Schools to Sponsor Parenting Conference

Public and private elementary schools in Sun Valley are helping parents to learn how to properly discipline their children, as well as how to prevent alcohol and substance abuse.

“Many parents were never taught to be parents,” said Sister Martha Enriquez, principal of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary, a Sun Valley Catholic elementary school that is hosting a free, monthlong educational conference beginning Thursday.

Parents from four area public schools, including Glenwood Elementary and Vinedale Elementary schools in Sun Valley, as well as Arminta Street and Strathern Street elementary schools in North Hollywood, are invited.

The schools last year held a similar conference. This is the first year a private school has been included.

“We felt if we reached out to the local Catholic parish, we might be able to reach parents who are a little hesitant to come to our schools,” said Diane Agliam, principal of Glenwood Elementary School, explaining that some parents may feel more comfortable at the parish.

The conference will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., and will continue for the next three Thursdays.

For the first night, the focus will be on building a child’s self-esteem. The second week will be lessons in discipline and prevention of child abuse as well as alcohol and substance abuse.

In the third session, parents will learn about city agencies such as the police and the Parks and Recreation Department. The last night will include a panel discussion on keeping families together.

“We all felt it would be good if we joined together and reached out to those parents who are less able to come to the regular parent eduction classes,” Agliam said.