Parents make a difference

Adelante LRC hosted its first “Parent to Parent Breakfast” this past week.  Dr. Rubén Viramontez of Bowling Green State University facilitated the workshop in which Latino parents discussed educational issues that continue to challenge the Latino community.

Parents came with questions and concerns—all were addressed.  “Pone mi hijo en el programa,” says Dr. Viramontez. He encouraged parents to get their children involved in school but they [the parents] must take the lead.

Adelante's Brandy Gutierrez assists Luis Colon with his homework

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Along with parental involvement, student and parent rights were discussed. Being involved in your child’s education includes:

1. Taking kids to school;

2. Walking them into class or school;

3. Learning educational terminology;

4. Meeting the school faculty and staff;,

5. Attending PTA/PTO meetings, sporting events, and open houses;

6. Attending teacher conferences;

7. Volunteering at your child’s school;

8. Helping your child set academic goals;

9. Reviewing homework with your child; and

10. Talking with your child about school.

According to Andreanna Rivera of Adelante, Inc., these workshops assist parents of students who are enrolled in Adelante’s elementary program Los Niños. The purpose of the workshops is to help parents recognize the value of their children’s education at an early age and the importance of parent involvement with the student’s academic career.

Adelante provides after-school academic tutoring and prevention services to nearly 19 local elementary schools. Adelante is an SES (Supplemental Educational Service Provider) for Title 1 Schools through the No Child Left Behind Act. This means students can receive extra academic help outside the regular school day through Adelante’s After-School Program.

To find out more about these programs, contact Adelante’s Youth Services Division at 419-244-8440.