The Hinds County School District (HCSD) recently launched the first of six sessions in its Prekindergarten Parent Academy, an initiative designed to equip families of four-year-old students with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to support a successful transition to kindergarten.
Held under the theme “Passport to Success: Every Family Has a Place at the Table,” the inaugural session brought families together for an engaging evening focused on kindergarten readiness. Superintendent Dr. Mitchell Shears, affectionately known as the district's Chief Learner, welcomed participants and emphasized the importance of family involvement in early childhood education.
Led by the district's Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Team, the session featured hands-on activities and practical strategies to help parents support their children's academic, social, and emotional development. Presenters included Prekindergarten teachers Sheryl Mobley and Frances Davis, along with Kindergarten teachers Jada Tenner and Tramia Little.
Families also had opportunities to connect with educational and community partners, including Waterford Early Learning, Renaissance Learning, and public libraries in Terry and Byram. These partners shared valuable learning resources and information about community programs and activities that support early childhood development.
The Prekindergarten Parent Academy will continue with its next session on November 5 at 5:00 p.m. at Gary Road Elementary School. Additional sessions will be hosted at elementary schools throughout the district, providing families with ongoing opportunities to strengthen their involvement in their children's educational journeys.
Through initiatives such as the Prekindergarten Parent Academy, HCSD continues to strengthen school-family partnerships and promote early learning experiences that prepare students for success in kindergarten and beyond.