Children celebrate at the Parent Academy which helps parents build their education capacity
On Saturday, Sept. 15, the OCPS Parent Academy will kick off its new season with “A Balanced Beginning” at Timber Creek High School. This first academy will feature topics like, Supportive Balance, How to help your child be successful in school and beyond, Back to School resources at Orange County Library, What is ESOL and Starting with Foster Grandparents.
One of Parent Academy’s newest additions is the partnership with Volunteers for Community Impact, Simply Healthcare and Amerigroup. This partnership is building a community of Foster Grandparents, affectionately known as “Grand Ambassadors,” to improve literacy rates in young readers. Not only will the Foster Grandparents volunteer at the academies, but they will teach classes, too.
“Utilizing grandparents was something I pondered. I saw firsthand which groups of adults were not participating in or attending the events. I knew we were not utilizing one of our most gifted treasures. With combined minds from the four organizations (OCPS, VCI, SH and Amerigroup) the ‘Grand Ambassadors’ partnership with the academy began. I’m excited to see it all come together,” said Shawn Sanchez, Programs Specialist, Parent and Community Engagement: OCPS Parent Academy.
The Grand Ambassadors will present “A Balanced Approach to Literacy” session to teach parents effective reading strategies they can use with their own child.
Families are strongly encouraged to pre-register for the event by going to Parent Academy; however, onsite registration is accepted. If someone needs assistance, he can call 407-317-3300.
The district strives to make the information accessible to all attendees. For those who are non-native English speakers, translation services are provided.
OCPS Parent Academy provides useful, impactful and effective lessons for parents to incorporate at home for long-term effects on their child’s learning. Additionally, the Youth Academy (ages 4-18) occurs in conjunction with the adult sessions. This is a FREE event.
Mark your calendar so your family can attend all five academies this year.
Parent Academy is 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday:
· Sept. 15, Timber Creek High School, “A Balanced Beginning”
· Nov. 3, Apopka High School, “Parents as Partners”
· Jan. 12, Olympia High School, “New Year, New You: Health Choices for School and Home”
· March 9, Cypress Creek High School, “Do Your Best on the Test”
· May 4, Dr. Phillips High School, “Sunny Ideas for Summer Learning”
For those who cannot attend the in-person sessions, or who want to continue learning, check out the Virtual Parent Academy. The first one will occur on Thursday, Oct. 4 at 6 p.m.