First town hall meeting for parents slated at Agoura High
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

While freshmen at Agoura High School are expected to make the transition from middle to high school more easily with the program Link Crew, now in its second year, parents also need help learning to navigate their child's new school.

The high school will host its first "Parent Town Hall Meeting," a nuts and bolts orientation meeting, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tues., Sept. 11 in the G-building. The meeting is designed for parents of incoming ninth-grade students, said Cindy Orland, a member of the school's parent education committee.

Orland said some of the issues include who to speak to when questions, problems or issues arise, along with the purpose of the school's support period. Parents will also learn the best way to communicate with their child's teacher.

Other topics include where to park when dropping off or picking up a student, how to check a student out of school early and the online grading system. Navigating the school website beyond grades will also be discussed.

"The goal of this meeting is to help parents feel comfortable with the new school environment and procedures that they and their children are now a part of and to develop a strong communication link between parents and faculty," Orland said.

The meeting will also advise parents on how to involve their child with school activities, learn about the Link Crew program and the importance of teaching their children to advocate for themselves during class or with counselors and administrators.

The Link Crew program designates trained leaders to help freshmen acclimate during their first year in high school.

In addition to a thorough indoctrination on how the school operates, the program affords freshmen access to leaders throughout the school year as well as assisting students with social and athletic activities to academic programs.

The program, championed by Jim Nielsen, director of secondary education for the Las Virgenes district, was successfully implemented by school administrators and staff last year.

Calabasas High School has a similar program called "Coyote Connect."

Agoura High's assistant principals, Sherry Bronow, Rick Naranjo and Chris Regan, will host the meeting, along with school counselors and teachers. A special joint committee of administrators, teachers and parents developed the agenda for the evening, Orland said.

Space is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Refreshments will be served.

The town hall meeting concept was designed by Jodi Regan, Ziona Friedlander and Orland as part of their work on the Parent Faculty Club.

For more information, call the school at (818) 889-1262 or visit www.ahschargers.com.