Nationwide - The Eve of Valentine's Day has the potential of being education's greatest day of love in the nation for America's students! National African American Parent Involvement Day (NAAPID) will be observed Monday, February 13, 2006. Parents will be taking their children to school/visiting their children in school in support of this national endeavor to encourage parents to come together in a single setting to promote educational excellence for today's youths. It is also one avenue for improved home, school and community relations.

NAAPID, a nonprofit 501(C)(3), volunteer, national initiative, was founded by Ann Arbor (MI) Schools principal, Joseph Dulin. He conceived the idea of NAAPID after accepting the challenge made of them at the Million Man March. The men were strongly encouraged to return to their individual homes and community and do more to build, involve and increase their commitment to improving the quality of life for the African American community, in particular. Without question, he credits the success he has experienced as an educator to parent involvement. Further, research supports parental involvement as a viable means of enhancing children's academic successes. Dulin believes that, "Every parent wants their child to have a better quality of life than they themselves have had. It is the American dream, and for many African Americans, this dream has not been realized as a result of their child's failure in school. Education is the key to success and parents are educators' greatest allies."

While the focus of the day (during Black History month) is primarily on African Americans, the purpose and intent of NAAPID is not mutually exclusive. ALL parents are encouraged to participate. This national observation provides a vehicle to open up dialogue among teachers, parents and students that will lead to a more conducive learning environment for every student from kindergarten through college.

School districts across the nation are requested to make a special effort to make the day to be "parent friendly". Schools are free to plan events and activities of their choosing. Things to do range from classroom visitations to luncheons/dinners to national speakers to week-long celebrations. Some districts have even formed a coalition to work together to present "NAAPID @ Night" in order to further expand the school day and to allow parents an opportunity to participate who are unable to attend during regular school hours.

Public and parochial institutions of learning are being asked to plan to participate in this win/win endeavor - Not only the academic community, but the "village" as a whole.

"Show Your Love: TAKE YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL/VISIT YOUR CHILD IN SCHOOL ON NAAPID DAY" -- MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2006

Make this day education's greatest day of love! www.naapid.org

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