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Globetrotter to highlight next Parent University
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Former Harlem Globetrotter Larry “Gator” Rivers will be the special guest for the Feb. 22 winter session of Parent University-Effingham at Effingham County Middle School.

Parent University is a partnership between the Springfield Central High School Association and Effingham County School System to promote parental involvement in education. The program is free.

All participants will have a chance to meet Rivers, but his focus will be on the younger ones. He will meet with students while their parents are attending informational sessions on a range of subjects.

Rivers, a Savannah native, played with the legendary Globetrotters for 16 years. His program at Parent University will be about much more than just basketball.

”It’s going to be a ballgame of the mind more so than a ballgame on the court,” said Franklin Goldwire, a retired educator and the

dean of Parent University.
“He’s going to teach kids how to become successful in school and in life using the skills and techniques that he has applied to his career as a member of the Globetrotters,” Goldwire continued. “He has a very powerful message that he brings to students.”

Registration and breakfast will begin at 8 a.m., followed by a session for all participants at 9. Parents can take part in any of three informational sessions, from 9:35-10:25, 10:35-11:25 and 11:35-12:25.

The courses will cover topics including family literacy, the dangers of bullying, work-based learning, managing children’s behavior positively and preparing students for jobs and careers.

“The primary message is to get parents involved in their children’s education,” Goldwire said. “But at the same time, it also provides an opportunity for them to acquire additional skills for their own success, whether it’s on the job or just in their family life or in the home.”

For example, Georgia Power representatives will offer tips on reducing electric bills. Also, a course on “tiptoeing into a world of technology” will help people who lack computer skills or have a fear of computers.

While the parents are in their sessions, the “kids academy” will provide age-appropriate activities for children in grades pre-kindergarten through fifth grade. For older kids, there will be youth leadership classes for students in grades 6-12.

Vendors will be on hand during the day. Door prizes will be given during lunch, which will be served at the close of the sessions.

Parent University expanded to three dates this year. The spring session will be April 5.

“Every session is unique,” Goldwire said. “Part of the excitement of Parent University is that, while presenting some of the same sessions each time, we always add some new and different sessions, some other needs that parents and students or general citizens might have.”

For more information, visit parentuniversityeffingham.org or call 772-3885, 754-3835 or 661-5290.