New Parent Group to Announce Details

More than 150 families in are involved in creating a new parent group to support educational extracurricular programs in .

This grassroots effort is to increase the amount of information and participation in educationally enhancing programs, according to co-founder and parent Julie Ogburn.

Details about the group will be announced tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the school board's education meeting in the district administration offices.

Ogburn said the concept has been "so enthusiastically received" that members have already been approached by parents in Ringgold and Canonsburg about copying the idea in their districts.

Ogburn said the goal of the parent group is to put the information into the parents' and students' hands to make an informed decision, and to ensure that any interested student can find out about programs in their area of interest.

"If you have a young child, these concepts might seem unfamiliar to you," she said. "The reason for you to be interested in educational extracurricular programs is that they are just plain fun. Your child may have strengths and interests in math, science, creative writing, music, history, building, figuring out how things work, singing or acting—there is a program for him or her!

"They will stretch themselves, develop new strengths, make friends and learn about life. With the right information, you can decide what is right for your child, how much time and money you want to spend, etc."

She said she believes most parents don't realize that participating in educational extracurricular programs afford their students opportunities for scholarships and differentiation in college admissions prior to and at graduation time.

"In addition, these programs teach valuable critical thinking, teamwork and presentation skills that will be an asset to our students throughout their lives," she said. "Participation can also open up doors of opportunity for future career exploration and contacts that will give them an edge in determining what their chosen career path might be."

The group now has committees set up to research and support the following programs: Toshiba ExploraVision (K-12); Odyssey of the Mind (K-12); FIRST Lego League (K-12); Science Olympiad (Grades 3-12); Math Counts & Calcu-Solve (Grades 6-8); Forensics (Grades 7-12); National History Day (Grades 6-12); PA Junior Academy of Science (Grades 6-12); and the Pitt Regional Science & English Fair (Grades 6-12).

Ogburn said a website for the group is currently being designed, which will allow access to program information and searches based on the student's interests. She also said FAQ documents will be available in July.

A parent of a 7th grade student said she's happy the new group formed. 

"I'm glad there are so many parents willing to step up and help safeguard the extracurricular programs that really add dimension to our kids' education," said Ann Trondle-Price. "We have to find ways to keep these programs alive and thriving in Peters Township."

To learn more about the group—or to get involved—stop by tonight's meeting or contact Ogburn at jbo_ct@hotmail.com or 724-941-2701.

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