Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Schools

Sometimes, parents need help, too

By MARYAN PELLAND
Published October 19, 2006

Are there role models beyond Barbie and Britney? Can students harassed by bullies, or those who bully, get immediate help?

Hernando County School District's Parent Institute on Tuesday is aimed at answering those concerns, and dozens of others.

The fifth annual parent/mentor gathering at Challenger K-8 School is a neat, convenient package containing information for parents who want to be involved with their children's education.

Strong partnerships have turned a small, informal gathering to a meeting of more than 200 parents seeking resources to help them do their job effectively.

There's enticement for busy parents, too. Child care provided by the YMCA, dinner and door prizes. Admission and all services are free.

Early on, there were more than 200 families registered and more are expected. Hernando's parent liaison Sharon Mechler calls it an unhurried, relaxed environment where visitors can exchange ideas and take information away to share with neighbors and other parents.

Registration begins at 5:30 p.m., with a complementary hot sandwich dinner from 5:45 till about 6:30. During that time parents can visit exhibitor booths.

The district says no exhibitors will attempt to sell anything, collect personal data, or generate leads for a sales force.

The booths represent nonprofit agencies skilled in issues like discipline, understanding learning styles, mental health, nutrition, chemical abuse and Internet safety.

Promptly at 6:30 p.m. the workshops begin with 22 breakout sessions hosted by Student Services, Heart Literacy, the PTA Council and community organizations.

Facilitators will help visitors determine their specific interests or needs and choose two breakouts to attend.

"Since space is limited to 25 attendees per session, you can't see everything," Mechler said. "If two parents come together, they can each attend two sessions."

Workshops cover issues like how to become comfortable enough with math to help your child succeed in the subject, or how to establish effective discipline.

Parents of high school students can find career and college information and learn what tools are needed to make good career decisions.

There will be help with science, reading and something called, "brain training."

There are sessions with PowerPoint presentations and discussions in Spanish, including one on preparation for the FCAT.

Mechler says the district's goal is to help students become as successful as possible and to help parents feel confident helping their children reach their goals.

HELPFUL TIPS

To get more information

To obtain copies of workshop information, you can contact any of the 10 Title 1 schools or call Mechler at (352) 797-7000.

[Last modified October 19, 2006, 07:05:08]