10/25/07
CSD2 offers ‘Parenting Academy’ with workshops
By Cathy Gilbert

Submitted Photo

An instructor at a recent Parenting Academy session shares with attendees important tips to help their children succeed in school.

Parents in Clarendon County have a unique opportunity to strengthen and improve their parenting and family interaction skills throught Clarendon School District 2’s Parenting/Family Resource Center.

The Center’s staff are offering Parenting Academy workshops throughout this school year. Flyers are being sent home through school children with details of all the sessions.
“We encourage all parents to attend this four-part series of workshops on their children’s grade level,” said Jennifer Nelson, Parenting/Family Resource Center director. “The Parenting Staff will present educational skills and strategies that will aid parents to help their children be successful in school.”

In Session One, parents and children will be invited to attend a kickoff meeting. The purpose of the Parenting Academy program is explained during kickoff meetings. Parents and children attending will be served a delicious meal.

Session Two will provide an opportunity for parents to see their children actively involved in the classroom. The goal of this session is to give parents workable ideas for helping their children at home.

In Session Three, parents will be given information on homework, nutrition, and reading and math skills appropriate to their children’s grade level.

Finally, in Session Four will hear outstanding presentations from agencies outside the school district such as those in the healthcare arena and the library on how these groups can assist parents with various programs.

A special graduation will be held for all parents attending all four sessions.

During the months of September and October, approximately fifty parents and students attended the first four series of workshops at Manning Early Childhood Center.

Students were able to see their parents “graduate” from the Parenting Academy and receive a special certificate from the Parenting Center.

“We are so proud of all our participating parents,” Nelson said. “Congratulations to all parents attending the workshops.”

The next series of workshops started Saturday, Oct. 13, at Manning Primary School (MPS). Parents with children in second grade are also invited to attend four series of workshops. Dates are listed below.

Group 2-Session 1: Saturday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.- noon MPS.
Group 2-Session 2: Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. MPS (parents will only attend one of these sessions).
Group 2-Session 3: Tuesday, Oct. 23, 5-7 p.m. MPS.
Group 2-Session 4: Tuesday, Oct. 30, 5-7 p.m. MPS.

The Parenting/Family Resource Center staff and volunteers are visiting classes on Fridays to do book drawings for students in first through eighth grades. All students are receiving free books. Students who receive the lucky book are given prizes donated by Save the Children, Safe Schools Healthy/Students and Communities in Schools programs.

The following students received special prizes for drawing the lucky book:

First grade student winners: Keonta Conyers, Tiara Dantzler, Tyrese DuPree, Hane Mitchum, Imonee Stephen, Jada Pompey, Kwuamaine Sinkler, Keith Ofeldt, Dayreon Allen, Trevon Johnson, Asyannia Owens, Shermar Bowman, Matthew Burgess.
Second grade student winners: Armani Roberts, Tyler Harvin, Shanaya Hammett, Levon Dingle, Anastasia Hill, Dreme Conyers, Brandon Prine, Godfrey Montgomery, Schaffie Rogers, Hunter White, A’maya Dennis, Gregory Georgia, Tre’sure Brunson.
Third grade student winners: Matthew Varn, Quinn Hipp, Lekisa Williams, Tyrerk Weeks, Kai Strothers, Mikayla Johnson, Lanaisha Wilder, Shakeisha Smiling, Cameron Conyers.

“On behalf of Superintendent John Tindal, our principals, teachers and the Parenting Center staff, I would like to thank and congratulate all students/parents for participating in our Parenting Academy workshops and book drawing events,” Nelson added.

Nelson invites all parents in Clarendon School District 2 to visit the Parenting Center, located at MECC. For additional information, call the Center at 473-4958.