The leaders of tomorrow will thrive because of the support they receive all around them, which was the message at the Massapequa School District’s third annual Parent University on March 4. Held at the high school’s Ames Campus, the event featured a keynote panel and several informative workshops.
The goal of the evening program was to strengthen the home-school connection and provide parents with valuable knowledge and resources to help their children succeed. It began with remarks from Superintendent Dr. William Brennan who spoke about the district’s vision, mission and core competencies. He discussed the slogan that guides the daily work of Massapequa educators, “Creating leaders… one child at a time.”
The keynote panel featured Dr. Brennan, Massapequa High School Dean of Students Kenneth Wing and seniors Tatum Brennan and Jayden Schaefer. Tatum and Jayden discussed their unique journeys as Massapequa students from early learning through high school. Tatum reflected on her involvement in college-level courses, student government and athletics. Jayden talked about his passion for working with his hands and how a conversation with his guidance counselor led to his enrollment in the HVAC program through Nassau BOCES. Both students shared how Massapequa provided them with opportunities to follow their passions and create their own individual paths to success.
Mr. Wing, in his remarks to parents, told them to recognize their children’s strengths and nurture those. The Massapequa School District, he added, will do its part in providing students with the opportunities they need to achieve their goals.
“When you combine school plus parents, your children win,” Mr. Wing said. “It’s a simple equation.”
There were two workshop sessions with seven classes to choose from, facilitated by Massapequa administrators, instructional coaches, teachers and students. Topics included artificial intelligence, digital safety, the kindergarten program, mindfulness, parent support for academic success, social and emotional learning and the transitions to middle school and high school. This was the first year that high school students were among the presenters and they shared how different programs and resources have supported their education.
“We really wanted to make sure we were able to showcase as many students as possible to share their experience in Massapequa schools,” said Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Brian Trapani. He added that the opening presentation also featured video montages of high school students talking about teachers and family members who have inspired them. Additionally, the building was decorated with posters made by elementary school students depicting adults in their lives who have helped them learn and grow.
There were activity rooms for students in grades K-5, which provided a safe space for parents to leave their children during their workshops. Youngsters enjoyed hands-on activities and movement breaks, led by teachers and high school volunteers.
Parent University was organized by a planning committee of 30 educators from across the district. Student volunteers from the high school and middle school student government provided support throughout the evening.