Parents
Parents Matter
We receive constant feedback and expressions of gratitude from parents, students, and alumni about the benefits of the program. This is confirmed by surveys that have been done by outside program consultants. In addition, teachers, counselors and administrators from the our students' schools, consistently report that the performances and attitudes of PFL students serve as a model to other students at their schools.
An overwhelming percentage of PFL students maintain a B or better public school average while enrolled in PFL's three-year academic program. In addition, PFL alumni complete high school and attend college at significantly higher rates than their peers. PFL alumni commonly distinguish themselves as leaders in their home schools, are selected to be representatives at national and international student conferences, and are regularly acknowledged for their scholastic achievement and service to their communities.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
As first emphasized during the admissions process, PFL regards significant parent/guardian involvement as indispensable to the success of our student participants. To that end we enlist the participation of parents in a wide range of workshops and service to communities and schools. Also, we rely upon parents/guardians to assist with activities for the students and supporters of PFL. In order for a student to remain in good standing in PFL, their parents/guardians must fulfill the following responsibilities:
- Parents/Guardians have a fifty hour participation requirement. Of these hours, at least thirty of those hours must be in PFL sponsored workshops, events, trips, etc. Up to 20 hours of service can be completed outside of PFL, such as in your local community, school or church. Of those hours which are earned outside of PFL activities, we strongly encourage parents to get involved in their child’s school. All outside hours must be approved by the Saturday Academy coordinator and the appropriate form must be completed. Parents or Guardians will receive full credit for participating in any of the following PFL sponsored activities:
- PFL meetings and special events called by official PFL representatives.
- PFL Parent Workshops
- PFL Parent Council Meetings
- PFL Community Service Projects for Parents
- Chaperoning PFL student events and field trips, and assisting with school year educational activities as requested
- Performing services in connection with the summer program such as: dining hall monitor, laundry duty, orientation programs, registration, chaperone, classroom aide, residential aide, and such other roles necessary for the success of PFL’s summer programs.
- Assist PFL with ‘Mass Mailings’ or other office help
- Mandatory summer Parent/PFL Teacher conferences
All service time must be documented. Parents will be mailed quarterly reports on the fulfillment of this requirement. They will also be able to access their progress online. Parents will be sent a warning letter if they have fewer than 12.5 hours in a quarter. Subsequent warnings will necessitate an in-person meeting between the parent and a PFL official and may result in denial of PFL privileges to his or her child enrolled in PFL. Parents/Guardians may use a substitute to complete up to fifteen hours, provided they complete the PFL Parent Substitute Form at the beginning of this school year.
Awards are given in the spring to honor the highest performing parents (above 50 hours) for each Saturday Academy site.
Parent Workshops
Parent workshops are offered throughout the academic year and during the Summer Institute.
- Parenting Strategies: Such workshops are intended to help parents provide appropriate learning environments for their students to achieve; to encourage and instruct on how to become engaged with children’s schools; and to provide strategies for effectively communicating with children about adolescent issues, such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse and violence.
- Parent Skill-Building: Enrichment workshops, designed in consultation with parents, which enable you to upgrade personal skills. An example is PFL’s series of workshops on computer literacy.
- Parent Informational Seminars: Opportunities for parents to learn about programs that can contribute to their children’s academic advancement (e.g., PA’s Tuition Account Program, PHEAA, ABC, College Access Program).
- Parents Film and Book Club: Meets throughout the year to read, view and discuss various books and films under the guidance of a PFL staff member or volunteer educator.
