January 19, 2001

Parent conference helpful to all

Parental involvement has always been one of the highest indicators of student success in the classroom. Students who have parental support simply perform better, for a host of reasons.

But sometimes parents need support to know how to help. That is why my office sponsors an annual parents conference to help parents help their young people do their best.

This year, the 26th annual conference will be held Saturday, Feb. 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Lompoc High School. We are hoping that south county parents will again join their north county counterparts in what has always proven to be a rewarding and informative program.

The conference represents a partnership between my office; the school districts; the 15th District PTA; Carpinteria Healthy Start; City of Lompoc; Community Action Commission (CAC); Head Start; Lompoc Unified School District; Migrant Education Region XVIII; Santa Maria-Bonita School District; Santa Maria Joint Union High School District; Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA); Tri-Counties Regional Center; Lompoc Valley Success by 6; Santa Barbara County Child Care Planning Council; and Los Alamos Healthy Start. It is a very impressive array of cosponsors, all dedicated to help parents in their quest to raise healthy, productive young people.

We take great pride in this conference, which has proven successful for nearly two and a half decades.

A dozen workshops will cover such topics as becoming a family of readers; a parent’s guide to the high school exit exam; college/careers/life; making the grade and meeting standards; the challenges and rewards of foster parenting; ready , set, kindergarten; recognizing and enhancing your child’s strengths; learn to play, play to learn; how a child’s brain grows and develops; moving from high school to adult programs, and more.

The variety of topics being discussed and the expertise of the presenters will offer an excellent opportunity to learn more about parenting, plus educational and social issues of importance in today's world. Topics are chosen by previous year participants, so they are always timely and relevant.

Parents are the keys to successful schools. We've always known this, and we want to do all we can to provide them with the information and background needed to support them in their efforts.

Deadline for registration is January 26. An $10 registration fee includes three workshops, a family resource fair, a barbeque lunch, and a bake sale by Lompoc High School students.

Further information is available from the Center for Community Education at 569-3873.