HWDSB Chair of the Board Issues Statement Regarding the Ontario Government’s Pause on the Parents Reaching Out Grants

During Question Period on October 17, 2018, the Minister of Education announced that the Government of Ontario is hitting pause on the release of the Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants to school councils.

“We are disappointed to hear about the possible end of Parent Reaching Out grants in Ontario,” said Todd White, Chair of the Board. “Families play a key role in their children’s learning, and PRO grants were one way to encourage this role by identifying barriers to parent engagement and addressing local solutions.”

PRO grants support school councils, as well as regional/parent organizations like HWDSB’s Parent Involvement Committee (PIC). This allows schools to host events, while the Board is also able to host events with parent groups encouraging learning and engagement at a district level.

“In recent years, we have welcomed the grants at our schools because they have supported learning and events on topics as varied as family math nights, STEM, social media, mental health, resilience and much more,” continued White.

The following listing is the PRO Grant allocations for HWDSB and the examples of projects funded:

2017-18: HWDSB received $54,438 for 55 School Councils, plus funding for two regional/provincial project(s): Engaging Parents from Newcomer and Diverse Communities, Engaging Parents in Equity, Engagement and Achievement of LGBTQ Youth

HWDSB received $54,438 for 55 School Councils, plus funding for two regional/provincial project(s): Engaging Parents from Newcomer and Diverse Communities, Engaging Parents in Equity, Engagement and Achievement of LGBTQ Youth 2016-17: HWDSB received $42,379 for 44 schools. School projects explored mindfulness, math, social networking, understanding teenagers, changing grades, mental health, communication and much more. HWDSB also received funding for regional/provincial initiatives including workshops exploring LGBTQ equity, newcomer communities and navigating special education.

HWDSB received $42,379 for 44 schools. School projects explored mindfulness, math, social networking, understanding teenagers, changing grades, mental health, communication and much more. HWDSB also received funding for regional/provincial initiatives including workshops exploring LGBTQ equity, newcomer communities and navigating special education. 2015-16: HWDSB received $42,330 for 46 schools. Examples of topics that supported schools include: Recognizing and Understanding Anxiety in our Teens and Tweens – A Parent Information Evening; Family Yoga Workshops; Parents Reaching their Kids; Series of Family Information Nights on Mental Health Topics; and Overcoming Barriers and Celebrating Diversity.

HWDSB received $42,330 for 46 schools. Examples of topics that supported schools include: Recognizing and Understanding Anxiety in our Teens and Tweens – A Parent Information Evening; Family Yoga Workshops; Parents Reaching their Kids; Series of Family Information Nights on Mental Health Topics; and Overcoming Barriers and Celebrating Diversity. 2014-15: HWDSB received $54,720 for 56 schools. Examples include: social media safety, transitions after high school, and reaching the community.

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Media Contact:

Shawn McKillop, APR

Manager, Communications and Community Engagement

T: 905.527.5092 x2941 | C: 905.515.6227

smckillo@hwdsb.on.ca