Parent University-Effingham will host its final session of the 2013-14 school year April 5 at Effingham County Middle School.

Parent University is a free program that promotes “bridging the gap between the home, school and community,” according to organizers. It is completing its second year in Effingham County.

The featured guest for the spring session will be Shiona “Shi” Curry, a 9-year-old chef, speaker and television show host who encourages children to make healthy food choices.

Curry will lead a session called “Think Inside the Lunch Box.” She will discuss the struggle children face to be healthy in a fast-food society, along with common mistakes adults make to contribute to children’s unhealthy choices.

Parent University will begin with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a session for all participants at 9. Parents will then participate in their choice of informational sessions, from 9:40-10:40, 10:50-11:50 and 12-1.

One of the classes is in CPR certification, and other session topics include work-based learning, preparing students for jobs and careers, tip-toeing into a world of technology, and the ins and outs of Medicaid/Peach Care in Georgia.

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 conclusion of the sessions.

Parent University is sponsored by the Springfield Central High School Association and Effingham County School System to promote parental involvement in education. The program aims to educate and inspire parents to meet their children’s needs by being their first and most important teacher.

As an added bonus for the final session, one participant will win a drawing for an all-expense paid vacation to the Golden Isles for two adults and two children. The two-night, three-day getaway will include free passes to the Georgia Sea Turtle Center, Summer Waves Water Park and the St. Simons Island lighthouse.

For more information, visit www.parentuniversityeffingham.org or call 772-3885, 754-3417 or 661-5290.