CCPS program helps parents understand what their children are learning

Helping kids prepare for the future while getting parents involved is the aim of a program that launched this year in Collier County.

It helps parents understand and be aware of what their kids are doing in school, and there’s even a guide to help make sure everyone has a healthy relationship at home.

What is part of every student’s day-to-day might not be something their parents understand. That is why Collier County Public Schools has its Parent Academy.

“If parents know what their children are learning, if they understand all of the different resources that are available or even they can apply certain things at home that they are learning at schools it just extend the learning process and makes her child successful,” said Elena Ruiz, assistant director of the Parent Academy.

That is what Anna Zavadzkas wanted to do for her daughters. She has four of them, but the Parent Academy’s only been around for her two youngest. She said the difference is night and day.

“For our kids to be held and to synergize what they learn in school, now we understand at home what they’re working on,” said Zavadzkas.

The Parent Academy offers seminars every month. The April seminar is on seven habits of highly effective families because a healthy home life means a happy life.

“It was an eye-opener for me to see other families and see what they used, and I applied it and it works,” said Zavadzkas.

“I love it. I’m extremely happy. I am enjoying creating this program and making it something that our parents really want to use and incorporate and build upon,” said Ruiz.

If you can’t make it to the seminars, you don’t have to worry. You can watch them online with Spanish and Creole translations available. You can visit the Parent Academy website by clicking here.

The Parent Academy also has a section where you help your high school students get ready to apply for college, including navigating how to apply for student loans and financial aid.