Texas Border Business
PHARR – Over 300 parents in Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) took an oath to be more involved in their children’s education during the 15th Annual Parent Volunteer Swearing-In Ceremony held at the Pharr Events Center, Nov. 12, 2019.
As part of the annual event, Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Bobby Contreras conducted the oath and swearing-in for all PSJA parent volunteers who serve at the schools and at the Parent Community/Education Centers through the PSJA ISD Parental Engagement Department.
According to PSJA Parental Engagement Director Norma Garza, the event helps validate and acknowledge the tremendous work and dedication of PSJA parents.
“This pledge helps parents commit to the education of their children and be involved in their community,” said Garza. “This is a huge ceremony for them because they get to see the importance of their actions.”
In addition to volunteering more than 25 hours a week on average, PSJA ISD parents can also continue their education through numerous free classes offered by the PSJA Parental Engagement Program.
Rosa Sartuche, one of the hundreds of parents who attended the special ceremony, felt grateful for the opportunity to take the oath in front of her peers.
“It is important for our kids to know that we are involved in their schools and their education,” said the parent who volunteers at PSJA T. Jefferson T-STEM Early College High School and is taking ESL and GED classes through the program.
PSJA School Board President Jesse Zambrano agreed, “Being a volunteer is important. As Board Members, we are also volunteers, and the work you do is as important as ours. Continue to be involved and support your child’s school.”
Through the district’s nationally recognized parent program, each year over 6,000 PSJA ISD parents participate in free classes in any of the eight Parent/Community Education Centers throughout the tri-city area. At these centers, parents are able to earn college credit and certifications through partners like South Texas College and the Region One Education Service Center. Courses include ESL, GED, Citizenship, Nutrition Arts & Crafts, Welding, Auto Mechanics, and even Security Guard Certifications.
“Congratulations to our parents for taking this oath,” said PSJA Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “We know that parents are a child’s first teacher, and as such, they play an important role in their success.”
Parents of PSJA ISD students interested in opportunities available through the PSJA Parental Engagement Program can visit www.psjaisd.us/parental or call 956-354-2216 for more information.
 took an oath to be more involved in their children’s education during the 15th Annual Parent Volunteer Swearing-In Ceremony held at the Pharr Events Center, Nov. 12, 2019.){kind=link}