Community Corner
Bloom 206 Hosts 4th annual Parent University at PSC
Bloom parents attended the annual Parent University featuring speakers that focused on Parenting With Intent
When Altrina Shorts from Chicago Heights heard that Bloom Township District 206 was holding their 4th annual Parent University event, she was quick to sign up.
“This was my first year attending, “ explains Shorts. “I wanted to be included in what the school is offering my children.”
Shorts had a son graduate Bloom High School in 2010. She and husband have a son Joshua that is in 12th grade at Bloom Trail.
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“Joshua is in the special education and is allowed to mainstream, Shorts said. “ I feel that it very important for my husband and I to be a part of our son’s education. The world has two things to offer good and bad. I wanted to walk with them to participate in the good of this world educationally.
Several speakers offered topics that are important to not only students but to parents as well. Keynote speaker Sunny Chico spoke on “Suicide Awareness in Young Teens.” She gave signs to watch for and where to find help. Other speakers included Coach Keisha Howard who spoke on parenting tips to help teens cope. Coach Keisha offered advice on how to speak to your teen and several social media sites to get help for your child. Another popular speaker was Dr. Oliver Taffe from Matteson.
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“My favorite speaker was Mr. Oliver Taffe” Shorts said. “ He spoke on Understanding the Rocky Road of Teens. By us dealing with special needs son and he's a teenager helped me to understand how to deal with him. Choose your battles. I learned that you do better when you know better.”
Dr. Lenell Navarre, Bloom 206 Superintendent was happy to have parents attend Parent University which was held at Prairie State College.
“Parent University was started to build the relationship between the District, schools, and parents, “ explains Dr. Navarre. “ It’s also an opportunity to provide educational sessions that would be helpful to parents. . Family engagement in their child's education improves student achievement, reduces absenteeism and restores parents' confidence in their students' education. It takes the school and parents working together in a true partnership,” adds Dr. Navarre.
Proud of the students, Dr. Navarre smiled as he watched the BTHS show choir as well as the BTHS band perform at the Parent University event.
A quote I love by an unknown - "Be the parent today that you want your kids to remember tomorrow."
