(download this page in PDF format)

Parent Networks

Parent Networks help parents connect to each other for support in their roles as effective parents and communicators with their children. Together, parents encourage safe and alcohol/drug-free environments for their youth. Parent Networks are usually organized in school districts by parents and school officials working together. A key element of a Parent Network is the Parent Network Agreement. It links parents together to encourage and sponsor wholesome activities for youth, communicate with each other about youth activities, set agreed-upon curfews for young people, emphasize the importance of school, and agree to be positive role models.

Parent Network Report

In 2003, NICE Community Schools joined with Great Lakes Center for Youth Development to study the impact of its new Parent Network. An eight-month study was completed involving 22 families and their middle and high school students. Many positive parenting behaviors were identified including monitoring of youth activities and open communications between parents and young people. The study report provides a short review of the literature and lessons learned about starting a Parent Network.

Reducing Teen Use of Alcohol and Drugs Through Parent Involvement: A Parent Network Study

Parent Network Contact List

Parent Networks are currently organized in three local school districts: Marquette Area Public Schools, Ishpeming Public Schools, and NICE Community Schools.

Marquette Parent Network (Marquette Area Public Schools)

The mission of the Marquette Parent Network is to unite all parents and other adults to enhance communication among parents, youth, school personnel, and community members in order to promote healthy activities and high standards for our young people. Through this unity, we support our youth in making positive choices.>

For more information, contact:

   Candy Weber, Network Chairperson
   Women's & Children's Center
   Marquette General Health System
   Phone: (906) 225-3081
   Or e-mail the Network at ParentNetwork@mapsnet.org

Visit the Marquette Parent Network on the web at:

   www.mapsnet.org/ParentNetwork

Ishpeming Parent Network (Ishpeming Public Schools)

The Ishpeming Parent Network is a parent-run organization whose mission is to unite all parents and community members to better communicate with each other and our youth to encourage healthy activities. Through networking, parents of school-age youth have an opportunity to become a greater force in the community and in the lives of our children.

For more information, contact:

   Janine Johns
   Phone: (906) 486-8242
      or
   Ann Niemi
   Phone: (906) 486-8262

Or learn more about the Parent Network on the web at:

   www.ishpemingschools.com/parents/parentnetwork.shtml

Parent to Parent Network (NICE Community Schools)

The NICE Parent to Parent Network helps parents connect to each other for support in their roles as effective parents and communicators with their children. Together, the parents encourage safe and alcohol/drug-free environments for their youth.

The Parent to Parent Network is an opportunity to:

Share parenting strategies and learn about important youth issues
Help parents and students become more aware of the risks of youth alcohol and drug use
Promote common codes of conduct and standards for our children

For more information, contact:

   Amy Minard
   Family Resource Institute
   Aspen Ridge School
   350 Aspen Ridge School Road
   Ishpeming, MI 49849
   Phone: (906) 485-3176

Copyright©2003 by the Great Lakes Center for Youth Development except where noted
Contact Judy Watson-Olson or Karen Thompson at (906)228-8919 with questions/comments
Some information on this site is produced by other sources, see bibliography for source
This page was last updated on Thursday, March 11th, 2010