Bridge Builders, a temporary group of current and retired educators from Simpson and Hinds Counties, will host a free back-to-school workshop this Saturday, July 26, at the Copiah-Lincoln Community College Simpson County Center in Mendenhall.
The event, titled “Parents Are 1st Teachers,” will be held in the Multi-Purpose Room from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the aim of equipping parents and guardians with tools and information to help their children succeed in the upcoming school year.
The workshop begins with sign-in at 10 a.m., followed by a welcome from organizer Janice Skiffer and inspirational words from Pastor Clint Perkins of St. John M.B. Church. Early sessions will include a presentation by Lillie Hardy, vice president of the Simpson County School Board, who will speak on the importance of parents as partners in education. Cindy Albritton, principal of Magee Elementary, will share insights on supporting academic success at home.
Attendees will also hear from Kathy Ward, librarian at the Mendenhall Public Library, on how to build literacy through reading aloud and arts integration. Sheuntay Smith, MSIS/SAM Coordinator for Hinds County School District, will present a session titled “A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Assessment Reports.” A brief break will follow from 11 to 11:15 a.m.
The second half of the event will feature Dr. Romonica Feazell, director of the Simpson County Achievement Center, presenting “Parental Tips for Preparing Children for a More Rigorous Curriculum.”
A dynamic panel discussion will offer strategies for expanding learning at home and preparing children for academic success, with contributions from Amanda Busby of Magee Elementary, Dr. Feazell, and Smith.
Additional sessions will cover key topics such as discipline, academics and athletics by Coach Monroe “Chuckie” Allen of Mendenhall High School; attendance awareness from the Simpson County Attendance Officer; and drug awareness presented by the Simpson County Sheriff’s Department.
Stacy Chapin, president of the Community Engagement Council, will share skills for effective parent advocacy, and Pastor Perkins will return to close the program with “Parenting With a Purpose.”
Parents and guardians of Simpson County School District students who attend either the morning or afternoon sessions will receive free school supplies while supplies last. Organizers encourage all participants to arrive early and attend multiple sessions to gain the most benefit.
For more information, contact Dr. Romonica Feazell at romfeaz@yahoo.com, Sheuntay Smith at SheuntaySmith@gmail.com, or Janice Skiffer at jlee4825@yahoo.com.
