The goals of the Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC) grant are to:

• increase the engagement and involvement of parents
• assist Kalamazoo Public Schools buildings in developing additional strategies for involving parents
• improve attendance
• improve behavior
• develop a common vision for parent involvement in the Kalamazoo community

Two part-time Parent Coordinators work with ten Parent Leaders in ten KPS buildings:

• Chime Elementary
• Edison Environmental Science Academy
• Hillside Middle School
• Lincoln International Studies School
• Kalamazoo Central High School
• Maple Street Magnet
• Milwood Elementary
• Milwood Magnet
• Spring Valley Center for Exploration
• Woodward School for Technology and Research

Parent Leaders are using a variety of strategies to engage parents in their students' education.  Additionally, KCIS is collaborating with KRESA and the Greater Kalamazoo United Way to help parents understand, utilize, and reinforce the Positive Behavior and Literacy Support (PBLS) system.