(April 30, 2008)

ROBSTOWN--At Robstown High School, it was parents, and not kids learning a very important lesson today. Teachers there, hosted a conference to emphasize the benefits of parent involvement.

Raising your kids isn't an easy job. Most children are embarrassed to see their parents involved at the school, but we learned today their involvement can help a child succeed in the classroom.

About 400 parents attended the 23rd annual Parent Involvment Conference. They came here to learn more about the importance of getting involved with their child's education. Some parents told us first hand.Their kids are better students if they know mom and dad are watching.

"To her, it's like Mom, I'm glad you're here," said Jessie Luna, a Robstown ISD parent. "It seems like that if we are there for our children they even do better at school, better attendance."

The keynote speaker, Doctor Nieves Torres, who works at the University of New Mexico Family's Literacy Program, spoke about building self-esteem in your children as a foundation. Doctor Torres said you should try to give your child a well-rounded education and stay involved in their schooling.

"To be able to go out and advocate for their children so then they find out from the teacher what are the classes they are taking and what level they are at and what's available in the community to help that's child's learning," said Dr. Torres. 

Dr. Torres also had specific tips for parents with children in elementary, middle and high school. She said parents must use different skills for those three levels of children, but in the end, the key is keeping abreast of what's going on in the classroom.

For elementary students, Dr. Torres said "be on campus and know the leadership, including the principals and school advisors. You should know the academic programs and participate in parental programs, like the PTA. You, as a parent, should set an attitude of learning by establishing a schedule for doing homework."

For middle school students, Dr. Torres advises "parents should talk to counselors to find classes their child needs to take to be successful, have open communication lines with teachers, know about school issues and know your child's friends. You also should be informed about drugs and alcohol issues and realize how kids may look when they're either high on drugs or drunk on alcohol. You should talk to your kids about sex and keep them busy with extracurricular activities.

For high school students, "Stay involved with your kids more than ever" said Dr. Torres. "You should know the high school handbook, so you understand the rules in the school. Students should take AP classes and get involved with Honors classes. Parents should find out about internships so students can gain mentors and learn about their profession. You should seek college advisement from counselors and find out about required tests, like the SAT, and deadlines to take the test. Parents should also know the difference between two and four year colleges."

Organizers said this conference is aimed at giving parents the needed skills to be good leaders at home.

"We just want to give the parents an opportunity to gain some ideas and tips and how to better assist their children to help them succeed," said Idalia Ibanez, who was the spokesperson for the Parent Involvement Conference. 

"I can teach her what to do and what not to do or try at least since you can only do so much," said Esther Cantu, a Robstown ISD parent. 

Educators hope these parents will use these tips to help prepare their kids for a bright future.

--Manuel De La Rosa, Area 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com