On Saturday, November 21, the
Fall River Parent Academy was launched with the help of fifty partner organizations, members of School & Main Institute’s staff, and a colorful clown marching band. About 150 members of the community attended the event, which was spearheaded by Barbara Allard, Director of Early Childhood Education and Parent Information in the Fall River Public Schools. Also in attendance were Meg Mayo-Brown, Superintendent of the Fall River Schools, along with members of the school committee and all of the district’s principals. The event offered samples of just a few of the many courses (Homework Help, Daddy Boot Camp, Healthy Families/Healthy Meals, Financial Fitness, Family Zumba, Tips for Shaping up your Family Budget) which will be offered free of charge through the Parent Academy in early 2016. School & Main Institute has provided assistance in all aspects of planning and coordinating the SMI community centered approach to Parent Academy work.