WVDE Parent Education Resource Centers (PERC) Project

WVDE Parent Education Resource Centers (PERC) Project Priority 10: “We will develop extensive and meaningful parent and community relationships where we communicate regularly and often with all stakeholders.” — Michael J. Parent- Martirano, Ed. EResoducurcaet Coenrter D. State Project Superintendent of Schools

What is the WVDE Parent Education Resource Center (PERC) Project? Since 1983, the WVDE Office of Special Education has coordinated the WV Parent Educator Resource Center (PERC) Project. A WVDE PERC Coordinator oversees the project. County PERCs are housed in each county, usually in a centralized, accessible location such as a school, community center, board of education office or library. County PERC Coordinators are trained to work with all parents, gather and distribute information, and provide programming and support to parents and teachers to enhance their ability to equip all students for academic success. • Local education agencies provide financial support for a county PERC office by blending fiscal resources such as special education, Title I, state and local funds, and various grants. In addition, local community-based organizations, service agencies, businesses and other service organizations may provide services and resources for the PERCs. • PERCs can assist the families of all students, especially those with special needs, those from low socio- economic backgrounds, homeless, and students whose native language is not English. PERCs align and link family supports to initiatives such as Graduation 20/20 goals, Reading-at-Grade Level, Community Schools, and Expanded Mental Health, while incorporating the resources of various community agencies into family support activities and solutions. The center helps families find publications, workshops, and other resources to help make decisions about education, vocational training, employment, and other services for all students. Many PERCs have a lending library.

What is the goal of the Parent Education Resource Center? • Each county PERC aligns its goals with those of its county department of education’s strategic goals which are also aligned with the WVDE State Systematic Improvement Plan. • They strive to build positive futures for West Virginia’s students by working collaboratively with families, schools, and communities to improve opportunities for excellence in education and success in school and community life. The centers’ greatest focus is children with disabilities. The centers provide: • Services and support for families and professionals; • Referrals and sharing information; • Easy-to-understand, research-based training; and • Opportunities for strategic partnerships and advocacy for systemic improvement. • Since 2016, an additional focus for PERCs has emerged. It is to work to improve outcomes for disadvantage and ELL students. The centers do this by: • Collaborating and partnering with Title 1 and ELL school personnel and community members; • Providing easy to understand, research-based information and parent training; and • Sharing opportunities that support school initiatives for this population with state agencies. How can you learn more about your county’s PERC? • Refer to the other side of this one-pager to find your local PERC. • If your county PERC is not listed, contact your county’s Office of Special Education or Office of Federal Programs. • The WVDE PERC Project Coordinator can be reached at 304.558.3199. West Virginia PERC Contacts Mary McCartney [email protected] Barbour County PERC Jodi Westrope jwest r [email protected] v .us Berkeley County PERC Melanie Britton [email protected] v .us Doddridge County PERC Pam Heater dodd-co-pe r [email protected] Doddridge County PERC Miranda Mitchell [email protected] Doddridge County PERC Melody Waybright hcpe [email protected] Harrison County PERC Pam Hotsinpiller [email protected] v .us Harrison County PERC Cindy Fitzwater [email protected] v .us Jefferson County Contact Lisa Lusk [email protected] v .us Kanawha County PERC Marilyn Nichols [email protected] v .us Kanawha County PERC Jenna Brand [email protected] Kanawha County PERC Amanda Booth [email protected] v .us Lincoln Cnty. Family Engagement Facilitator Brandi Curry bncur r [email protected] v .us Logan County PERC Debbie Willis [email protected] v .us Logan County PERC Cathy Givens [email protected] v .us Marshall County PERC Susie Baker [email protected] v .us Marshall County PERC Nancy Buckland [email protected] v .us McDowell County PERC Christie Tilley [email protected] v .us Mingo County PERC Sandy Pinson [email protected] v .us Mingo County PERC Sabrina Runyon [email protected] Mingo County PERC Julie Parsons [email protected] v .us Monongalia County PERC Pat Stemple [email protected] v .us Monongalia County PERC Helan Turner htu r [email protected] v .us Pendleton County PERC Diana Smith [email protected] v .us Pendleton County PERC Teresa Knight knight1004@f r ontie r.com Pleasants County PERC Helen Wells [email protected] v .us Pleasants County PERC Sherri Morgan [email protected] v .us Raleigh County PERC Lori Thompson [email protected] v .us Raleigh County PERC Lisa Radford [email protected] Tucker County PERC Cindy Simmons cindy [email protected] Tucker County PERC Patricia Cline [email protected] v .us Wayne County Parent Jason Cox [email protected] v .us Wayne County Educator Laura Hayhurst [email protected] Wetzel County PERC Mary Beth McCloy [email protected] v .us Wirt County PERC Ashley Gunnoe [email protected] v .us Wirt County PERC Beverly Shelton [email protected] v .us Wood County PERC Suzy Howell [email protected] v .us Wood County PERC Holly Yoke [email protected] v .us Wood County PERC O f fi c e of S p e c i a l E d u c a t i o n