All HISD families are invited to attend the “Parents as Advocates” Family Conference and Resource Fair on Saturday, Nov. 7, at Burbank Middle School (315 Berry Rd., 77022) from 8 a.m. to noon.

The event will feature a panel discussion and short workshops on school choice, selecting the right courses, graduating from high school, applying to college, and advocating for children with special needs.

Board of Education member Anna Eastman has partnered with the Family Learning Academy to host the event, which will have a special focus on how parents can best ensure that their children receive the highest quality education in HISD, personalized to their children’s unique needs.

“Parents are their children’s best advocate until they’re old enough and informed enough to speak up for themselves. They know their children’s strengths and challenges, and they can help identify and push for the resources their child needs,” said Eastman. “Building relationships with school faculty and staff, learning about the array of HISD magnet and specialty schools, and respectfully insisting that their child receive an education at the highest level possible are all powerful means of ensuring that their child maximizes their educational experience.”

The event will also offer screenings for dyslexia and low-cost immunizations and feature community organizations offering free tutoring and health services. Interpretation in Spanish will be available. Attendees will receive free lunch and be entered into drawings to win a Kindle and passes to the Children’s Museum of Houston.

For more details, please visit www.houstonisd.org/FLA or call the HISD Family and Community Engagement Department at 713-556-7290.