Jackson Annex Elementary in Hempstead hosts Parent Resource Center fair for parents, students
Juliana Montenegro learns self-defense moves from Darren Drain at the Parent Resource Center fair at Jackson Avenue Elementary in Hempstead on Saturday. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Hempstead families got an early start on the school year on Saturday at the district’s Parent Resource Center, where a wide range of supplies, support and activities were available for students and their parents.
The event, held at Jackson Annex Elementary in Hempstead, was a "re-grand opening of the resource center," said its director, Tracey Williams.
The facility used to be located at another school in the district but recently moved to Annex Elementary. Williams said. The resource fair was to "welcome the community again and tell them that we’re here."
The center takes a holistic approach to supporting families, evident by the attendees at Saturday’s event, said Williams. A mental conditioning coach set up a table, along with a healthy food nonprofit and a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematic) mentorship program, among others.
Juliana Montenegro, 10, of Hempstead, gave a two-punch combo and a kick to a pad held by Darren Drain, 54, who runs Sensei Darren’s Bully Proof program in Hempstead.
Juliana enjoys karate and feels empowered by it, she said. "I want to go to school now," Juliana said after taking part in some activities.
The program, Drain said, works with middle schools and high schools to both empower children and teach them about compassion, respect and conflict resolution.
"With bullying, if you know how to get someone off of you or walk with confidence, that’s a big deal," said Drain. "It’s not always about fighting."
Nearby, Valencia St. Louis, a program coordinator for Morrison Mentors, was highlighting the organization’s work to promote STEM education in underserved communities.
"We’re introducing grades K-12 to different STEM topics," said St. Louis, including video game design, 3D printing and coding. The goal is to inspire students in Nassau and Suffolk counties to pursue those careers, she said.
Some of those professions can lack racial and gender diversity, emphasizing the need to expose younger students about opportunities in those fields, St. Louis said.
The Hempstead School District serves predominantly Latino families, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and has about 6,100 students.
The fair had bouncy houses, a DJ, snacks and also opportunities for parents, including Nassau County voter registration.
Amma John went to the fair with her two children, ages 5 and 9. She said it could often be difficult to connect with local resources.
"A lot of time I feel, for parents, that we’re kind of isolated on Long Island," said John, 42, of Hempstead. "When it comes to community things where people come together and offer services or talk about what’s available in the neighborhood, I don’t always find that."
Hempstead families got an early start on the school year on Saturday at the district’s Parent Resource Center, where a wide range of supplies, support and activities were available for students and their parents.
The event, held at Jackson Annex Elementary in Hempstead, was a "re-grand opening of the resource center," said its director, Tracey Williams.
The facility used to be located at another school in the district but recently moved to Annex Elementary. Williams said. The resource fair was to "welcome the community again and tell them that we’re here."
The center takes a holistic approach to supporting families, evident by the attendees at Saturday’s event, said Williams. A mental conditioning coach set up a table, along with a healthy food nonprofit and a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematic) mentorship program, among others.
Juliana Montenegro, 10, of Hempstead, gave a two-punch combo and a kick to a pad held by Darren Drain, 54, who runs Sensei Darren’s Bully Proof program in Hempstead.
Juliana enjoys karate and feels empowered by it, she said. "I want to go to school now," Juliana said after taking part in some activities.
The program, Drain said, works with middle schools and high schools to both empower children and teach them about compassion, respect and conflict resolution.
"With bullying, if you know how to get someone off of you or walk with confidence, that’s a big deal," said Drain. "It’s not always about fighting."
Nearby, Valencia St. Louis, a program coordinator for Morrison Mentors, was highlighting the organization’s work to promote STEM education in underserved communities.
"We’re introducing grades K-12 to different STEM topics," said St. Louis, including video game design, 3D printing and coding. The goal is to inspire students in Nassau and Suffolk counties to pursue those careers, she said.
Some of those professions can lack racial and gender diversity, emphasizing the need to expose younger students about opportunities in those fields, St. Louis said.
The Hempstead School District serves predominantly Latino families, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, and has about 6,100 students.
The fair had bouncy houses, a DJ, snacks and also opportunities for parents, including Nassau County voter registration.
Amma John went to the fair with her two children, ages 5 and 9. She said it could often be difficult to connect with local resources.
"A lot of time I feel, for parents, that we’re kind of isolated on Long Island," said John, 42, of Hempstead. "When it comes to community things where people come together and offer services or talk about what’s available in the neighborhood, I don’t always find that."
