Arkansas Parents for School Options

We had a wonderful Capitol Day in Little Rock on May 1st! Our advocates made the front page of the second section of the Arkansas Democrat the following morning! At the event, we provided Sen. Jim Dotson with a Golden Apple Award for his support on the Remote Testing bill from last year (many of the parents had just completed their remote testing within the last few weeks!). Sen. Dotson was able to ask them real time how the testing worked and both parents and school staff spoke positively about the experience.

Former legislator (and current AR GOP Chair,) Joseph Wood, spoke with our families for an extended period of time sharing his very powerful story about school choice.  

Each of the families delivered their handwritten letters to the clerks at both the House and Senate before our group finished our tour at the Treasury where each participant was able to hold $250k in cash.

We had a really great event and the parents were incredibly engaged. Looking forward to next year!

-Chase Eskelsen, Arkansas Parents for School Options State Director

Florida Parents for School Options

Parent Town Hall

On Friday, April 26th, the Florida Parents for School Options (PSO) hosted an insightful parent townhall featuring Inclusiveology Founder and Owner, D.J. Nicholson. To begin the townhall, D.J. discussed her personal story of experiencing the challenges and triumphs that go along with raising a child that is neurodivergent. She also highlighted her 30-year career as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and trainer, before delving into her current role, where she assists parents and teachers in ensuring learning success for neurodiverse students.

D.J. explained that neurodiversity in students is simply a difference in the way a child learns, as each child has a different brain and computes information differently. She noted that "there is absolutely nothing wrong with that" and that the goal is to get students to "show that they know" what a teacher taught them.

She also provided helpful tips to parents whose children are neurodiverse, including the importance of flexibility in a child's education and learning environment. D.J. also discussed the benefit of students expressing their knowledge through book reports, oral presentations, etc. Finally, D.J. reiterated the importance of parents utilizing the school choice opportunities that are made available to their children.

To conclude the townhall, D.J. field several questions from parents that wanted to learn more about neurodiversity and educational pathways. The Florida PSO Chapter appreciates D.J. and each parent taking the time to join this insightful event.

-Ethan Merchant, Florida Parents for School Options Coalition Manager

Michigan Parents for School Options

MI-PSO parents, teachers and students came to Lansing to meet with lawmakers and advocate for full and equal funding for Michigan's online school students.

North Carolina Parents for School Options

Ohio Parents for Education Freedom

To conclude their monthly family bowling events, Ohio Parents for Education Freedom hosted their end of year celebration.

South Carolina Parents for School Options

Texas Parents for School Options

Parent Policy Summit

On Wednesday May 8th, Texas Parents for School Options held their Parent Policy Summit. PSO's Executive Director Kristen Tyagi attended the event where State Senator Brandon Creighton was a special guest. He spoke with parents about his journey to the legislature and what to expect this session on education.

Wyoming Parents for School Options

Town Hall with Wyoming Superintendent Megyn Degenfelder (Special Guest State Sen. Affie Ellis

Wyoming Parents for School Options held an in-person and virtual town hall with Wyoming Superintendent Megan Degenfelder and special guest Senator Affie Ellis to discuss the state of education and school choice in the state. Click here to watch the full replay and clips from the events!