Laurel School District Parent Center celebrates 15 years | People

The following is a press release from the Laurel School District:

By Lacey Walters Slay, Public Information Officer

For 15 years the Laurel School District Parent Center has been providing support to both the parents and students of Laurel. Through the services offered, the center has seen a multitude of success stories that can be accredited to the support provided by the center’s dedicated employees.

Through many years of experience in the field of education, the Parent Center staff has the ability to tackle most any challenge a student or parent may have. Director Shirley Martin has 12 years of experience and retired teachers Betty Jenkins and Alice Henderson have over 40 and 46 years of experience respectfully. During the school year, the ladies work diligently each day to see students and parents reach their goals.

For Martin, the job is an exciting opportunity to change lives.

“I find great joy when a smiling child runs through the door of the Parent Center waving a positive progress report from school,” Martin said. “We have a unique opportunity here to help struggling students become successful.”

Through the center’s After School Assistance program, students are able to receive homework help and additional learning resources. The center has a wide variety of tools that are available to both students and parents including computers with internet access and a library of Accelerated Reader leveled books.

The center is not only a place for parents to bring their children to learn. It is a place for parents to utilize as well. All throughout the day, parents visit the center to use computers for updating resumes, applying for jobs, or taking online classes.

The center also offers one-hour family sessions through a program called Practical Parenting Education. The topics covered during the sessions include “Understanding Your Role as a Parent,” “Communicating within the Family,” “Building Self Esteem within the Family,” “Resolving Homework Issues” and “Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.” All members of the family are invited to attend the sessions that are held throughout the school year.

Valerie Oville is mother to three children who attend Nora Davis Magnet School, Marshall, Ashleigh and Kermit, II. Oville said her children visit the center three days a week after school, and because of the help they receive, two are Principal’s Scholars and one is a Superintendent’s Scholar.

“My children really enjoy working with the teachers here at the Parent Center,” Oville said. “They perform better in school because of the help they receive.”

In addition to the after-school assistance her children receive, she enjoys meeting with the parent center staff members and receiving parenting advice. Oville said she highly recommends the Parent Center to other parents in the Laurel School District.

“The Parent Center is a place you can gain access to a lot of tools that may not be available at home, and they are here for use at no cost,” she said.

Located on the 10th Street side of the Gardiner Administrative Building the center offers parents and students a variety of resources including access to computers, printers, copier, laminator, and other tools at times that are convenient for parents.

“The hours are great, because we are never rushed, and they make sure students get the best help they can possibly receive,” Oville said.

Open during the school year from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday, the hours offer parents the opportunity to stop by at night for homework help, tutoring, and access to computers with internet.

“The Parent Center has proven to be a valuable asset to the district,” said Director of Federal Programs and Curriculum Kenda Covington. “It is here to serve as a resource for parents. We invite and encourage all parents to come by and see what we have to offer.”