U-46 hosts African-American, Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute graduation

On Saturday, May 16, Elgin Area School District U-46 hosted a graduation ceremony for parents who have completed two years of the Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute or the African-American Parent Leadership Institute, as well as a recognition of parents who have completed the first year of their program.

U-46 is currently recruiting parents to join the program which provides leadership training and helps parents become more active participants in their children's education.

Parents who graduated from the African-American Parent Leadership Institute include Tamara Bills, Christina Chandler, Evette Davis, Deborah Harris, Corinne McCurdy, Kiarra Miles, Brenda Newton, Tanya Newton, Charles Wells, and Jennifer Wells.

Graduates of the Hispanic Parent Leadership Institute include Jacqueline Arévalo, Bertha Campos, José Castro, María de la Luz Chávez, Guadalupe González, Minerva Guzmán, Jessica López, Lucila López, Laura Ortiz, Reyna Parra, Rosa Rivera, Estefanía Romero, and Lucia Salvador.

Chief Executive Officer Tony Sanders addressed the parents and their families attending the celebration and was joined by state Rep. Fred Crespo who presented certificates to the first-year participants.

Also in attendance at the event held at Elgin High School were school board members and program facilitators.

Parents of students in elementary and/or middle school are invited to learn more about this program for 2015-16.

Once a month, for eight months during the school year, sessions will be held to provide training for up to 25 participants in each group.

Informational meetings for interested parents will be at the U-46 district offices, 355 E. Chicago St., Elgin throughout the summer.

Those interested should contact U-46 Parent Outreach Coordinator Karla Jimenez at karlajimenez@u-46.org or call (847) 888-5000, ext. 4211.