Kansas City, Missouri – On September 5th, 2023, Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools (GCCS) had a unique opportunity to engage in a productive conversation with prominent education leaders, U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, and U.S Congressman Rep. Emanuel Cleaver. This allowed a GCCS parent to address issues that are pivotal to the success of the school and its students.
One of the primary topics of discussion was the encouragement, and empowerment of parent involvement in education. Mayra Farias, a dedicated parent of Guadalupe Centers Elementary and Middle School students, seized the opportunity to address the need to foster a stronger connection between parents and educators.
Reflecting on her experience, Ms. Farias shared, "Secretary Cardona was hearing what I was saying; it made me feel like I had a voice."
The engagement with Secretary Cardona and Rep. Cleaver reinforces the commitment that GCCS has to its students, parents, and the wider community. These conversations serve as a testament to the collaborative spirit of the school in addressing critical issues and striving for excellence in education.
Dr. Cardona also had the chance to visit with Dr. Jim Hammen, Superintendent of GCCS. Dr. Cardona shared with Dr. Hammen how impressed he was at the involvement of the community in supporting their schools efforts.
"It is a very rare opportunity that we get the chance to visit with a person of Dr. Cardona's magnitude. He left me feeling hopeful about the efforts from the federal level" Dr. Hammen states in reflection of his conversation.
As Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools continues to work towards its mission of providing a quality education that empowers students and fosters community growth, the support of education leaders at the highest levels serves as a source of encouragement and inspiration for all individuals involved.