Parents attend a workshop on how to use the toolkits, which are available for three subject areas: math, English Language Arts and Writing. Workshops are offered from 3-5 p.m. every day. (Photo by HB Meeks/Tell Us Detroit)

DPS workshops for parents to use new take-home holiday academic toolkits

First “I’m In” discount cards also being distributed as an incentive to get parents involved

DETROIT - Thousands of Detroit Public Schools parents who attend workshops in DPS’ parent resource centers will be able to check out new take-home academic kits, a tool to ensure that learning and enrichment can continue through the holiday break.

The kits, which this week will be available at every Parent Resource Center, contain varied academic items depending on the subject and grade level, such as Quizmo for math, a game at the middle school level; or magnetic letters to help students learn about words at the preschool level. Some kits contain short story books, while kits for high school-age students contain “100 words every teenager should know.” Also included are writing practice sheets, flash cards, magazine projects and more.

The kits are full of hands-on activities and are available for students in grades kindergarten to 9. Based on Michigan’s academic guidelines for students, each kit is packaged in a canvas bag for easy carrying and contains a variety of “tools” that will aid parents in helping their children continue to do schoolwork over the holiday season. About 320 kits will be offered and may be expanded based on parent demand.

Also on Monday, the first set of I'm In cards were handed out to parents attending parent resource centers. Detroit Public Schools is distributing 30,000 “I’m In” scan cards for key chains cards, which offer district parents discounts at local merchants and service providers as an incentive to participate in workshops, attend parent involvement programs and get involved in schools.



“It’s important that we continue to equip our parents with tips and tools to help children achieve academically,” said Sharlonda Buckman, CEO of Detroit Parent Network, which is partnering with the Detroit Public Schools’ Office of Parent and Community Engagement to offer the kits. “This is another example of us helping our parents to be smarter.”

Kit content:
Writing kits will include words, read aloud/independent reading for higher grades. Kits for higher grades also will include word meaning, dictionary skills, writing, poetry and/or rap, Scrabble junior, and other educational games.

Independent reading kits include magazines and a game that teaches students multiple word meanings.

Math kits will include shapes and patterns for lower grades, math facts, numeration, measurement, time and money and other activities that get progressively hard by level. Kits for upper grades have algebra games such as Math Attack and Fractions Dominoes. Math through fifth-grade will include books about math.



The toolkit initiative is part of the school district's enhanced Parent and Community Engagement strategy which includes the placement of parent organizers across the school district and the opening to-date of eight new regional Parent Resource Centers, which are open and staffed full time.

Parents must attend a workshop on how to use the toolkits, which are available for three subject areas: math, English Language Arts and Writing. Workshops are offered from 3-5 p.m. every day. (Call centers for specific times.) The toolkits, which can be checked out for one week, also were designed to spur interactions between parents and their children and help build relationships, Buckman said.

The “I’m In” card will be used as an incentive for parents to visit the Parent Resource Centers for training, workshops and other services. Visits will be tracked through the card, which will be scanned similar to a grocery or drugstore card. Parents will receive additional incentives, such as coupons and other rewards, the more often they visit.



Initial discounts and partnerships for the “I’m In” card include:
• Mr. Alan's Shoes and Sportswear - 10% off
• P & D Uniforms, East Seven Mile - 15% off
• Goodyear, the only Goodyear owned and operated in Detroit, E. Grand Blvd. -- Monthly Specials; November is a $15.95 oil change
• Forman Mills Uniforms - 5% off total purchase
• Hot Sam’s Clothing – 25 percent off
• Jefferson East Business Association Members -- Several business members will participate including Powell Dental Association on East Jefferson
• Distinctive Styles - Hair Salon, Fisher building -- 10% off
• Quickie Printing - full service print shop – 5% off
• Conner Coaching – One free financial planning session

Stores and retailers seeking to partner with DPS on parent discounts can call 313-309-1458. Parents can apply to receive a card by filling out a form available at any of the Parent Resource Centers. Parents can also sign up to receive information about ongoing events at the Parent Resource Centers by submitting their phone and email address at the resource centers. A calendar of events for each center soon can be found at www.detroitk12.org.

Parent Resource Centers are located at:
Central Collegiate Academy, 2425 Tuxedo Room 128
Osborn High School, 11600 E 7 Mile Rd, Room 121
Marcus Garvey Academy, 2301 Van Dyke, Room 405
DPS Welcome Center, 3031 W. Grand Blvd.
Priest, 7840 Wagner Room 112
Cody High School, 18445 Cathedral, Room 112
Detroit School of Arts West (DSA) Langston Hughes Campus, 19501 Berg, Room C11
Phoenix Elementary, Room 213, 7735 Lane Street