District 54 offers classes for parents

In an effort to ensure student success, School District 54 is inviting parents to attend classes.

In response to changing needs within the community and the desire for the children to benefit from the connection between their parents and teachers, Schaumburg Community Consolidated School District 54 is offering Schaumburg Parent University (SPU).

The program began three years ago as Blackwell Parent University, but has expanded this year in an attempt to involve more parents in the school, to strengthen family relationships and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially and emotionally. Research shows that parental involvement is critical for a child's academic success as well as for developing strong internal values and a sense of self.

"We started BPU to help parents tackle the inevitable difficulties of raising a child in today's society and to provide parents with the skills to raise a productive member of our community," said Meg Kwak, Blackwell School's psychologist. "The amount of support and encouragement for this program from District 54 staff, community members and local business has reinforced our hypothesis that a program like SPU is needed. As the program develops, we are looking forward to growing SPU and reaching more people-and we started this year by expanding our program."

This year, social workers and psychologists within various buildings throughout School District 54 have banded together to organize a wide variety of speakers. Instead of one building within district taking ownership of this program, we have taken an opportunity to expand our efforts and to reach more students and families throughout the seven communities School District 54 serves.

The course offerings range from addressing family dynamics to learning a new family skill. Two types of classes are offered. Together Time (TT) classes are designed as opportunities for children and parents to experience activities together. Practical Parenting (PP) classes are for adults only, but child care is provided at this time.

Upcoming courses include: Keeping your Kids Safe on Oct. 28; Get your Groove On on Nov. 17; Feeding the Family-Quick, Easy and Healthy Suggestions! on Nov. 30 and Dr. Feld Knows Best on Dec. 13.

"It has been a pleasure to see the excitement on both the parent's as well as their children's faces when they have had an opportunity to participate in an activity after school hours but within the school environment," said Brigid Janiak, Blackwell School's social worker.

Classes meet for one to two hours at either the Schaumburg Township District Library or the Rauch Center for Information and Technology.

The program is funded by a donation from the PTA, as well as businesses that provide materials and supplies as sponsors of various classes. Most classes are free and are open to District 54 families as well as families outside of the school community.

Although a variety of instructors teach the classes, SPU is run by the following school personnel: Meg Kwak, Brigid Janiak, Madelyn Brossard, Mary Brodie, Liz Perez, Melinda Keyes, Kim Smith and Beth Farr. For information, contact Blackwell School (847) 357-5555 or visit web54.sd54.k12.il.us/schools/blackwell/blackwellpu.htm.