Lynwood – More than 100 parents learned about summer learning activities, safe use of social media and the importance of creating dynamic family partnerships on May 14 during Lynwood Unified School District’s second Parent University at Marshall Elementary School.

Workshops, which were also available for Spanish speakers, provided resources and strategies to help parents guide children through the transition into middle school, high school and throughout the summer.

“We want parents to be involved in their child’s education every step of the way,” Lynwood Unified Superintendent Paul Gothold said. “Collaboration among schools, the District and parents gives our students extra support when it comes to preparing for college and careers.”

Parent University topics included safety and protection, including bullying prevention and social media and Internet safety; parent-child communication improvement; and achieving success from elementary school through college and career.

“Our goal is to empower parents with this information so that they can be advocates for their children,” Parent University coordinator Jasmin Muñoz-Velasco said. “Parent University is a snapshot of the great things Lynwood Unified is doing in working with parents in different ways for the benefit of the whole child.”

Arriving parents were welcomed to Parent University by the music of Vista High School’s Rock and Roll Academy and a continental breakfast. They received tote bags with a T-shirt, coffee tumbler, notebook, pen and a District certificate of participation.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Maria Aikin advised parents about how to prevent bullying and cyber-bullying while veteran counselor Whitney Takacs tackled the topic of social media and internet safety.

Parents also had the opportunity to learn about building their child’s confidence through positive communication from mental health counselors Gloria Rojas and Gina Mai of the Southern California Health and Rehabilitation Program.

Registered dietician Melody Sayers gave a presentation called “Re-think Your Drink,” encouraging healthier beverage choices as an element of obesity prevention.

“We always want to partner with our parents when it comes to the success of our students,” Board President Alma-Delia Renteria. “Learning doesn’t stop when students leave our campuses, so Parent University is meant to inspire a healthy flow of education at home.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS

PARENTUNIVERSITY1: Parents learn about the risks of children consuming drinks with high amounts of sugar at a workshop on preventing childhood obesity during Lynwood Unified’s Parent University on May 14.

PARENTUNIVERSITY2: Parents attend workshops on May 14 as part of Lynwood Unified’s Parent University to promote student achievement in their homes.