Joann’s notes

Across the nation, a growing number of laws have changed what teachers can teach about American history in public classrooms. What began as political debates around “critical race theory” has evolved into legislation that has created fear, confusion, and uncertainty for many educators. In some instances, teachers are “walking on eggshells” to avoid conversations about race, civil rights, inequality, gender, and even current events because new laws and political pressure have made honest teaching risky. At Parents for Public Schools, we believe students deserve access to a complete and accurate education that prepares them to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and succeed in…

In a time when health information travels faster than ever, families are faced with complex decisions about their children’s well-being. In our recent Clearinghouse on Childhood Immunizations we focused on one essential truth: immunizations remain one of the most effective tools we have to protect children, schools, and communities. For generations, routine childhood vaccines have safeguarded children from serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. Illnesses that once disrupted classrooms and claimed young lives were rare in the United States because families, healthcare providers, and schools worked together to prioritize prevention. These immunizations not only protected individual children, but also strengthened community immunity, which aided in shielding infants,…

On this Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share a love letter about our nation’s public schools! Public schools serve many purposes.  They prepare students for the workforce or higher education, and to be informed participants in our democracy.  They provide child care, meals, transportation, health screenings, counseling, and access to sports and the arts.  They are community centers, polling places, and emergency shelters.  At the root of all of this, our public schools exist to serve the common good. Parents for Public Schools (PPS) was founded over 30 years ago by a group of parents and community members in Jackson,…

Attendance is more than just a daily headcount. It's a powerful predictor of student success. Unfortunately, since the pandemic, chronic absenteeism has surged to crisis levels, nearly doubling in many schools. While there have been signs of improvement, absence rates remain high, especially in high-poverty districts and among students of color. Each missed day of school is more than a lost lesson; it is a missed opportunity to learn, to connect with peers, and to build the skills students need for the classroom and their future careers. Student attendance rates not only play a significant role in student achievement but…

Across America, a silent crisis has unfolded—one that could reshape the future of public education as we know it. Under pressure from executive orders and political mandates, public schools are being told to abandon their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs—or risk losing the federal funding that sustains them.  At first glance, it might seem like just another policy debate. But if you're a parent, a teacher, or simply someone who believes in fairness, this is far more than a headline. It’s a direct attack on the rights of every child—regardless of race, background, ability, or zip code—to receive a…

Parents for Public Schools (PPS) was founded over 30 years ago by a group of parents and community members in Jackson, Mississippi, who were concerned about maintaining quality education in their local public schools. Since then, PPS has grown into a nationwide organization working to advance the role of families and communities in securing a high-quality public education for every child. With chapters and partners from coast to coast, we have the incredible privilege of hearing from people across the country every day. These days, we are hearing a great deal of concern about recent attacks on public education and…

In recent years, the rise of smartphones and social media has transformed the way children and teenagers communicate, learn, and interact with the world around them. While these innovations have undoubtedly provided some benefits, they also present significant challenges and concerns for parents and educators. Benefits of Smartphones and Social Media Smartphones and social media bring numerous advantages to schools, enhancing students' learning experiences and personal growth. They promote enhanced communication, enabling students to connect with peers and build lasting friendships. These digital technologies also allow young people to collaborate with others, fostering a sense of belonging and support. With…

According to a 2024 article by CNN, the U.S. has witnessed at least 50 school shootings, with 37 occurring on K-12 school grounds. Sadly, these tragic incidents have claimed the lives of 24 people, injured 60 others, and left countless individuals with scars from the aftermath of these events. Although the initial months of the pandemic saw a significant decline in school gun violence, the years following it have shown significant increase. In fact, 2023 documented over 80 school shootings, and 2022 became one of the deadliest years on record, with nearly 50 casualties. As we enter the final stretch…