DPS PARENT AMBASSADORS Enhancing district and school relations

onnecting with Durham Public Schools families is critical, and the past two years made it even clearer how crucial schoolbased relationships and communication were to students and their families. In direct response to this need, the district launched the DPS Parent Ambassador Program last spring.

“Parent Ambassadors allow us to deepen connections with families in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Dietrich Danner, senior executive director of federal programs and community engagement. “These parents are champions not only for their children and schools, but for all of Durham Public Schools students and staff. They are our cheerleaders in the community, but also supporters and advocates for other families.”

DPS Parent Ambassadors are parents or guardians of enrolled students who proactively engage families, peers, and others in the community in conversations about district programs and initiatives. Additionally, Parent Ambassadors share DPS successes and other important information with current and prospective families. DPS currently has 26 Parent Ambassadors. The goal is to have a Parent Ambassador identified for each of the district’s 55 schools by next year.

The Parent Ambassadors meet monthly and discuss district information and initiatives that can be shared among families at their schools. Ambassadors have engaged in conversations about DPS’s Growing Together Initiative, school performance data, and more. It’s also an opportunity for district leaders to hear directly from parents about issues impacting families and students.

“We’ve built a community of trust and accountability among Parent Ambassadors,” said Melissa Watson, director of student alternatives and supports and one of the program’s administrators. “Everyone is here because they care about student success, supporting families, and celebrating DPS beyond school campuses. It’s powerful.”

Tiffany Foster is passionate about advocacy. When the DPS Parent Ambassador opportunity presented itself, she was more than willing to be of service to the district and DPS families. ”Growing up, she said she didn’t always have someone who used their voice for her.”

“I’m trying to be what I didn’t have as a child,” she said. “Advocacy is not about you. It’s about caring for someone outside of yourself. I’m not advocating just for my child, but for all children in DPS while empowering other parents and individuals to better understand the needs and challenges of schools and the district.”

In addition to her Parent Ambassador role, Foster is on the Membership Committee of the National PTA.

The goal is to transform family engagement. Research shows that when families are engaged, student success soars. The connection that families have with their child’s school and other families creates stronger school communities and a stronger DPS. To illustrate that engagement, Parent Ambassadors are encouraged to share their own experiences with current and prospective families.

“To represent the district in this way, with true communication and transparency, is an honor,” said Foster. “My hope is that we can hear the stories of other families and if we can share these resources, information, and experiences with just one person, that’s how we can ignite the spark throughout Durham Public Schools.”