Hemlock Public School District is launching a new initiative designed to inspire and empower parents, caregivers, and community members to be positively involved in the education and success of all students. Over the coming weeks, the District will share a series of communications highlighting 101 Ways to Be Positively Involved — creative, meaningful, and research-supported ways that community members can contribute to student success and strengthen school-community partnerships.
We all want what’s best for our children. But in the face of negativity and criticism, it’s easy to feel frustrated or powerless. That’s why this series isn’t just a list — it’s an invitation to be part of the solution and pull the sled together with positivity and purpose.
Research shows that strong family and community engagement benefits students academically, socially, and emotionally and strengthens partnerships between schools and families. Effective engagement includes two-way communication, opportunities for meaningful participation, and collaboration both inside and outside the school building (ParentPowered).
“We see parents and community members who want to be involved, but sometimes don’t know where to start,” said Dr. Don Killingbeck Jr., Superintendent of Hemlock Public School District. “This campaign is our way of saying: here’s how you can make a difference — whether that’s cheering on students at events, volunteering your skills, advocating for our schools, or simply staying informed and engaged.”
What Can Involvement Look Like?
From volunteering on campus and supporting classroom activities, to attending events, participating in committees, and reinforcing learning at home, involvement takes many forms. Ideas include:
Volunteering during school activities or field trips. (Possip)
Joining school committees, PTA/PTO, or task forces that shape planning and decision-making. (IRIS)
Engaging in two-way communication with teachers and administrators (whether face to face, via email or a phone call).
Supporting learning at home through shared reading, conversations about goals, and homework reinforcement. (IRIS)
Partnering with local businesses and organizations to expand resources and opportunities for students.
These ideas are just a start. Over the next several weeks, the District will publish new ways to get involved — with the goal of reaching at least 101 ideas (and more!).
“We know that it takes more than a school building to educate a child — it takes a village,” said Matt Wesener, President of the Hemlock Public School District Board of Education. “This initiative isn’t about criticism — it’s about contribution. We see you, we value your time and energy, and we want to partner with you in ways that are purposeful, impactful, and positive.”
About the Initiative
The 101 Ways to Be Positively Involved campaign will be shared through the district website, social media, newsletters, and school communications. Each week will feature new ideas, stories from families and staff, and ways to get plugged into opportunities that match your interests and schedule.
Let’s move forward together — not by focusing on what’s wrong, but by building what’s right for EVERY student.