‘Parent University’ helps local families prepare for the first day of school

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Students in the Savannah-Chatham County School district are getting ready to go back to the classroom Monday, and a local community collaborative is helping the district ensure kids and families have everything they need, to succeed.

“Start off strong, finish strong,” said Savannah High School Principal, Shomari Gilford.

That’s the goal of “Parent University” a Savannah-based community collaborative that gets kids and families ready for success in school, year round.

“Our parents who are CEO’s of their family, now know where the resources are, a relationship with the people that manage those resources, that way they can better advocate for their families and themselves,” said Parent University Executive Director, Michael O’Neal.

On Saturday, families throughout the school district received free training sessions and visited resource booths, helping them learn more about financial management, health, literacy, and more.

Supplies were also provided for students to start the year, on the right foot.

“It’s all about learning and earning that behavior of lifelong learning,” said SCCPSS Engagement and Outreach Executive Director, Tameka Tribble.

It all took place inside Savannah High, where this year’s incoming principal says families were shown that their community is here for them and their children to succeed.

“Letting the community know we’re here to support, the building is open, come in. It’s a Saturday, we have our resource officers here, some teachers here, I’m here, we’ll start the year together, end together,” said Gilford.

Parent University events and meetings will be happening at least once a month from now until end of school year.