The Parent Networking Center in Riverbank, led by Parent Liaison Karen De La Torre, has a goal of partnering with parents and educating them in English and Spanish, which in turn often assists them in helping their children be more successful at school. There were eight parents that participated in a recent Parent Partners Workshop, with successful completion of the course culminating with a graduation gathering on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Though relatively small, the class met five times for two hours each time, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and got good reviews from participants. The Parent Networking Center is located on the Cardozo Middle School campus in Room 33 and was created to empower parents with resources, workshops, classes, and support.

“We discussed a variety of topics like how to communicate with our children, how to listen attentively to our child, and discipline,” explained De La Torre. “We invited parents that have sixth graders because once they get to junior high there are many changes; like the way they behave, may be more emotional and academics are challenging. This group of parents was very outspoken and shared common events that are happening with their children at home or at school.”

De La Torre added that they give each parent a questionnaire at the end of the workshop and one of the parents expressed that they like the way things were explained to them about how to be in their decisions with their child and to absolutely follow through.

“It’s something she (the parent) has struggled with in the past and because of the workshops we talked about ways we can maintain firm without getting mad or upset,” said De La Torre.

Students were able to join their parents on graduation day, with the parents receiving certificates of completion. The celebration continued with a potluck that De La Torre expressed was delicious homemade food that many class participants made themselves and brought to share.

There will be another Parenting Partners workshop, held in English, beginning on Thursday, Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. That class will then meet each Thursday for four weeks.

Other upcoming events are scheduled to include the third annual Pumpkin Extravaganza where they encourage families to decorate a pumpkin. The Cardozo Middle School Parent Teacher Club will meet on Monday, Oct. 28 at 3 p.m. to discuss ways in which to fundraise.

All events and courses are held at the Parent Networking Center on the Cardozo campus.

For those interested or for more information, call 209-863-0837.