Parent Resource Fair is "Just the Beginning"

"A stable home makes for a successful student," said Todd Beal, the Director of Student Services of 4 years at the Colton Joint Unified School District (CJUSD). It is with this philosophy that CJUSD held its first annual event, the Parent Resource Fair last Saturday April 19th. The event was held at U.S. Grant Elementary School to emphasize a family and school partnership. "Our goal is to provide parents with the resources so that they can help their kids as students," shared Beal, who held a parent committee forum where parents voiced their ideas about how they envisioned their district. "We sometimes forget about the need of the parents in their support of the students," Beal added. After the idea for a Parent Resource Fair was presented at the committee, Beal contacted Kathleen Moreno and Alicia Martinez to organize the event. "It's important for parents to have as many resources as possible. It creates empowerment. Those who attend the fair are sure to spread the word about the many resources offered." The event featured over a dozen information booths for health and educational resources, community events, and governmental agencies. Lisa and Adrianna from the Colton Public Library came to talk to parents about the many community and educational events that the Library offers. "It's a place for kids to go after school and continue to learn, and simply stay out of the streets," shared Lisa Sandoval. Jibran Ahmad, from the Asian American Resource Center provided information about free E.S.L. classes, as well as referrals to government programs for families that struggle with their gas and electric bills. Snacks, food, music, and raffle prizes were also part of this informational and fun event. Jackie Lambert, Lisa Horton and Evelyn Estrade of the Booster Club volunteered for the event as well, making tacos for sale at the event. They were accompanied by granddaughters and Colton High School students Alexis Amador and Shelby Horton. "When you volunteer, the kids remember for years to come," shared Booster Club president Lambert. Different educational treats were offered for visitors. Martha Ames and her son Oscar Cebreros were browsing through a "free books" booth, where Ames weighed in on the importance of an event where the community and the school can get together. "It's good for parents to be informed about the programs offered that can help. It's also important to be involved in your child's school life. If they see your interest and involvement in their education, they will be interested in their own education," Ames noted, "We have to be an example." Ames also has a daughter, Silkya Cebreros, who sang the National Anthem along with other U.S. Grant Elementary students at the event. Ray Magallanez knows about the importance of a family-school partnership. Magallanez has been involved in his daughter's education through the Watch D.O.G.S. program, a new all-father group organized to volunteer at school events. "It's a mentoring program. The kids need male role models," said Magallanez, father of Rayna Magallanez. "We see mostly female volunteers at school events, and it's time for the fathers to step up and be involved as well," shared Jon Poole, father of Nicolette Poole and another member of the Watch D.O.G.S. Along with the idea for the Resource Fair, parents at the parent committee asked for a Parent Resource Center for the school district. "The plan is for parents to make it their own center," Beal said about the center which will provide information and resources for parents and their kids in the district. "This fair is just the beginning," he added. The center is due to open for the '14-'15 school year.