Hillsboro R-3 School District parents will be given a chance to go back to school on Monday, Jan. 29.
The district will hold its first Parents University night from 6-8 p.m. at Hillsboro High School, 123 Leon Hall Parkway.
The district’s counseling staff is organizing the event, which is aimed at parents – and grandparents and other primary caregivers – of students of all ages, said Sarah Dix, a counselor at the high school.
“We know about the resources available for parents, and we want to make that information more readily available for them in a one-stop shop-type event,” Dix said.
The night will include help for parents to prepare their children for post-high school life, Dix said, but also will offer information about physical and mental health resources.
“We’ll also offer information on school district issues, such as how to access our computer system to see your student’s grades, and how to apply for free or reduced lunches,” she said. “We live in a technology age, but a lot of times parents and grandparents need some help navigating those things,” Dix said.
The evening will include a choice of six half-hour programs to be offered at 6 p.m. and then again at 7 p.m. Those programs include college credit opportunities at Hillsboro High, school safety, grief support, study skills, college preparation and mental health.
A separate set of topics held at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. will include general mental health for youth and self-care for parents; anxiety and youth; transitioning from high school to college for athletes; drug trends and vaping; mental health and college preparation.
“There will also be a vendor fair, but no one will be selling anything,” Dix said. “A number of different agencies will have tables set up to provide information on their services.”
Those with tables at the event will include the Jefferson College Area Technical School, Compass Health, Lutheran Family Services, Annie’s Hope, Jefferson County Library, Jefferson College Workforce and Employment Services, PreventEd, the Laborers Union of Missouri, the Homeless Youth Initiative, Jefferson County Family YMCA, Planet Fitness, Gaining Ground Fitness, 4-H Clubs, Hillsboro Little League and Scout groups.
Dix said a drawing will be held for gift cards donated by the Texas Roadhouse restaurant.