Chosen from over 30 programs in Brevard Public Schools, Jupiter Elementary School and Cocoa High School are the 2011 recipients of the Brevard Public Schools Parent Involvement Award. The purpose of this award is to promote and recognize innovative school practices that increase family involvement. These winners will compete for state honors awarded at the Florida PTA Leadership Conference in Tarpon Springs this July.

Jupiter Elementary’s “Homework Night” offers a program for parents and students living in the Madalyn Landing apartment complex. Parent Educator, Laura Canup, along with Jupiter teacher and PTO volunteers, provided on-site training in various subjects. They also helped parents create a special study area in the home, with supplies donated in part by the Palm Bay Police Department. Jupiter Elementary is an “A” school located in Palm Bay.

Cocoa High’s Parent Resource Center creates a space at the high school where parents can utilize all the school’s resources in supporting their children. Parents can access videos on parenting, books, computers and information from social services. The Parent Leadership Team at Cocoa High spent nearly 600 hours preparing for the launch of the center with collaboration from the City of Cocoa, IAP Worldwide Services, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, and Target. Cocoa High is an “A” school located in Cocoa, Florida.

"We are so pleased with the dedication to parent involvement that has been demonstrated by Cocoa High and Jupiter Elementary, “ said Ginny Gleason, K-12 Parent Involvement Resource Teachers. “Both schools have shown their ongoing commitment to creating an atmosphere of parent, school and community engagement. When schools partner with their families, the students benefit the most.”