About the Program

Connecting Parents to Educational Opportunities (CPEO) is a seven-week curriculum based program designed for parents; bringing schools, parents and community together as equal partners in the education of students.

CPEO provides a framework for creating  a community in which parents and teachers collaborate to transform students' educational environment, both at home and at school, so that all students can achieve their greatest academic potential.

Curriculum

Each level of the curriculum offers grade appropriate information including the following:

• How the school system functions and operates
• Standardized tests and assessments
• How to calculate GPAs
• Understanding report cards
• How to effectively communicate with principals, teachers and
  other school staff
• How to prepare for college

Additional facts about the program:

• The CPEO program is designed to support the district's strategic plan by providing parents with the necessary tools and skills to develop strong and positive home-school partnerships that build trusting relationships for supporting the academic achievement of students.
   
• CPEO is the first program sponsored by the district's Family Enrichment Network. The Family Enrichment Network provides multiple opportunities for families to increase their knowledge and skills in areas such as leadership, advocacy, public policy and child development.
    
• The program is offered during the evening one day per week from 6:00 - 8:30 pm.   Each night dinner and childcare are provided. Limited transportation may be available upon request.
   
• Parents that complete the program will receive a certificate of graduation and certificates for free community education and Early Childhood Family Education classes. 
   
• Families also may be eligible for additional financial aid support if they are admitted at the University of Minnesota or Minneapolis Community and Technical College and meet the family income requirements.