EL MONTE – More than 150 El Monte Union parents received guidance on how best to support their children during distance learning, as well as advice on how their children can be successful in school during the 25th Annual Parent Involvement Academy (PIA).

Celebrating its silver anniversary, the PIA offered virtual English, Spanish and Mandarin language workshops and presentations in March, focusing on social-emotional support, planning for college and providing resources for students with special needs.

Following the virtual academy, parents received a Certificate of Participation from El Monte Union’s Superintendent Dr. Edward A. Zuniga during a drive-thru ceremony on March 18.

“It was wonderful to see the enthusiastic participation of our families at the PIA, which continues to grow stronger every year,” Zuniga said. “Thank you to our PIA committee, led by our Director of Assessment, Accountability & Family Engagement Edith Echeverria, who worked tirelessly with her staff to spread the word and enroll our parents, as well as arranging presentations that are both engaging and relevant. Without them, none of this would be possible.”

Echeverria has helped coordinate the PIA since 2005. For this year’s first-ever online conference, she enlisted a variety of District personnel to conduct workshops, including Assistant Superintendent of Education Services Larry Cecil, El Monte High School College and Career Coordinator Wyatt Bernthal, El Monte Union Online & Personalized Learning (OPL) TOSA Justin Lim, and El Monte Union OPL teachers Ismael Huerta, Tim Clark and Kent Besocke.

The PIA was divided into three morning sessions, with parents able to choose from 10 separate workshops during each period, including “Breaking Through: The Secret of Long-Term Success,” “Path to College,” “Habits of Successful Distance Learning Students,” and the Spanish language “Is Online Learning Right for My Child to Advance (After a Pandemic).”

“I am very proud to see so many parents attending the PIA together,” Echeverria said. “It’s rewarding because it shows their commitment and dedication to supporting their children at home. The topics this year were insightful and educational, providing a template of success for our community.”

The PIA is a multi-district partnership, and welcomed more than 650 parents from El Monte Union, El Monte City, Mountain View, Montebello, Rowland and Basset school districts this year.

PHOTO CAPTION:

04_19_21_EMUHSD_PARENTACADEMY1: El Monte Union High School District Superintendent Dr. Edward A. Zuniga hands out certificates to parents, thanking them for participating in the 2021 Parent Involvement Academy.