The Parents of Gary Comer College Prep's Parent Advisory Council

A collage of three images. The right image is a selfie of Gary Comer parent LeKeshia Smith. The middle photo is of a parent advisory council meeting at Gary Comer in a lecture room. The right image is of a parent and staff member Chloe Hassell sitting in big green chair in the Gary Comer front lobby.

Published On: September 4th, 2024Categories: 2024, Campus Life, Gary Comer College Prep, Parents, Staff

Parents are critical to the work we do as educators. The partnership between parents and educators is a crucial piece to our scholars’ success here at GCCP. When parents show up to report card pick-up, advisory check-ins, culture check-ins, or even just attend a special event, it brings out a spark in our Catamounts.

At Gary Comer College Prep, ensuring that parents feel heard is one of our highest priorities, especially as we continue the process of creating One Comer—a merger of the middle school and high school. Under the leadership of Principal JuDonne Hemingway, we have worked hard to create multiple avenues for our parents to be informed, heard, and involved—from the weekly newsletters, weekly check-ins, and parents coming in to observe their scholars in action.

“The parent relationship is the most important relationship to have because then they trust us, and we benefit from that. Those who participate in PAC meetings, sports events, and report card pick-up speak highly of Noble and the GCCP community, and we appreciate them so much!” Genesis Jelkes, assistant principal of culture of Gary Comer, said.

A group of Gary Comer College Prep parents and their kids sit at long rows of tiered desks in a lecture room space. They are listening to a staff member talking at the front of the room.

Tehja Martin (dean of social work) speaking to parents at a PAC meeting last year about the importance of the partnership between parents and staff.

One of the most impactful opportunities we have for parents is our Parent Advisory Council (PAC). Every month, we hold PAC meetings to give our parents space to hear about what’s happening on campus and to give feedback to staff.

We have a handful of parents who attend to show up and show out for our Catamounts. They ask the hard questions and Comer staff are not afraid to give those hard answers when it comes to our scholars. One parent who has been a consistent face and a key part of advocating for improvements for the Catamount community is LeKeshia Smith. She has a 10th-grade scholar at the 9-12th site and showed up to PAC meetings throughout last school year. She is now considered one of the leading parents at Comer. Smith was also a face and a voice of advocacy for Noble’s charter renewal last year. For Smith, the PAC is an essential part of building community with other parents.

LeKeshia Smith.

“I want parents to do things and partner together to build up the comradery surrounding One Comer and to use our community partners to help create those safe spaces for our Catamounts,” Smith said. “With the parent presence growing, we see a positive change in our scholars because they know that their village is coming together.”

Another parent leading the way is Chloe Hassell, who also serves as GCCP’s enrollment and recruitment coordinator. She has been essential in ensuring that parents’ voices are heard by promoting PAC attendance. She hopes parents will continue to show up at PAC meetings this school year.

“When parents actively participate in PAC meetings, they demonstrate their commitment to their child’s education and the school community. Their involvement fosters a sense of ownership, engagement, and investment in their child’s journey,” Hassell said.

Chloe Hassell sits in a light green chair with high walls like a cubicle. She has medium-light brown skin and long straight dark brown hair. She is wearing a colorful dress with stripes on the top and back and lip mark graphics on the front bottom half of the skirt. It is navy, light blue, and red. She is smiling.

Hassell enjoying the sunlight in the front lobby of Gary Comer College Prep.

A selfie of the Comer girls volleyball team after the game. They are all in their long-sleeved, dark green uniforms and throwing up peace signs. In the back of the group, you can see Laramie Bruce, GCCP parent and coach, also throwing up a peace sign.

Laramie Bruce (backmost of the group), GCCP parent and coach, takes a selfie with the Comer girls volleyball team after a game.

Laramie Bruce, a GCCP culture specialist, coach, and Noble parent, agrees that a parent’s presence plays a prominent role in a child’s educational success.

“I’ve watched our youth exceed our highest expectations and explore their wildest dreams because of the collaboration of educators and parents. I’ve witnessed it in the classroom, in the hallways, and on the court,” Bruce said, “It gives {students} a light that helps guide their future.”

If you’re interested in joining PAC meetings at your campus this year, make sure to reach out to the school office for more information!