Focus of Family Engagement Conference is ‘Pride and Purpose’

The Palm Springs Unified School District’s next Family Engagement Conference is set for April 21 at Cathedral City High School and will be packed with fun, high-energy activities for the entire family, kicking off with an opening rally emceed by “DJ SupaJames” and Monica Bradley, wife of championship boxer Tim Bradley.

The Bradleys, both of whom graduated from Cathedral City High School are business owners and residents here in the Coachella Valley. James Palomares (DJ SupaJames), who graduated from CCHS in 2005, and Monica Bradley will open the event with a family rally in the CCHS gymnasium featuring entertainment by CCHS’ band, Ballet Folklorico dancers and dance team; awards honoring District Teachers of the Year, outstanding parent volunteer and students in various categories. Following the rally, participants can attend two workshops of their choice on topics including: Family Fitness, Family Art, STEM Makerspace, Family Teambuilding, Internet Safety, Detecting Depression in the Family and a student-led workshop on PSUSD’s Career Academies and Pathways.

“Families will have the opportunity to learn about local resources as well as those available in the PSUSD,” said Family Engagement Coordinator Ruby Rivera, adding that many of the components of the conference are included as a result of parent requests.

Themed “Pride and Purpose,” the conference is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include a resource fair throughout the duration of the event, free child care, translation, food and prizes. Workshop presenters will include PSUSD teachers, community liaisons and students along with motivational speaker Dr. Lamarr Shields. The conference concludes with a catered lunch from Waba Grill and prize drawings.

“The PSUSD Family Engagement Center is always working to meet the diverse needs of our families,” said Rivera. “In PSUSD we believe that family and community partnerships are vital to our success, and we celebrate the conference as an opportunity to learn together.”

Students being honored at the opening rally will include: three winners of “Parent Impact” video reflections contest, two “Cyber Champions,” counselor and Career Technical Education “choice awards” and the topic 10 students from each District high school.

The conference is open to all PSUSD families. Cathedral City High is located at 69-250 Dinah Shore Drive, Cathedral City. For more information, e-mail rrivera@psusd.us or call (760) 416-1374.