A&FRC event schools parents on children's education

  • Published
  • By By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  Barksdale's Airman & Family Readiness Center will host a free Back-to-School event 6 p.m., July 29 at Hoban Hall.

Parents can meet with school officials and learn about educational opportunities for children entering kindergarten through grade 12, and pick up free school supplies.

"[Parents] get streamlined information with respect to which schools they want [their children] to attend," said Reginald Coles, A&FRC School Liaison Officer. "It's about maintaining our relationships with local schools and allowing families the opportunity to visit these schools."

The event will feature representatives from public and private schools in Bossier and Caddo Parishes, the military student transition consultant, information on charter schools and homeschooling materials. More than 100 schools have been invited to attend the event.

Coles encourages parents to contact principals and ask them about the good things their schools have to offer, and what things are not so great.

"Contact the principal and let them sell you their school. Let them tell you the great things about their school, then ask them what things are not so great about the school and you should get an honest answer."

The event is open for servicemen and women to attend, and the event can do more than just give parents a place to learn about local schools.

"It helps alleviate the stress of wondering if your child is in a safe, good learning environment," said Stephanie Reyes, Chief of the A&FRC.

Reyes says Airmen can better focus on the mission if they know their children are getting a good education.

"When Airmen know their children are getting a good education and that they're in a safe environment, they can better focus on the mission."

The free school supplies were donated by Shreveport Bossier Supports Barksdale, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting base Airmen.

For more information about the Back-to-School event, contact the Airman & Family Readiness Center at 456-8400.