Peabody schools create programs for parents

PEABODY-Peabody Public Schools have implemented several new plans to help improve the education of its students this year, but now it?s time for the parents to learn some lessons themselves.Since July, Assistant Superintendent Joseph Mastrocola and the District-Wide Parents? Organization have worked together to create what they named The Parent Academy.The Academy consists of five informational sessions about issues and topics that they believe are important to children?s education and overall well being inside and outside of the classroom.?The program gives parents an opportunity to get involved with the school outside of academics,” said Mastrocola, who ensured that the program would benefit all members of the community, not just parents.?I?d like to see senior citizens come in here so they can see how much the schools have changed,” he said.Kate Keyes, Special Projects Coordinator for the Juvenile Unit of the Essex County District Attorney?s Office, will present the first lecture titled Parenting Wisely. The session will cover how to effectively communicate with your children and show authority when disciplining them.The DA?s Office will also host a second lecture, Keeping Children Safe on the Internet. The program incorporates a presentation on NetSmartz, which was developed by the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. The presentation targets risks of online exposure to sexual harassment, bullying, sexual solicitation and inappropriate material.?It?s a big plus for us to have that relationship (with the DA?s Office),” said Mastrocola.Other topics include reading and literacy, science and technology, and substance abuse. Most sessions will be run as hour-long lectures, but there will be periods of hands-on interaction. Attendees will also receive informational packets to take home.Mastrocola hopes that if children see their parents going to school, they?ll follow in step. “It?s modeling by example,” he said.?I don?t know where it?s going to go,” said Mastrocola, thinking about the possibility of a similar academy next year. “If we get one person or a handful, it?s still a win.”All lectures are free and open to the public. They begin at 6:30 p.m., with registration at 6:15 p.m., in the Peabody Veterans Memorial High School Auditorium.More information regarding the program can be attained online at the Peabody Public Schools Web site, or by picking up a pamphlet located throughout the city?s libraries, offices and schools.Schedule of programsThursday, Oct. 22, Parenting WiselyMonday, Nov. 26, Parents-Reading and LiteracyMonday, Dec. 10, Parents Approach to Substance AbuseWednesday, Jan. 16, Keeping Children Safe on the InternetWednesday, March 19, Science and Technology