The Defining Moment

Recently I was asked to post some information as to who we are and how Parents Empowering Parents -PEP functions. More specifically, how is PEP linked to the schools’ PTA and PTO organizations? Since first beginning with PEP I asked that very same question; so –here is how I understand it.

First let me explain what PEP is NOT. PEP is not a replacement of or for school based PTAs and PTO, but rather we are a resource for these organizations to both share information from the district and receive “ear-to-the-ground” input directly from parent organizations to help effect change where needed and provide guidance when required/requested. PEP is not politically affiliated nor does it support or represent any candidacy or office. PEP is not a problem-finder but rather a SOLUTION-Seeker.

Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) is a grassroots parent organization that was formed to empower Plainfield Parents. It functions as a feeder pool of information to parent organizations such as PTAs and PTOs. Our goal is to provide relevant district information that impacts the education of our children. We further aim to partner with the schools, PPS administration and BOE to help bring about the necessary changes, support PPS district initiatives and provide input as to what parents need to support the education of their children and how best to support and encourage the “key” element of educational success – PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.

PEP’s main outlet of support comes by way of developing parent-focused workshops through the SSFS administration, monthly information sharing meetings, mitigating parent concerns and district goals, conducting community forums, meeting with various PPS administration to create synergistic initiatives and providing avenues for recognizing individuals who display profound and outstanding parental involvement i.e. Superintendent Apple Awards.

What is most important to remember, however, is that PEP can only be effective with the support of a fully engaged community. We take pride in partnering with all our community stakeholders to ensure that each child reaches his or her maximum potential, but without parents, teachers, school administrators and the community PEP would not be able to maintain and/or effectuate the changes needed to move our school district forward.

And finally, PEP is about transparency, partnering and hard work! Our passion is to create and secure a competitively sound, world-class educational system for the children of Plainfield Public Schools.

"Tell me and I will forget: Show me and I may remember; However, Involve me and I will understand."

So let’s PEP it UP!