Family Curriculum Nights Build Connection and Confidenceby Dr. Nicole Holt, Deputy Superintendent of Academics
Across the district, a new initiative is bringing Springfield Public Schools families and schools closer together—one engaging lesson at a time. Site-based Family Curriculum Academies are transforming how SPS families experience learning, offering a window into the classroom and equipping parents with tools to support their children at home. Launched in fall 2025, Family Curriculum Academies invite families to explore hands-on learning stations, preview curriculum materials, and gain insight into what students are studying across subjects in their classrooms. From modeling read-aloud strategies to playing math games that reinforce key concepts, the academies showcase how classroom learning can continue seamlessly at home. These events are held once each semester at every Title I site and includeopportunities for parents to:
• View and explore the same curriculum resources used in classrooms.• Participate in model lessons and games that build foundational skills.• Learn strategies for home learning and family engagement.• Understand the “why” behind instructional methods.Each school site can choose its own focus—English language arts, math or science—and customize the evening to highlight learning in that area for families. At the heart of each Family Curriculum Academy are classroom-based learning sessions, where SPS teachers invite parents and students to experience lessons together. Whether it’s a shared reading experience, a collaborative science experiment, or a problem-solving challenge, families see firsthand how teachers bring the curriculum to life.
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