Markham-Unionville Receives Grants to Support Parents Parent Engagement Leads to Student Achievement

MPP Michael Chan is pleased to announce that Ontario is supporting parents in Markham-Unionville with twenty-eight Parents Reaching Out (PRO) Grants, totaling $27,825.

These grants support local school councils, Parent Involvement Committees and not-for-profit organizations working with parents. This funding drives local solutions that help parents overcome barriers to getting more involved in their children’s learning.

 “Our government is committed to ensuring Ontario’s school system remains among the best in the world. Parents are essential partners in the academic success of their children and these grants are important investments in our youth and in our school community that will enhance learning and help build bright futures.” — Michael Chan, M.P.P.,

Markham-Unionville Examples of local projects in Markham-Unionville include:

• “Mental Health Parent Information Night” at St. John XXIII Catholic Elementary School
• “Effectively Navigating Technology” at Armadale Public School
• “Building Bridges Through Technology & Mental Health” at Milliken Mills High School A full list of PRO school projects in Markham-Unionville is attached. This year’s PRO Grants are supporting a diverse range of projects, such as:
• Parent support for their children’s mathematics learning
• Parent resources on mental health and well-being
• Workshops for newcomer parents to learn about Ontario’s education system
• Family health nights to promote active lifestyles
• Supports for parents in high-needs areas
• Support for Indigenous communities. Supporting parents to be involved in their children’s education is part of the government's economic plan to build Ontario up and deliver on its number one priority to grow the economy and create jobs.

The four-part plan includes helping more people get and create the jobs of the future by expanding access to high-quality college and university education. The plan is making the largest infrastructure investment in hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit in Ontario's history and is investing in a low-carbon economy driven by innovative, high-growth, export-oriented businesses. The plan is also helping working Ontarians achieve a more secure retirement

 “Parents Reaching Out Grants make it easy for parents to become engaged in their child’s education. The funding they receive gives them the opportunity to create local, community specific solutions that will help encourage more parents in their children’s learning in support of student achievement and well-being.” — Mitzie Hunter, Minister of Education

QUICK FACTS

• More than 2200 schools will receive a PRO Grant in 2016-17, the highest number since 2007-08.
• Studies show that when parents are more engaged in their children’s education, students are more likely to earn higher grades, have better behaviour and social skills, and continue their education at a higher level.
• Since 2005, we have invested over $68 million to support parent engagement initiatives.
• Since 2006, the government has awarded over 19,500 PRO grants to school councils and 799 regional/ provincial grants; a total investment of nearly $31 million.
• In the 2015-16 school year, 2,141 school councils were approved for a PRO Grant.