Agoura High's first town hall meeting for parents is a hit
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Agoura High School's first town hall meeting for parents of freshmen or students new to the school was a success, according to Jodi Regan, chair of the Parent Faculty Club's new Parent Education Committee.

"It took me awhile to understand how Agoura High works," Regan said. "There is a lot more going on in high school than in middle school. I talked with other new parents and discovered I was not alone."

More than 200 attended the Sept. 11 event to learn the ins and outs of the school's operations.

The school's LINK Crew, a team of students, teachers and administrators who help eighthgrade students make an easier transition into high school, welcomed parents and gave them an update on activities.

Parents received advice from counselors, teachers and administrators on the variety of academic and social venues available to their children. Principal Larry Misel encouraged parents to participate in their children's high school experience.

"People don't attend their college reunions, they attend their high school reunions," Misel said.

Assistant Principal Sherry Bronow discussed the importance of helping youth to "selfadvocate" with teachers and administrators, and how to assist their children in staying organized. Bronow also touched upon tutoring services and support periods available to students.

Agoura High counselor Pat Brooks, discussed ways the counseling department helps students, and provided advice on when to contact a counselor.

Parents also learned about more mundane- yet necessary- protocol. Assistant Principal Chris Regan covered some basics including where to pick up students during and after school, and how to handle absences. Regan also emphasized the importance of afterschool activities such as sports and drama.

Lesli Stein and Marcia Bhattacharya, co-presidents of the PFC, spoke about volunteer opportunities both on and off campus. Students regularly volunteer in the school's library and college and career center, and a variety of volunteer positions are open in music, physical education and theater booster clubs.

"Parent involvement is vital to student success, especially in high school," Stein said.

Joann Anderson, co-chair of the English department, displayed examples of pages of the school's website, explaining how parents can access information. She also explained how Aeries, the on-line grading system, works and how to navigate the system.

Finally, parents heard from the California Highway Patrol and members of the Lost Hills Sheriff's Station's Juvenile Intervention Team (the JTeam) explained the new driving laws for teenagers.

The changes high school students make socially are dramatic. J-Team members urged parents to get to know their children's friends, meet their parents and collect information, including house and cellphone numbers, and house rules.

Parents were asked if they found the meeting helpful. Regan said everyone surveyed said they would recommend future new parents attend the sessions.

"I found things out I never knew with my oldest child," said Beth Schwartz. "I'm glad I came."

For more information about Agoura High School, visit www.AHSCHARGERS.com.