Norwalk-La Mirada Council partnered with the school district to host a parent education night. We offered twelve different workshops, 6 in the first forty-five minute session and 6 in the second. We also had informational booths set up for PTA, families in transition, nutrition services and other programs. The workshops, led by school district administrators, were Internet Safety for Children, Digital Movie Making for Reflections, High School Graduation and the Road Map to College, Supporting Your Child's Success, Creative Ways to Help Your Child with Math and Reading, Keys to School Success, What are the CST and CAHSEE Tests?, My Child in Middle School, Now What?, Reading Success Starts with Pre-School, District Website Resources for Parents, Support for Parents of Students with Special Needs and

Safety for Children to and from School.

Our council previously held a parent education night once a year with just one speaker. The event was open to all parents, but usually only PTA presidents, principals and a few delegates attended. This year, by offering so many different options, we attracted many more parents - over 130 in all. Our superintendent sent out a phone message to all parents and we advertised on our council’s Facebook page. We also increased outreach by inviting ELAC representatives and parents at every school.

Our parent education night was so successful that parents were asking when the next one would be! I would like for our council to do this again and build on what we did this year. I already have people in the district ready with ideas for workshops to include next year.

Nichole Golightly
Norwalk La Mirada Council PTA President