Maine State PIRC

Introduction

Parent Information and Resource Centers (PIRCs) are a statewide resource center for parents and educators funded by the U.S. Department of Education. PIRCs bring parents, educators and those that work with families a wealth of information about helping children get ready for school and succeed in school, from the early grades through high school.

Maine State PIRC works with parents, schools and community agencies statewide to help foster "partnerships that will increase parental involvement and participation in promoting the social, emotional, and academic growth of children."

With a quick phone call or email to PIRC a parent or a school can receive:

• Printed materials are provided to individuals or for school resource centers.
• Workshops for families on educational topics.
• Facilitation of strategic planning sessions for parent involvement committees and other stakeholders.
• Guidance on updating parent policies and compacts.
• Ongoing technical support for family involvement program development.

We offer information, support, and training to reach the following goals:

Increase Home-School Partnerships
We provide individualized consultations and support to schools as they examine and build upon current parent involvement practices within the school. We offer free workbooks regarding the creation of parent involvement teams/programs and provide trained staff to help facilitate team meetings. We provide materials and technical assistance to create Family Resource Centers within the school.

Provide Information
Our resource center is accessible statewide through our 1-800 number and provides printed materials, a mailbag library, parent newsletter, and referrals on topics such as child-rearing, encouraging learning at home, child development, and best practices for improving home-school communication.

Present Workshops
Our workshops are free of charge and are offered to parents, educators and community members statewide. For a list of workshops we currently offer, click on our brochure below.

Foster Literacy Skills
Fostering literacy skills in young children provides them with one of the most important keys to their educational success. Please take a look at these websites for fact sheets, handouts and on-line ordering of materials.

Help parents and educators understand NCLB
It's a new era in education, and we want you, as parents and community members to be part of the transformation. Find answers to all your questions about the new education law signed by President Bush on January 8, 2002 at the Official No Child Left Behind website.

100th Day Celebration

Many schools received a $50 stipend from the Maine State Parent Information and Resource Center (PIRC) a Project of the Maine Parent Federation, Inc. for celebrating the 100th Day of School.

In 2008, 31 schools participated in this event by holding activities to encourage parent involvement.  This year over 35 schools received stipends.  Check out what some schools used the stipend for below.

Weymouth Elementary

100th day pancake breakfast in SAD#11.

Check out how Leeds Elementary used the stipend.

A day of caring and sharing at Central School in South Berwick.

First Day of School Celebration

The First Day of school Celebration began as a pilot project in several Vermont schools in 1997, it has quickly gained popularity as a means for educators to connect with families early on and keep the positive connection working throughout the school year. MPF believes the First Day of School Celebration can be an effective vehicle for increasing parental involvement in a positive and enthusiastic way.

If you have questions about the First Day Celebration feel free to contact the Maine Parent Federation and ask to speak with Angela Burgess, your Statewide Parental Involvement Coordinator at 623-2144.

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For a full PIRC Brochure, click here.

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PIRC Materials sign up sheet, click here.

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For Maine PIRC Factsheets, click here.

Governor Proclaims October Parent Involvement Month for Maine

On September 19th Governor Baldacci was joined by the Maine State P.I.R.C. (Parent Information & Resource Center) to officially acknowledge October as Parent Involvement Month throughout the state. PIRC is just one of the projects of the Maine Parent Federation, a private non-profit organization whose mission is to provide statewide family support of all people through information, education and advocacy.  To read more, click here.  To view the proclamation, click here.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act Resources

A Parent's Guide

Elementary and Secondary

Colleges and Universities

Resource page

Secretary Spelling's Letter

NCLB Making a difference in Maine