Azusa Unified Promotes Educational Engagement with annual Parent University Workshops

Azusa Unified on May 2 enlisted educators, counselors and community partners to empower parents to be the best and most important teachers in their children’s lives.
About 200 parents attended the District’s annual Parent University half-day program held at Azusa High School, where nearly 50 available workshops focused on a variety of topics, including, college preparation, graduation requirements, the Common Core State Standards, study skills, social media oversight, health and wellness and bullying.
“We are so proud that so many of our parents who are doing everything possible to make sure their children have the very best possible opportunities to succeed and achieve their aspirations,” said AUSD Superintendent Dr. Linda Kaminski. “Attendance at this event is just one example of the ways in which our community is going above and beyond to ensure our youths have a bright and fulfilled future.
During each of the three workshop sessions, parents had the opportunity to choose from a broad menu of topics, led by Azusa Unified educators, psychologists and counselors and members of the community, including Azusa City Councilmembers and the Azusa Police Department.
Maria Rodas, whose 8-year-old daughter attends Dalton Elementary School, attended the “Close Reading” workshop, which focused on how parents can help their children purposefully read and re-read text to understand an author’s purpose, what the words mean and what the structure of the text tells the reader.
“I’m a single mom, so sometimes I don’t have a lot of time to spend with my daughter reading,” Rodas said. “But now I’m going to make it a point to read with her at night. Now that I came here I see how I can be a better parent.”

During the workshop, Azusa Unified educator Cecilia De La Torre encouraged parents to lead by example and read with and in front of their children, whether it’s a magazine, newspaper or book; whether it is in English or Spanish.
“When you read, you’re setting the example for success for your kids,” De La Torre said. “It can be anything – a newspaper, or a magazine. Don’t be ashamed if you’re reading in Spanish. Be proud.”
The workshop also delved into Common Core reading strategies so that parents can understand what their children are doing in the classroom.
Research shows that students with involved parents, regardless of their background or income, are more likely to earn higher grades and test scores, enroll in more challenging courses, attend school regularly, adapt well to school, develop better social skills and graduate prepared to go on to higher education.
“Here in Azusa Unified, we take a well-rounded, holistic approach to the education of our students,” said Azusa Unified Board of Education President Yolanda Rodriguez-Peña. “Our close partnership with our parents is an integral part of reaching our mission to effectively prepare students for their future, because parents are the most important teacher in their children’s lives.”