San Jacinto Unified School District held a unique dinner the evening of September 15, for nearly 200 parents and guardians, welcoming them into the new school year and sharing the district’s commitment of more parent communication and opportunities for engagement with their student’s educational experience. Carla Adame, the new Family and Community Engagement Specialist for the district, organized the no-cost dinner for families held at the Monte Vista Middle School gymnasium. The event included childcare comprising of a separate meal and activities in another building across the campus.
“The event was a perfect kick-off for our goals on increased parent involvement,” said Mrs. Adame. “Our guest speaker Senior Deputy District Attorney Gerry Lopez’s presentation on Parent Power was ideal for our group – it was powerful, to say the least!” she continued.
The inaugural dinner had limited seating with each of the district’s 13 school sites curbed to 20 parent/guardian invitations. Superintendent Diane Perez is pleased with this first-time event turnout, and very proud of the staff’s execution. “This was a critically important event for our community,” said Ms. Perez. “Gerry Lopez was empowering for all of us as educators and parents; he spoke to the heart of what is expected of us as parents…love our kids more than we love anyone else and discipline them rather than give up,” she shared with all SJUSD staff after the dinner.
District Attorney Lopez has been recognized locally and abroad as an expert specializing in juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention. Currently, he’s the supervisor of a newly created Crime Prevention Unit in the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, where he has served as a prosecutor for the past 25 years. Lopez filled his presentation for SJUSD parents on techniques for developing positive and healthy relationships with children, strategies to deal with defiant and rebellious children, and the importance of proper supervision and structure.
“Mr. Lopez’ talk was very good,” said Willie White, parent of seven children, including a 5th grader, 7th grader, and a high school senior, all at SJUSD schools. “It was definitely an honor to hear what he had to say,” shared Mr. White.
Alicia Trejo, the Nutrition Service’s kitchen manager for San Jacinto Elementary, and parent of two students in SJUSD schools said, “It was very helpful information and an eye opener.” She also noted the role parents play in their family and the impact it makes on their student’s success, “We don’t always know what is right in front of us until someone points it out.”
The district intends to make the dinner an annual event at a larger venue to open the invitation capacity. For more information on parent involvement opportunities, contact Carla Adame, Family and Community Engagement Specialist, at (951) 929-7700x4258.