Newtown’s Parent University ‘Graduates’ Largest Class Ever

By John Voket

When it comes to a successful day of empowering parents, the numbers said it all.

“I bet we’ve got about 200 people involved here today between those who registered, walk-ups, instructors, and volunteers,” said Donna DeLuca, co-founder of the Newtown Parent Connection.

Co-founder Dorrie Carolan added, “We’re going to graduate our largest class ever.”

They were referring to the 2012 Parent Empowerment University, a day full of workshops, networking, and sharing among attendees and a host of authorities on subjects from effective parent/teen communication to thriving in a modern family. The annual symposium was held March 24 at the Newtown Middle School.

While some board members circulated throughout the middle school halls popping in on workshops and directing parents to the various classrooms being used, others helped oversee activities in the gym, including a bouncy castle, games, and a limbo contest. The Parent Connection provided supervision for younger children with dozens of older student volunteers pitching in so parents could concentrate on the subjects at hand.

Instructor Alex Boianghu, a counselor at Danbury’s Whisconier Middle School, brought the “Eight Principles For Raising Kids You’ll Love to Live With,” dialoguing with attendees about the book of the same name by Bonnie Harris. At the same time, Ms Harris herself was in the packed neighboring library leading a program entitled, “When Your Kids Push Your Buttons.”

Dr Sandra Valente came from Naugatuck valley Community College to help parents identify addiction issues in their developing children. And the team of Jeff and Mandy Tolson returned to “Parent U” to help parents improve their relationships with their tweens and teens, while maintaining family functionality.

Christine Holmes helped parents try to qualify if their child might benefit from special education services; Kevin Borrup addressed kids’ rights and bullying; Dana Posky helped parents understand the modern college application process; Dr Jennifer Holloway discussed being a healthy role model; and Lauren Wolf focused on helping parents to alleviate stress and inspiring their children to conquer fear.

Ms Carolan also spent part of the day promoting an upcoming April 11 performance of the solo show Dirt, starring John Morello, which draws attention to the issues of drug abuse and bullying.

“This show is a collaboration between the Parent Connection and the Newtown Prevention Council,” Ms Carolan said. The show will be at 7 pm at Newtown High School.

The 2012 Parent Empowerment University was held in partnership with the Brookfield Substance Abuse Coalition and SMART – Southbury & Middlebury Acting Responsibly Together.