Wichita schools offer Parent University conference
Wichita Public Schools wants to extend the message that educating children is an initiative that beyond school buildings.
"What research has proved over 40 years is teachers can't educate children alone," said Christina Long, Family and Community Network Specialist for the district. "This is truly a collective effort. Parents are their childrens' first teachers. It's more and more important for schools to reach out to parents to make sure we're bringing them into the mix."
The district will host Parent University this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wichita State University Hughes Metropolitan Complex.
Long said the event workshops give information and resources to parents through community and district agencies. The district wants families to celebrate and encourage learning.
"Collectively, it's going to take us all to make sure our children and our students are properly educated for today's workforce and today's environment," Long said.
USD 259 Board Member Sheril Logan will be the featured speaker at the event. The theme for Parent University is "Learn. Teach. Lead."
Long said new curriculum, such as the district's math program, is taught differently than how parents were educated. Parents need to know how to support children with new methods at home.
"Our schools are really working to make sure that they're being welcoming to families, that we're valuing all families and that we're honoring them with the time that they are able to spend with us," Long said. "If parents have questions about their children's education - ask.
"That's your role as a parent, and we want to encourage and empower parents to do so."
The event is free. An RSVP can be made by contacting Long at 316-973-5131. Long said caregivers, grandparents and interested community members are also encouraged to attend.
Other Parent University sessions will be held in January and April.
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