Dist. 129 survey says: Parents want classes, too
Parents from School District 129 and 131 can learn about a variety of parenting topics at the first-ever Parent University this month. The two districts are pairing up for this event, thanks to a grant from the Kane County Regional Office of Education. It will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, at East High School, 500 Tomcat Lane, Aurora.
"We've been ecstatic with the response we received from families in both school districts," said Erin Slater, director of Elementary Education for District 129 and a member of the 15-person committee with representatives from both districts planning the event.
More than 250 parents have already signed up and organizers said no families will be turned away, even walk-ins the day of the event can find a spot.
The event has separate English and Spanish presentations and no registration fee. Also, free child care will be offered for children age 3 and older.
The keynote speakers are Dr. Lourdes Ferrer, who will speak in Spanish, and Steve Garlington, who will speak at the same time, in English. Both of them will emphasize that parents are the key to student achievement, and will add in their own life experiences," said Clayton Muhammad, director of Community Relations for District 131.
The second part of the program will include seminars on a variety of parenting topics, including stress management, building a child's self-esteem, scholarships and child literacy.
"We brainstormed over 100 different topics originally, and then did a lot of paring down and combining," said Luanne Kelsey, Dist. 129 director of Secondary Education, who is a member of the planning committee. "When we sent out the parent survey there were 15 to 20 choices. These are the topics that were most sought after by the parent community."
The presenters have ties to Aurora, such as through a hospital, social service agency or college, and will help connect parents with services offered in the community.
"This is an opportunity for both school districts to pull in some community resources available to help parents get some information, learn some skills, new ideas and feel validated about what they need to be doing for kids," Slater said. "They will know there are programs and services out there that can help support the family."