Second year of Parent U offers chance to empower parents

As we close in on the first month of the school year, I am pleased to be kicking off the second year of HISD’s Parent University, with the first sessions scheduled for Tuesday, September 17 at all district campuses.

The workshops will connect parents and children to resources offered by the district to create successful academic careers as well as safe and healthy environments at home and school. At each event, we will have a general session, and then attendees will be able to select two breakout sessions to attend. Breakout sessions range from academic programming and resources to non-academic supports and resources centered around social and emotional well-being.

Last year, we offered 25 sessions that connected over 1,500 families with opportunities to be more informed about the programs and resources we have in HISD. We also hosted more than 170 organizations to share resources and services with our families.

Transforming Academic Outcomes is one of the five Strategic Priorities for HISD, and Parent University supports that priority, which includes offering support to parents and guardians to be involved in their students’ success. We received an abundance of positive feedback after the first year and have seen the impact go beyond HISD, with surrounding districts being inspired to implement the idea of Parent University in their schools.

All sessions begin at 5:15 p.m., and dinner is provided. After the districtwide event on Sept. 17, Parent University workshops will take place monthly at geographically dispersed locations as follows: 

• Tuesday, Oct. 15 – Westside HS, Pershing MS,  Lawson MS, Cook ES  
• Tuesday, Nov. 19 – Furr HS,  Emerson ES,  Thomas MS,  Oak Forest ES  
• Tuesday, Jan. 21 – Waltrip HS, Key MS, Lamar HS, Park Place ES  
• Tuesday, March 24 – Tanglewood MS, Almeda ES, Chavez HS,  Marshall ES 

I encourage all parents to join us for Parent University to learn how to be the best advocates for their children’s educational journeys. We will see you there!