Our first Utica Gem of the school year is Venette Morrison. Morrison is a district-wide parent advocate with the Utica City School District. “The best part of my job is working with our families and seeing their progress each year. I've worked in the Utica City School District for many years in different capacities, but I really found my niche working as a parent advocate,” says Morrison.
When working in collaboration with the parent liaisons, the staff and families, our students succeed and everyone wins. Some day-to-day work for Morrison includes working with families within their homes to understand their barriers, to connect them with services within the schools and also with services with outside agencies.
“Every day is different working with our families. It can consist of getting forms signed, delivering food, clothing, helping with appointments, or just being a great support system for the families,” says Morrison. She is well respected within her school community, and she is a proud Utica Gem.