Comments from parents in attendance at a recent event I attended were taken as a learning opportunity.  In a nutshell, three or four moms spoke of how they did not feel welcome in schools, and how the message they hear about open doors doesn’t seem to be the reality. Hearing these perceptions being expressed with such sincerity and without bitterness was disturbing to me as a parent, an educator, and as a public servant. Granted, the parents who spoke up weren’t all from Springfield, and the harshness they spoke about was not necessarily from their experiences with the Springfield Public Schools, yet it reminded me of how absolutely essential it is to have open, genuine, cooperative and respectful relationships with our students and families, and just how much damage can be done when we don’t cultivate and nurture those relationships.

    I hope that if there is ever a time that you wish to visit, to call, or to stop by any of the Parent and Community Engagement (PACE) offices, that you will find us welcoming and respectful at all times. We are here to assist you in the areas of Workforce Development, School Volunteers, Family Education, Homeless Educational Services and School Choice/Charters. We strive daily to deliver exemplary customer service to families and the community by working together through the Parent Information Center. And our Step Up Springfield Partnerships are one vehicle for collaborating and coordinating with the community.

       We are here to help open doors for those who have not yet obtained the skills to do so for themselves. The rigorous planning of the Springfield Parent Academy is being created, just for you! Members across the city have been coming together to establish a structure and process that will afford you free access to core, growth and certification courses! However, in the mean time you are able to take advantage of core courses, right now! Please contact Linnette Camacho at (413) 787-7910 or camachol@sps.springfield.ma.us to find out more (also see flyer below).

       We are also moving forward to expand our Home Visit program because we believe that this is one of our strongest strategies for “Opening Doors” to our parents and families. While at the core it serves to build relationships, it has great potential to serve as the first step to the Parent Academy. We come to you at your home or your choice of a comfortable location and get to know, first-hand, about you and your child’s needs and aspirations. Ms. Camacho can let you know how this works. 

       Opening doors is just the beginning. The true test is what happens once you’re inside. How welcome do you really feel? Do you leave feeling satisfied or hope you never have to return? How much effort is put into developing an honest, open conversation about the best ways to work together for the benefit of the student? That should be the primary goal for each of us!

       Delivering exemplary customer service is at the core of our work and so we ask that if there is ever any element of our “customer service” that reflects anything but appreciation and gratitude for trusting us to work with your kids, that you will feel comfortable addressing your concerns with us. Appointments, special circumstances  and emergencies aside, students and parents are our first priority and our doors are open to you! n