FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2009
Rio Grande Valley MSHS Hosts 5th Annual Parent Conference
Edinburg, TX –TMC’s Migrant Seasonal Head Start (MSHS) program in the Rio Grande Valley Region in partnership with the University of Texas at Pan-American STAP (South Texas Advantage Project) College of Education hosted the 5th Annual Parent Conference at the University of Texas Pan-American this morning. STAP collaborates with Head Start teachers and parents to improve understanding and support for high quality early childhood programs. This year’s conference entitled “Celebrating Families –with the theme of “My Home, My Children, My Responsibility” encourages parents to actively participate in their children’s growth and development. This year’s conference was attended by approximately 300 parents and staff from the Rio Grande Valley Region including fifteen (15) exhibitors from throughout the Valley. Exhibitors provided information to participants and were able to network with parents on their agencies services.
The conference was divided into sessions which included the following topics, Healthy Living Classes to Communities; Communication Skills and Happiness with in Couples; Parenting: What type of Parent Am I; Using Your Texas Medicaid While Out-of-State; Developmental Stages of Infants to Three Years old; and many others. The keynote speaker, County Court at Law Judge Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez presented a slide show on his journey with his family as a migrant farm worker. His presentation was shared during a luncheon provided to all conference participants.
“We know that the involvement of parents in their children’s education is directly related to achievement and success in school. We also know that the earlier this involvement begins, the better and more powerful the effects will be on children’s learning. For this reason TMC encourages parents to visit their children’s center and classrooms to participate in activities that support educational development during these important and formative early childhood years. Parental involvement is encouraged and greatly valued at TMC”, stated Dr. Mary Alice Reyes – TMC Rio Grande Valley Regional Administrator.
During the Conference top parent volunteers from the seventeen centers were recognized for their assistance in the success of each Center. Top volunteers recognized were: Miriam Aguilar – Alto Bonito Center, Berta Cervantes – Alton Center, Ludivina Martinez – Brownsville Center, Victoria Morones – Brownsville Infant/Toddler Center, Virginia Cerda – Donna Center, Rosa M. Garcia – Edcouch Center, Elizabeth Ibarra – Edinburg Center, Rosalinda Castillo – JJ Balli Center, Erika Herrera – La Paloma Center, Guadalupe Perez – Las Milpas, Amanda de los Santos – Mercedes Center, Sinthia Rios – Mission Center, Olga Garcia – Palmview Center, Sandy Garcia – Progreso Center, Michelle Contreras – Raymondville Center, Martha Muniz – San Juan Center, and Denise Mendoza – Weslaco Infant/Toddler Center. Along with recognition of top volunteers from each center, the region also recognized their top parent and community volunteer for the region.
For further information contact Dr. Mary Alice Reyes, TMC Rio Grande Valley Regional Administrator at 956-464-5000
Top Volunteers Rio Grande Valley Centers
