This article was contributed by San Benito High School Communications Manager Adam Breen.
Seventeen families attended the first Parent University of the 2018-19 school year on Oct. 16 at the San Benito High School library. The free event focused on mental health and social/emotional resources available to students and parents.
The second Parent University event, a family and community discussion on understanding opioids, is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. in the school library. A session on online safety and security tips with a focus on cyberbullying and social media, will take place Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. All sessions include free childcare, a light dinner and coffee and other refreshments.
“Parents were very engaged and appreciated the resources and communication provided about mental health,” Family and Community Engagement Coordinator Lorena Villagomez said of the first Parent University event. “We also piloted a youth session and the nine high school students who attended participated with Youth Alliance GUIAS (Guiding and Understanding Individuals in Achieving Success) in a small-group session discussing mental health” while parents attended sessions in English or Spanish.
Presenters included Community Solutions, Youth Alliance and Baler 2003 alum Jennifer Denton from Monterey County Behavioral Health.
“We are excited to continue this model for the next two sessions,” Villagomez said.
For information about upcoming Parent University events, contact Villagomez by phone at (831) 637-5831, ext. 194 or email at lvillagomez@sbhsd.k12.ca.us.