Texas Border Business
McAllen ISD’s annual Parent Symposium will be jam-packed with informational sessions to empower moms and dads with everything they need to know to set their child on a pathway toward a successful future.
This free event will be from 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 5 at McAllen High School (2021 La Vista Ave.). More than two dozen short, informative presentations are scheduled (in English and Spanish) covering academics, school programs, mental and physical health plus more. It will benefit parents of children at every grade level.
“Our Parent Symposium will focus on the various programs we are providing here at McAllen ISD for all our parents,” Cynthia Olivarez, McAllen ISD Director for State & Federal Programs, said. “We want to invite all parents to join us to explore all the different opportunities the district has for their child.”
Some of the sessions include:
- Instruction for Bilingual & Special Education Students
- College, Career & Life Resources
- Parenting Styles
- Youth and Mental Health
- Dyslexia
- Language Development at Home
Many of the sessions are repeated during the event so parents will have the chance to attend the ones they need. A session on Emotional Intelligence is expected to be popular.
“It is important that our parents learn about Emotional Intelligence because, that way, as our students are learning about Emotional Intelligence, the parents can help us encourage those skills at home and enhance those practices at home,” Norma Cabrera, McAllen ISD’s Director of College, Career & Counseling, said. “We want to make sure that all of our students graduate with the knowledge and skills that they need to be successful … so they can be productive citizens within our community.”
There will also be information booths set up about a variety of programs and services available to families. Free child care will be available and there is an option for those who wish to attend the event virtually.
The keynote speaker, Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya, will add flavor to the event with his motivational message on family empowerment.
“We are very excited to have him join us,” Olivarez said. For more information, call the McAllen ISD Office of State & Federal Programs at 956-971-1113.
To register for the Parent Symposium, follow the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mcallen-isd-parent-symposium-tickets-239431555227.
To view the Symposium schedule, follow the link below: https://parentsymposium2022.sched.com/.
