Governor Quinn Signs "Bring Your Parents to School Day" Law for Illinois Students

CHICAGO – Governor Quinn today signed legislation that encourages more parental involvement in school by allowing all Illinois schools districts to designate the first Monday in October as “Bring Your Parents to School Day.” Today’s action is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure all children across the state are prepared to succeed in college, career and beyond.

Today’s bill signing took place at the 84th annual Bud Billiken Parade and Picnic, the largest and oldest back-to-school parade in the nation.

“A well-rounded education starts at home, and there is no better way to kick-off the school year right than with empowered parents,” Governor Quinn said. “Every first Monday in October, our schoolhouse doors will open for ‘Bring Your Parents to School Day,’ giving everyone a chance to get involved and set clear goals for the year ahead.”

House Bill 129 amends the Illinois School Code to allow school boards to designate the first Monday in October of each year as “Bring Your Parents to School Day.” If adopted, school boards may permit parents and guardians to attend class with their children and meet with teachers and administrators during the school day. The legislation is designed to promote greater parental involvement, which a study by the National Center for Education Statistics has found leads to better grades throughout the child’s educational career.

“Bring Your Parents to School Day” was sponsored by State Representative Emanuel Chris Welch and State Senator Kimberly A. Lightford and its purpose is to promote both involvement of parents in their child’s education and student success.

“Kids are more likely to succeed in school when their parents are engaged,” Senator Lightford said. “Bring Your Parents to School Day’ is one more way schools can try to get them involved.”

“Bring Your Parents to School Day will help give parents and guardians a better understanding of their students’ coursework, daily activities and how to address various education challenges,” Welch said. “This new law will also give parents an opportunity to work with teachers, sign up for the PTO and participate in other parent-involvement activities.”

The law takes effect January 1, 2014.