Engaged Community
When families and community members feel welcomed into the school district, they become partners in learning.
Parents, caregivers, and community members have long pushed for ways to be both seen and heard in the district, and to feel welcomed in their own children’s schools. Today, families can access information in their own language, see their cultures reflected in school activities, and have ways to share their input and ideas with district leadership through advisory committees, open forums and other communication channels.
Building Community Connections
By prioritizing two-way communication and working to build connections and trust, Providence Public Schools (PPSD) is forming strong partnerships to support student success both in and out of the classroom. In 2025, the School Superintendents Association recognized PPSD for embedding community engagement practices into district strategy and systems.
Translation and Interpretation
PPSD prioritized educational access and equity for all students and families by investing over $1 million in translation and 24-hour interpretation services. Communicating with families in their native language is now standard practice.
Family Engagement
PPSD has transformed the way it partners with families by creating clear, accessible pathways for communication and support. Today, a dedicated team of Parent Engagement Specialists serves as a trusted bridge between families and schools, helping ensure that questions and concerns are addressed quickly and effectively. The district has also expanded its Parent Ambassador program to every school, creating more opportunities for families to connect, contribute, and engage in their children’s education.
Advisory Councils
Stakeholder advisory councils at PPSD ensure families, students, educators, and community members have a meaningful voice in district decision-making. Through regular meetings and direct engagement with district leadership, including with the Superintendent and the Commissioner, the District-Wide Advisory Council, Parent Advisory Council, and Student Advisory Council help inform policies, provide feedback on key initiatives, and strengthen communication between the school district and the communities it serves.
Staying Strong Together
The strength of the PPSD community and the district’s commitment to supporting students and families was on full display during the Covid-19 pandemic. In the face of unprecedented challenges, educators, staff, and district leaders worked tirelessly to meet students’ needs – delivering meals to families, distributing Chromebooks to support virtual learning, and maintaining meaningful connections with students during a time of isolation and uncertainty. Through resilience, collaboration, and a shared commitment to one another, the Providence community not only weathered the crisis but emerged stronger and more connected than before.
Communication Tools
PPSD has strengthened connections between families and schools by making communication more accessible, responsive, and multilingual. Through the districtwide ParentSquare platform, families can easily communicate with schools and receive timely updates. A customer service system with rapid-response support helps ensure questions and concerns are addressed quickly, while regular parent-teacher conferences create meaningful opportunities for families and educators to discuss student progress, review supports, and work together to help every child succeed.
Parent University and Parent Leadership Academy
PPSD has expanded opportunities for parents to help shape the future of the district. Through Parent University, families can access sessions in either English or Spanish on topics ranging from financial literacy to social-emotional learning, helping them build skills and confidence as partners in their children’s success. The Parent Leadership Training Academy empowers families through training in public speaking and advocacy, preparing them to serve as leaders and champions for their community.
Student Well-Being
PPSD now offers virtual mental health services for all of the district’s students through a partnership with Rhode Island Department of Education, in addition to in-person support. PPSD has also expanded access to essential resources through school-based food pantries, clothing closets, health clinics, assistance for students facing housing instability, and other services.
