About SPU
What is Schaumburg Parent University?
Schaumburg Parent University (SPU) is in its 4th year of existence and we are as excited as ever to kick off a new season. After starting out as Blackwell Parent University (BPU), we broadened our horizons and teamed up with staff from other schools in an attempt to attract more families, and get the word out. Blackwell School has teamed up with a number of other schools for the 2011-2012 school year. We are really hoping to get all District 54 families involved! More specifically, we have staff from: Aldrin Elementary School, Blackwell Elementary School, Churchill Elementary School, Dirksen Elementary School, and Mead Jr. High School who have all agreed to support this program. Supporting SPU means that they have arranged speakers, agreed to staff program nights, and are helping to publicize the program to our community members. The idea of this Parent University is to involve more parents in the life of the school, to strengthen family relationships, and to improve parenting skills that will ultimately result in improved student success academically, socially, and emotionally.
Incentives/ Why come?
Research is very clear that parental involvement is critical for children’s academic success, as well as for developing strong internal values and sense of self that results in a healthy, well-adjusted citizen. In order to achieve these outcomes, School District 54 is in our fifth year of offering a selection of courses for parents which range from addressing family dynamics to learning a new family skill or craft.
Classes will meet from one to two hours each, and a gift card will be given away to two lucky attendees each night as a way to say thank you for attending.
What kinds of classes will be offered at Schaumburg Parent University?
Two types of classes are being offered: Time Together (TT) and Practical Parenting (PP).
Time Together (TT) classes are classes where parent(s)/ guardians are expected to come with their child(ren). These will be classes are where you can make things, learn things, and simply have fun with your child(ren). We will offer childcare for the kids too young or too old to participate.
The second type of classes will be Practical Parenting (PP) classes. These classes will be for adults only, though we will offer childcare for the length of the class FREE OF CHARGE. These classes will focus on adult oriented information.
Who will teach the classes?
Parent University classes will host a variety of instructors. Some instructors have an established reputation in the area presented, while others are staff members who have a passion for a particular topic that they would like to share. Community resources such as the Police Department, Mental Health Centers, a variety of Private Practices, and good hearted community members who have a skill they’d like to share are all organizations that may be represented.
Cost of classes?
Most classes are FREE! If a class is offered where there are materials required (e.g., scrapbooking, cooking, arts and crafts), it will be noted under the course name. This payment is non-refundable. When registering for classes that include a materials fee, you may pay at the door with cash or a check.
When will classes run?
All Parent University classes will be offered Monday-Thursday evenings, sometime between 5 and 8 p.m.
Where will classes be held?
All classes will be held at School District 54’s District Office (classes are NOT being held at the Rauch Center this year) unless otherwise noted. District Office is located at 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg. This building is located just EAST of the Rauch Center (it is the building located further from the street). Please enter through the front door and someone will be there to direct you to the correct classroom.
Who can attend classes?
Anyone! If you’d like to come and invite a friend (or 5), please feel free. We will be promoting classes to anyone interested. Our philosophy here is “The more the merrier!” You do not have to have a child that attends School District 54 to attend classes.
Questions?
Please call Meg Kwak at (847) 357-5534 or Brigid Janiak at (847) 357-2073.