Many people have asked us who we are, what we do and what experience we can bring to the conversations on educational change in BC, so here is the Coles Notes version:
As we live in different parts of the province we are always looking for opportunities to get together. During one such trip in March of 2011 we met up in Kelowna. After lots of conversations, laughs and realizing that while we are in different stages of our lives, we are still passionate about the role that parents and families play in education.We left Kelowna with many new memories and new opportunities: our 4Moms~1Dream Blog/Twitter presence and a new business Dreams to Destiny Consulting.
So who are we as individuals?
Kim Howland: “I have dedicated most of my life to working or volunteering in ways that support children and families, in early childcare, non-profits and our BC Education system. I believe it is important that all children have positive education experiences throughout their school years. The role parents and family members play in achieving positive outcomes for students is vital to that success. I have held both informal and formal roles as a parent leader within my district through PACs and DPAC to provincially being the President of the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils (BCCPAC). Over the last 14 years I have consulted, written, presented and facilitated positive discussions on parent engagement to educators, Ministry of Education and parent groups across BC. I have recently taken on a new role as a trustee on the SD 68, Nanaimo Ladysmith Board of Education. My children have both graduated from the public school system and are continuing their education at the post secondary level. Through 4Moms~1Dream and our business Dreams to Destiny Consulting, we can continue to focus on our work to promote and enhance the roles of parents and families in education.”
Fiona Delcourt: “As a parent of 3 children, I have been actively engaged in their education for more than 17 years. I am not finished as my youngest is still in the school system. Over the years I have had the opportunity to be involved in all areas of BC’s education system: at the school, district and provincial levels .I have done everything from being a classroom helper to sitting on the provincial Board of Directors for BCCPAC. As a parent leader and facilitator my knowledge, personal experiences, volunteer work with the Ministry of Education and BCCPAC continues to drive my passion to stay engaged. I have a strong belief in personalized learning in our schools and I know the importance of having families engaged in order to ensure all students receive the best education possible.
As a new grandparent it’s important to me that I continue to dedicate my time supporting an education system that works for all students and their families. I can do this as one of the 4Moms and as a partner in Dreams to Destiny Consulting. While my educational experience has been gained through my involvement in 3 school districts, I currently reside in SD78 Fraser- Cascade in the community of Agassiz.”
Ida Middleton: “As a single mom with 2 daughters and a young grandson, I know firsthand the importance of being an engaged family member in a child’s education. As a business owner living in SD 52, Prince Rupert, I have been actively involved in the BC education system for the last 9 years. Experience in facilitating discussions and parent education workshops to diverse groups, holding a variety of leadership roles at the school, district and provincial levels, including Treasurer on BCCPAC have all provided me with a unique opportunity to see the bigger picture in education. My passion to see personalized learning for students in our school system, fuels my desire to be a positive part of achieving this change for students of the 21st Century. As a partner in Dreams to Destiny Consulting I am confident and encouraged that change will happen soon.”
Lori Tedrick: “I have been actively involved in public education in my home district of SD6, Rocky Mountain for over 16 years. Living in Kimberley, I have been given many opportunities to be engaged at both the school and district levels, both formally and informally. Additionally in May 2008, I completed four years with the BC Confederation of Parent Advisory Councils, holding the positions of 2nd Vice President and Director. I have had the privilege of sharing my knowledge and experience on parent engagement with the Ministry of Education, parents and educators. Be it in our schools, within districts or at provincial events I am a strong believer in building positive, respectful relationships between parents and the educators.. While both of my children have graduated from the public school system I am still passionate about education. As a partner in Dreams to Destiny Consulting I am looking forward to continuing to share my knowledge and experience with parents, community and educators as we move forward to make a great education system even better for our children.”
