcare Mazes: 🗺️ Navigating complex systems to get a proper diagnosis and care.

Language Barriers: 🗣️ Finding accurate, trustworthy medical resources in Spanish.

Stigma & Myths: 🚫 Unpacking old misconceptions to foster real, loving support.

Specialist Access: 👨‍⚕️ Connecting with dedicated neurologists and specialty care.

Insurance Gaps: 📋 Managing health needs while uninsured or underinsured.

Together, we can break down these barriers, lift each other up, and ensure every family gets the care, respect, and support they deserve! 💪🏽❤️

How is your family celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month this year? 🌮🎶 Tell us in the comments below! 👇🏽✨

09/16/2026

Are the "Wednesday Slumps" real in your house? 🌟 We know transitions can be tough for our younger learners (and us caregivers, too!).

Today for Wellness Wednesday, Diamond is sharing a trick for smoother mornings: Create a 3-Step Transition Ritual. 🚀

Don't let the rush derail your student’s sense of belonging before they even arrive.

Diamond’s Morning Tip:

Step 1: The "High-Low" Check: Establish a consistent morning question. Ask your child: "What is one small high point you look forward to today?" Acknowledge the rising excitement for good moments and the dip of smaller, challenging ones. (This symbol is a heart with question marks and an upward arrow.)

Step 2: The Scent or Taste Anchor: Consistency builds security. Use a sensory anchor—a consistent morning scent (like lavender) or a predictable, healthy breakfast choice. (These symbols are a lavender sprig and a heart-patterned toaster with toast.)

Step 3: The Positive Finish:

Transitions are about connection. Don't rush past the finish line! Offer a validated hug or a consistent high-five right at the door. (This symbol is a heart being formed by two hands, representing connection and a consistent end-point.)

Consistency in routine provides the security our students need to learn with confidence. Let’s wind down this Wellness Wednesday together and set up for a calm Thursday!

Families, how do you handle morning transition jitters? 👇 Share your tips in the comments!

'tHappenByAccident

09/14/2026

🚨 DPS SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES — COME ON OUT TONIGHT! 💙

First, a quick note from me. ❤️
Things were a little quieter on our page last week due to a family emergency of my own.

Sometimes life just starts LIFE-ING 😩😂 — and you have to take care of YOUR OWN village at home, too.

But WE'RE BACK! 🙌🏾 And we're getting right back to connecting our families and caregivers with the information, resources, and support they need.

And guess where I'll be TONIGHT? 👀👇🏾

♿🧩💙 SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY INFORMATION ROUNDTABLE
Hosted by Dayton Metro Library

📅 TODAY — Monday, September 14
⏰ 5:30–6:30 PM
📍 Dayton Metro Library — West Branch
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children are welcome!

Dayton Metro Library is bringing together organizations to share resources and information with special needs families — and I'll be there representing Dayton Public Schools as your Parent Mentor! 💙🙋🏾‍♀️

Have questions about your child's IEP or special education journey? Need help figuring out who to contact? Looking for resources? Need somebody to help you understand the process or simply point you in the right direction?
That's what I'm there for. ❤️

And because this is a community Roundtable, you'll also have the opportunity to connect with other organizations and resources that support individuals with special needs and their families.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, guardian, kinship caregiver, foster caregiver or simply part of a child's village — there may be something at this table for you.

And listen...you don't have to know exactly what question to ask.

😂 Come get the information, meet people, make connections and build your village BEFORE you need your village. 👏🏾

📣 Please SHARE this with another family who may need it!
I'll see y'all tonight! 💙

❤️ The Village Starts With Us.

09/01/2026

👑 Calling All Power Parents! Join The Parent Ambassador Family '26–'27! Hello families! 👋

We are on a mission to celebrate school pride and make our schools the best they can be—and we need YOU to lead the way!

We’re officially recruiting for our 2026–2027 Parent Ambassadors at:

Stivers

Roosevelt

Westwood

Wogaman

EJ Brown

Cleveland

International School @ Rosa

Residence Park

Charity Adams

Mound Street/ Jackson

Kemp! 🌟

What does a Parent Ambassador do?

⚡ Unlocks School Pride: Helps families feel welcomed, connected, and celebrated.

📢 Connects Families & Staff: Serves as a friendly bridge between parents and school leadership.

🎉 Builds Community: Finds fun, creative ways to get other parents involved.

Ready to step up and make a difference? Joining is easy! You can:

Talk to your school: Reach out directly to your building Principal or Assistant Principal.

Email the team: Send a quick note to [email protected] or [email protected].

Let’s do amazing things together this school year! 🚀

08/26/2026

Did you know substance use issues don't care about your job, your background, or what kind of coffee you drink? They can affect literally anyone, anywhere.

The good news? Prevention works—and stopping problems before they start is a total game-changer. 💡💪

Whether you're looking for support for yourself, a loved one, or just want to know what resources are out there, help is just a click away.

👉 Check out samhsa.gov/find-help and let's keep taking care of each other!

08/25/2026

☕ LIVE FROM OUR PARENT / FAMILY / CARGIVER LOUNGE QUESTION:

What is the HARDEST part of getting everybody out the door for school?

⏰ Waking up
👕 Getting dressed
🥣 Breakfast
🎒 Finding everything
😭 Anxiety/meltdowns
🚗 Transportation
😂 ALL OF THE ABOVE

No judgment in this living room. 😂❤️