Parents and caregivers of students at Suwannee Primary, Suwannee Elementary, Suwannee Intermediate and Branford Elementary were invited to attend the First Annual Title I Parent University. When parents arrived, their children went on to watch a movie and enjoy pizza in a separate area while parents enjoyed refreshments and entertainment. The entertainment was fantastic. Susan Roush on flute and Tammy Michal on the piano delighted the crowd with beautiful music. The talented duo charmed the large crowd with their piano duet and set the stage for an exciting, fun filled evening.

After a short welcome from Bill Yanossy, Principal of Suwannee Intermediate School, and Suwannee County School Superintendent, Jerry Scarborough, everyone was entertained by Pam Lake as she gave the parents a few tips on TOOLS they can use as a parent. Lake is a parent specialist from FDLRS/Gateway.

Parents were then dismissed to attend two workshops. The parents had several workshops from which to choose, including Homework Help, Raising a Reader, Every Day Math, ADD/ADHD, Bullying Prevention, Autism, and Computers. The workshops were designed to teach the parents how to help their children in these specific areas. Each workshop also provided the parents with free resources to use at home, as well as door prizes.

The event ended with a drawing for several door prizes. Gift certificates were provided by The Suwannee Democrat, The Total You, and Big Daddy’s. The Suwannee County Schools Parent Involvement Program provided several educational games and supplies as door prizes.

The class with the most parents in attendance from each school won a class party and the teacher received a gift certificate from McCrimon’s Office Supply.

Our thanks go out to the parents and the caregivers who came to The Parent University. Your attendance shows that you really care about your child’s education and are willing to go the extra mile to help make your child’s education process easier, and more successful.

Another Parent University is already in the early planning stages, and we look forward to serving even more parents and caregivers.