Friday, November 1, 2002

FCSS to host Parent University

The popular Parent University returns to the Fulton County School System with a half-day of courses to be held November 9 at Hillside Elementary in Roswell and Heritage Elementary in College Park. The session runs from 8:30 a.m. until noon with childcare and refreshments provided.

Parent University promotes involvement and participation in the educational system by explaining educational issues and offering practical parenting advice. The November 9 fall course offerings focus on technology, charter schools, No Child Left Behind, reading programs, testing, parenting skills, and technology. Another class will be held March 8, with a graduation ceremony set for April 19.

"Parent University is a community-led training that encourages involvement in our schools and builds a network of parents and community leaders," explained Dr. Barbara Hill, Fulton County School System Associate Superintendent of Instruction.

Parent University originally started in south Fulton as part of the Wrap-Around Collaborative, a community initiative spearheaded by William "Bill" Edwards while President of Old National Merchants Association. Last year, the assistant principals in the Fulton County School System joined parents in planning the program and expanded it countywide. The goals are two-fold:

Increase student achievement by offering school-based instructional programs for parents and community members, and

Increase parent and community interest, understanding, and involvement in the school system.

Parent University participants earn credits by attending courses, volunteering in the local schools, and attending meetings of the Fulton County Board of Education. All parents who earn a minimum of 15 credits will be invited to participate in graduation ceremonies, scheduled for April 19, 2003. Those earning 22 credits will graduate with honors, with Summa Cum Laude status bestowed upon participants who earn 30 or more credits.

Pre-registration is not necessary. Interested participants should report to Hillside Elementary, 9250 Scott Road, Roswell; or Heritage Elementary, 2600 Jolly Drive, College Park, by 8:30 a.m. on November 9.

For more information on Parent University, contact Emily Massey at 770-991-7940.