University has doubled its course offerings and expanded its locations
in the program's second semester.
"We are thrilled with the response we've already received from
parents, community members and partners," Jerri Haigler, executive
director of Family and Community Services and Parent University, told
the Board Feb. 10. "We learned many valuable lessons during our first
semester and have already made changes to ensure we are reaching as
many families as possible."
During Parent University's first semester last fall, 31 courses were
offered in schools, public libraries, YMCA branches and other
locations. More than 2,700 parents attended programs on parenting
awareness, health and wellness, personal growth and development, and
helping children learn in the 21st century.
More than 9,000 people also visited the U.S. National Whitewater
Center on Oct. 18 for Fall Family Fun Day. Participants learned about
Parent University, visited booths staffed by community partners, and
explored the Whitewater Center's grounds.
Haigler said Parent University staff made changes to reach even more
families this semester. Parents asked for more topics of interest to
them, the need to provide food, child care and transportation whenever
possible, and classes in Spanish. This spring, families may choose
from 64 classes offered 159 times acrossMecklenburg County. The
curriculum includes: preparing students for the End-of-Grade (EOG) and
End-of-Course (EOC) tests; preparing students for transitions to
middle and high school, and professional growth and development.
Fifteen classes are also being offered in Spanish.
"We have also expanded the number of locations where parents can take
courses," said Haigler. "We have partnered with more houses of worship
and businesses."
A successful business partnership with Wachovia led to on-site lunch-
and-learn sessions for employees. Hundreds of Wachovia workers
attended classes on helping students build study skills; preparing for
End-of-Grade tests; surviving adolescence, and higher education for
working adults.
For more information on Parent University, go to the CMS Web site at www.cms.k12.nc.us
, call 980-343-0318, or e-mail info@parentuniversity.org.
