By Jean Ruzicka
jruzicka@parkrapidsenterprise.com
The Park Rapids School Board received a presentation on PEACE this week, Parents Encouraging Each Other at Century Elementary.
“We were missing a piece,” Emotional Behavioral Disorders teacher Dawn Penning explained of “the parent component.
“We were giving kids skills, but parents were not aware.”
“Our goal is to help parents connect with the school,” said Joanna Wallenberg, a Children’s Therapeutic Support System practitioner.
The PEACE group “offers a place for parents to connect with others, normalize challenges, celebrate successes and learn information on parenting strategies and techniques,” she said.
“The ultimate goal is to decrease chaos in the homes,” Wallenberg said of the group that meets monthly.
Bill and Beth Daugherty serve as parent leaders; two high school students volunteer their time to provide daycare.
A variety of speakers arrive to share insights and information, with a resource fair held prior to summer.
Grant funds supply supper for the 25 parents and 30 children who “consistently arrive, with genuine relationships forming.”
“It’s is so helpful knowing there are others who have struggles just like us,” a parent wrote in a testimonial. “It is great to have a group that we can share ideas of what works for us and get ideas from others who face similar struggles.”
In other action, the board:
n Approved new hires for the 2015-16 school year, including elementary teachers Gabe Sturtz, Chelsie Weeding, Julie Kelly and Jennifer Kusler. Ann Niedzielski will serve as a .5 Title teacher.
n Learned Candy Malm will retire as special education director after 35 years.
