Registration is now open for the next Rockdale County Public School’s district-wide Parent Academy. The event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on March 16 at the Rockdale Career Academy, 1064 Culpepper Drive. Classes, lunch, and childcare for children age 3-10 are free; however, preregistration is required for childcare.

The Parent Academy is set up just like a professional business conference, with an opening session, three one-hour breakout sessions, and a closing session complete with door prizes and recognitions of sponsors.

“Parenting is a job,” said STARS Project Specialist Rachael Long. “We go to business conferences to improve our skills on the job. Parents can come to Parent Academy to improve their skills as parents.”

But the event is not limited to parents or guardians. “All adults in the Rockdale community are invited,” said Long. “One of the most important resources our students have for successful futures is the community in which they live. A better educated community makes for better educated students.” 

Classes include: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Resume Writing, Self Defense, Overcoming Childhood Obesity, How to Repair Your Credit, Addressing School Bullying, Teaching Kids the Value of a Dollar, and many more. There are tracks for parents of students with disabilities, Spanish-speaking participants, and “tweens/teen” (students age 11-17), as well.

“We are trying to meet the needs of all the people in our community,” said Long.

To register online, go to www.rockdale.k12.ga.us. Paper registration is available by contacting your child’s school or calling the Office of Support Services at 770-918-6174 or 770-761-1446.

Vendor space is still available. The price is $25 for businesses and $10 for non-profits. All vendors are asked to contribute a door prize valued at $25. For more information on becoming a vendor, contact Darci Gilreath at 770-918-6174.