For mother Deanna Wilson, Believe 2 Become is all about helping other parents improve their skills and expand their knowledge through Parent University. A joint venture of Grand Rapids Public Schools and Believe 2 Become, Parent University offered its first
classes in fall 2013. Wilson was an integral leader on the Parent University design team, and lent her voice talent in the development of its first online courses. In addition to her many contributions, Deanna is also a Power Parent.
Through Parent University, thousands of parents have taken classes in the community and online. In these classes, they learn about the importance of daily school attendance, the five secrets to success in school, how to effectively team with teachers, and exactly how many high school credits students must accumulate to graduate on time.
Conceived, designed, and guided by GRPS parents, Parent University helps parents learn how to become confident advocates of their children’s success.
As a Parent Action Leader at Burton Middle School, Wilson helps out with field events, after-school events, parent-teacher meeting, and eight grade graduation. “There’s always something to do,” she says. Participation is one key to academic excellence she says. “Our main focus as leaders is to get other parents helping out in the school, and to show them how their involvement ensures their children’s success.
Along with other PALS leaders throughout the district, Deanna Wilson is empowering parents to realize their own potential to become influential in their neighborhood schools. “Believe it or not,” Wilson says, “kids want their parents engaged in their school lives!”
