APS Office of Family Engagement staff, single parents, and family supporters at the Georgia State Capitol’s National Single Parent Day recognition event. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Atlanta Public Schools (APS) recently celebrated National Single Parent Day at the Georgia State Capitol, marking its first-ever participation in the annual event alongside local representatives and parents statewide.
Hosted by Georgia State Representative Valencia Stovall, the day was a collaborative effort between the APS Office of Family Engagement and the National Leadership Group, Inc., that provided a meaningful opportunity for parents to engage directly with local representatives and policymakers.
According to APS Family Engagement liaison Bayyinnah “Bea” White, participating in Single Parent Day is an integral part of the Office of Family Engagement’s work to support the overall well-being of students and their families.
“We have to put more value and emphasis on our single parents and let them know we see you, we hear you, we support you, and we understand that your challenge may be greater if you are parenting that child alone,” White said.
Valencia Stovall, managing partner of the Georgia Youth Career Center, LLC, and Beverly Brewster, executive director of the National Leadership Group, Inc. addressing the attendees during the National Single Parent Day recognition event. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Traci Carroll, an administrative assistant in the APS Department of Teaching and Learning and mother of a Midtown High School ninth-grader, expressed her gratitude for the recognition as a single mother and district employee.
“APS always shows up,” Carroll said. “That is one thing that I enjoy about being at APS. We are definitely one big family. They make sure it’s not just about the kids but it’s [also] about the people that support the kids. They are definitely a part of my village outside of my family. They are extended family, and I love APS because of that.”
Attendees witnessed the General Assembly meeting where lawmakers recognized 2018’s House Resolution 279, designating March 21 of each year as Single Parent Day. They then transitioned to a celebration for a light lunch with engaging discussions and a formal greeting from Stovall and Beverly Brewster, executive director of the National Leadership Group, Inc.
National Single Parent Day was first proclaimed in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan to acknowledge the vital role of single parents and the challenges they often overcome.
Please enjoy the photo recap below of this inspiring event and click here to learn more about the resources available to families through the Office of Family Engagement.