FREE MD PIRC Parenting Matters Conference

Dear Families and Community Members,

There will be a FREE MD PIRC Parenting Matters Conference: Connecting Crayons, Computers, College, and Careers on Saturday, November 7, 2009 from 8:15AM-3:30PM at University of Maryland, Baltimore County Campus. Families can receive information on:

• School Readiness
• Gang awareness
• College Planning and Readiness: How to get financial aid, what you need to know to get in, etc.
• Health and Healthy Living
• Social cliques and how to have healthy friendships
• Much more!

Families can go to www.mdpirc.org/conference to register. FREE light breakfast, childcare (ages 2-5), Youth Track (kids ages 6-14), interpretation, door prizes, and lunch will be provided. See attached registration flyer for more info.

Estimadas familias y Miembros Comunitarios, Habrá una Conferencia Gratuita para Familias del MD PIRC: Apoyar a los Hijos Cuenta Mucho: La Conexión entere las Crayolas, las Computadoras, la Universidad y Carreras Profesionales u Oficios el sábado, 7 de noviembre del 2009 de 8:15AM-3:30PM en la Universidad de Maryland, Campo de Baltimore. Su familia podrá recibir información sobre:

• Preparación para la escuela
• Como evitar a las pandillas
• Planificar para la Universidad: Como conseguir asistencia financiera, que necesita saber para entra, etc.
• Como vivir una vida saludable
• Amistades y como tener buenas amistades
• Y mucho más!

Pueden ir a nuestro sitio web al www.mdpirc/conference para registrarse. Habrá un desayuno ligero, cuidado de niños (2-5) y actividades de enriquecimiento para estudiantes edades 6-14, interpretación en español, premios, y almuerzo--TODO GRATIS! Para obtener más información vea el volante incluido en este mensaje.

Nora Cartland

ELL Outreach Coordinator

Maryland Parental Information and Resource Center (MD PIRC)

5272 River Road, Suite 340

Bethesda, MD 20816

Tel: 301-657-7742 ext. 121

Fax: 301-657-8782

nora@mdpirc.org

“Connecting Generations”

by:
Michael A. Robinson, Coordinating Supervisor, Parental Engagement and Community Outreach

President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden have challenged us to assist others who aspire to improve their lives. They have called upon Americans to think beyond themselves and to find ways they can help make the lives of others better. In keeping with the spirit of President Obama and Vice-President Biden, Prince George's County Public Schools is calling on the community to join its “Connecting Generations” mentoring program, by becoming a mentor. Our goal is to identify 2000 mentors from the community to support our students.

National and state statistics confirm that children who are mentored are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and peers. These same students are 52% less likely to “skip” school and 46% less likely to begin using illegal drugs. Students who are successful in school are less likely to drop out, become pregnant, abuse drugs or become involved in criminal activity. Additionally, students who have a mentor benefit in other ways:

• Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences



• Exposure to an additional loving and caring adult



• Improved attitude regarding school and careers



• Improved in school behavior



• Willingness to accept challenges

To learn more about the "Connecting Generations" mentoring program or to sign up to become a mentor, please click on the following link http://www.kpscholars.com/become_a_mentor.php and enter your name and contact information into our mentor database.