Raleigh, N.C. – On Saturday afternoon, Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) held its Family and Community Engagement Summit at Leesville Road High School. The event brought together parents, students, teachers and local volunteers to discuss how families can play a larger role in improving school attendance and safety.
Addressing chronic absenteeism
One of the summit’s headline topics was student attendance. A May report showed that one in five Wake County students is chronically absent, meaning they miss at least 10% of school days. “One thing we’ve worked on really is just like the education of attendance,” said Bonnie Mwanda, principal of Neuse River Middle School. “Why is it important? If your kid is absent, what’s going to happen with their absences?”
Mwanda emphasized that reducing chronic absenteeism is a work in progress and requires more than teachers and students alone. The district’s Chair of the Family and Community Engagement Committee, Kimberly Burton, echoed that sentiment, noting that bringing families into the conversation is essential.
Family partnership as a solution
“That begins with bringing our families in and asking them, what can we do better to make school an inviting, welcoming and engaging place?” Burton said. “I think when we do that, we’ll see increased attendance for our scholars.” The summit featured breakout sessions where parents could learn practical strategies for supporting their children’s daily attendance, from establishing consistent morning routines to communicating regularly with teachers.
School safety remains a priority
Safety was another major focus. The summit took place just days after a student was found with a gun at Wakefield High School, and earlier this month a student was charged with bringing a gun and a knife to Willow Spring High School. Burton stressed that strong partnerships between the school system and families play a large role in decreasing disciplinary issues.
“Even at the summit here today, there are sessions where families can learn about ways to ensure they are having the appropriate conversations with school personnel to ensure students are safe,” she added.
Community collaboration expands support
Beyond parents, WCPSS highlighted collaborations with local businesses, nonprofits and volunteers that provide additional resources for students. These partners help supply after‑school programs, mentorship opportunities and material assistance that can keep scholars engaged and out of trouble.
Burton announced plans for another summit in the spring, aiming to broaden family participation and continue building a network of support for Wake County students.
Why this matters for families
For parents, the summit underscored that their involvement is not just welcomed—it is vital. By creating a welcoming school environment, maintaining open lines of communication, and working with community partners, families can help ensure their children attend regularly and stay safe. The district’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to strengthening the traditional family unit and upholding the values that make Wake County neighborhoods thrive.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
