Milton Elementary program strengthens families

Milton Elementary School honored several parents Feb. 1 who participated in the Strengthening Families Program. The program has three components: parenting skills, children’s skills and family skills. Through the 14-week program, parents learn fundamental principles of behavior management, communication and stress management.

Children learn skills to understand their emotions and develop problem-solving skills. In the final component of each session, parents come together with the children to practice the skills they have each learned in their separate groups.

Principal Kevin Mumford said the program's goal is to work with children and families on a preventative basis, and, in the long run, increase their academic and behavioral success.

Milton Elementary parent Patricia Maker has two children at the school and said, "I learned it was OK for other people to help you with your children, and I learned the difference between discipline and punishment.”

Hattie Bull, a certified parent educator said she teaches parents each child is an individual and should be treated as such.

So far, more than 20 families have participated in the program. It is funded through a five-year federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant that still has two years of funding.

“We want to have a successful program, and this means tying positive student outcomes with family and community involvement,” said Gloria Ho, school social worker.