By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Parent University set to start third year
2013-09-28 09.00.18
Parent University-Effingham had its first graduating class last year. The second class of graduates will be honored Sept. 20 at Parent University's first 2014-15 session. - photo by File photo

The third year of Parent University-Effingham will begin Sept. 20 with the first of three 2014-15 sessions at Effingham County Middle School.

The free program will include discussion on topics such as academic requirements, study tips, personal safety and community resources.

“It is an awesome program. You have to come to appreciate it,” said Parent University dean Franklin Goldwire.

Parent University-Effingham is sponsored by the Springfield Central High School Association and the Effingham County Board of Education. Organizers say the goal is to help parents meet their children’s needs by “bridging the gap between the home, school and community.”

Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m. and a light breakfast will be served until 8:35. A ceremony recognizing Parent University-Effingham’s second class of graduates will highlight the general session starting at 9 a.m.

The graduates earned course credits by participating in Parent University sessions during the 2013-14 school year. Eligible parents who plan to attend the graduation should call (912) 661-5290 if they have not already done so.

“We had one graduate last year who had never graduated from any program in their life,” Goldwire said.

Following the general session, parents will attend three break-out sessions on the topics of their choice. Lunch will be served following the final session.

The entire Parent University program is free of charge. For more information, visit parentuniversityeffingham.org.

“Parent University’s mission is to educate, inspire and empower parents to meet the needs of their children by becoming their first and most important teacher,” Goldwire said.

Though the program’s main focus is providing information to parents, it offers learning opportunities for non-parents as well, according to organizers.

While adults are attending the sessions, age-appropriate activities will be available for children ages 4-17. In addition, various vendors will be on hand during the day.

The 2014-15 Parent University-Effingham schedule also includes sessions on Jan. 31 and April 18.