By Dalia Diaz
Lawrence Public Schools has been sponsoring a series of empowerment programs for parents called Lawrence Family Institute for Student Success (known as LFISS).
This is a nine week parent education and empowerment program that helps families learn about their child’s education and how they can work with teachers to help their child succeed – classes cover everything from how report cards work to dealing with peer pressure to understanding high school graduation requirements.
It started it last year with 80 families in two schools, and grew this year to about 155 parents graduating in four new schools: Arlington, Wetherbee, Parthum and Tarbox. Last November 21st, about 50 parents from the John K. Tarbox School celebrated finishing the program.
Some of the comments from parents that night were that LFISS offers instructional courses to parents and guardians of students (kindergarten through fourth grade) with the goal of promoting a college bound mindset. Apparently, the instruction received had results because one of the fathers at the graduation had decided to go back to school. He said, “I have to be the example for my children.”
“Over the past nine weeks, our parents have been working and learning how the school system works,” said Program Manager María Campusano. They learn about discipline at home and at school and how to deal with concerns addressing the teachers or escalating them to the school principal.
Among parents there were praises for the program, too. José and Xiomara Vazquez participated in the program together. “This is the best thing we could do for our children because it made us part of the school as well.” And some parents have become regular volunteers at the school.
“I hope they continue to offer other seminars like this one because we learned a lot,” said Seelena Chapman Guzmán.
Meanwhile, for Yerdis Reyes de Rosario, the program had a different result. “My child comes here but I didn’t know anyone. Now, look at all the friends I have!” Obviously, it had an impact on her social life as well.
That social aspect was confirmed with the presence of James O’Keefe, former school principal who spent 42 years working for the Lawrence Public Schools and continues to volunteer his time at school events.
Parents were encouraged to attend with their children who also enjoyed fun activities and a delicious meal.
