Education isn’t just for kids – parents learned plenty Saturday at Natomas Unified’s second annual Parent Empowerment Institute, designed to provide fathers, mothers and guardians with tips and information to help their children excel in school.
Workshops targeted issues ranging from Common Core State Standards in English and Math to NUSD’s mental health services, strategies for supporting English learners, the college admissions process, NUSD's new information App, and 14 ideas for helping children get good grades.
The institute, sponsored by NUSD’s Parent CORES group, was the District’s second annual event of its kind. Registration more than doubled this year, to about 260 people, for the five-hour gathering held Sept. 6 at Inderkum High School.
Dr. Nicoline Ambe gave the keynote speech, titled “Seven Steps to Raising a High Achiever.” She is a special education teacher in Compton who formerly taught law and legal studies courses at several universities and colleges. Dr. Ambe also has written a book, “A Teacher’s Notes: Helping Parents Prepare their Children at Home for Success in School.”
Ambe stressed that parents should recognize the value of all children, create structure at home, discuss career options, nurture kids to think and create, and encourage them to embrace frustration as part of growth.
“The truth is, the only limitations you have are the ones you’ve placed on yourself,” she said.
“God has truly blessed the United States of America. The opportunities here are boundless.”
Olivia Ataboh, parent of a high school student, said the institute -- sponsored by NUSD’s Parent CORES group -- was very helpful by focusing attention on parental responsibilities and how home life can affect classroom success.
The institute pointed out “things we take for granted, especially the personal needs of our kids,” she said.
Added Jessica Ramirez, “It confirms that I’m on the right track with my student. It gives me hope.”
