There are nights that stay with you—and McCullough Middle School’s ParentCamp was one of them.
What struck me most wasn’t just the conversation (though it was powerful), it was the heart behind it. The deep, unwavering love for students. The honesty about the challenges of middle school. And the compassion educators and families carry as they walk alongside kids who are figuring out who they are—while also preparing to step into high school and beyond.
There was something beautifully real about the recognition that, in middle school, you don’t always see the fruits of your work. You plant seeds. You nurture growth. You guide, support, and advocate. And often, you don’t get to see the full bloom.
But make no mistake—the impact is happening.
Throughout the evening, story after story was shared—stories of concern, care, and commitment to helping students grow. It was overwhelming in the best possible way. You could feel the collective responsibility in the room: these are our kids.
What We Heard: Connection, Voice, and Shared Experience
The Mentimeter responses from the night captured the spirit perfectly.
When asked what participants were grateful for, themes of connection and shared experience rose to the top:
“Making connections”
“Grateful for camaraderie on the same topic”
“Being able to share personal experiences…”
“It was nice to connect with others and have meaningful conversations”
“No one was the expert—we all shared our thoughts”
That last one? That’s ParentCamp at its core.
No presentations. No hierarchy. Just real talk, real listening, and real connection.
Turning Talk into Action
Even more inspiring were the action steps people committed to:
Having intentional conversations around advocacy
Teaching students how to advocate for themselves
Using teachable moments more intentionally
Modeling and role-playing advocacy skills
Being a “spark” for student voice
There’s something powerful about a room full of adults saying, “We can do more—and we will.”
Meeting What Matters Most
When asked what universal human needs were met, one word stood out above the rest:
Belonging.
Followed closely by:
Community
Acceptance
Growth
Awareness
And sprinkled throughout: appreciation, authenticity, inclusion, respect, support.
That’s not accidental. That’s what happens when you create a space where people feel safe to show up as they are.
Why This Night Matters
Middle school is not easy—for kids or for the adults who support them. It’s a time of transition, identity, and sometimes uncertainty. But what I saw at McCullough was a community that refuses to let students navigate that alone.
A community grounded in compassion.
A community committed to growth.
A community that understands that even when you don’t see the outcome—you are still making a difference.
And that matters more than anything.
Looking Ahead
This is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for the next McCullough ParentCamp coming in August—we’ll continue these conversations, deepen connections, and keep showing up for our students.
A heartfelt thank you to the Delaware Department of Education for supporting this work and helping make nights like this possible.
And if you’re feeling inspired by what’s happening here, we’d love your support. Donations toward meals and prize giveaways for future ParentCamps are always appreciated—no amount is too small, and every bit helps us continue building these meaningful experiences for families, educators, and communities.
Because when we come together like this…
kids win.
#ParentCamp #DEDelivers #FamilyEngagement #MiddleSchoolMatters #StrongerTogether