URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana School District had some special guests on Monday. 

The district celebrated National African American Parent Involvement Day. Dozens of family members showed up for their kids. 

The Early Childhood School hosted two assemblies throughout the day. Staff and teachers sang culturally significant songs in front of a packed gym.

School leadership said the events were meant to encourage support between families. 

“Parents, we believe, are the first teachers of our students,” Principal Katie Madigan said. “Especially at this young age, they have just such an impact on what our students can and cannot do. Our kids can’t get to school without their families when they are three, four and five.”

The assemblies were only two of several events that happened across the district. Workshops, class visits and parent-student lunches took place across the city.