Activist Kim Trueheart says that her Investing in Parents town hall was her New Year’s resolution. For many parents and caregivers, figuring out how to guide their children through the city’s educational system can be confusing and not very inclusive, and she wants to do something about it.
“We’ve made no strategic investments in helping parents navigate the system,” she says.
Things like getting your kids access to needed services or negotiating with a teacher can be stressful and fraught for many parents. Trueheart wants to help parents navigate those processes
Frances Frost, the U.S. Department of Education’s parent ambassador, will deliver a keynote address at the town hall, with Baltimore City Schools CEO Sonja B. Santelises, City Councilman Zeke Cohen, and Del. Mary Washington also in attendance. There will be time for parents to ask questions.
“I’d like for parents to ask questions around challenges they’ve had . . . and get credible answers about how to go back and reengage. It’s not a matter of giving up the first time. Your child is worth you trying again and again.”
Trueheart says she wants to plan a parenting institute in March to keep helping city parents help their kids.
“Oftentimes the services are there but you have to ask for them,” Trueheart says. “Oftentimes that doesn’t happen, especially in the instance of a troubled child. The system would rather reject that child than embrace that child.”
Free food, transportation, and childcare will be provided. Call Trueheart at (443) 255-9413 to arrange transportation.
The event will be held on Feb. 22, 6-8 p.m. at the Baltimore City Community College Fine Arts Theater, 2901 Liberty Heights Ave. Go to here to register and for more information.