LaMonte Geddis, a Freedom School advocate and educator, gives keynote address at 6th Annual Parent Conference on St. Thomas, September 25, 2016.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education, Office of the Insular Superintendent, St. Thomas-St. John school district, held its 6th annual Parent Conference on Sunday, September 25 at the Marriott Frenchman’s Reef Resort where keynote speaker Mr. LaMonte Geddis, a Freedom School advocate and educator, encouraged parents to write love letters to their children in an effort to tangibly express their commitment to their children’s success.
In his dynamic presentation, Mr. Geddis urged parents to listen to their children, and be aware and interested in their lives. Over the course of his career, Mr. Geddis said he learned that students of lower socioeconomic statuses are also susceptible to emotional poverty, love poverty and mental poverty. He pointed out that parents can make a difference in their children’s lives by simply showing attention and affection.
More than 200 participants attended this year’s conference themed, “Sharing a Vision of Student Success.” The conference aims to provide parents and guardians of public school students with the tools necessary to raise successful children. There were a host of workshops geared toward helping attendees achieve that goal. Breakout sessions were held on time management, special education, bullying, internet safety, STEAM, co-parenting and sexual abuse. Vendors from various departments, organizations and agencies provided attendees with information about their services.
The conference, which was fully financed through the District office, offered childcare for parents attending with their children. The opening session included welcoming remarks from District officials where the District’s mission, vison, goals, and initiatives were communicated. Superintendent Dionne Wells-Hedrington assured parents that student success is the main focus of her office. She promised that the faculty, staff and administrators of each school would work tirelessly to ensure student performs to the best of their ability. However, she said, student success is a joint effort between the schools and the parents.
The District and superintendent are grateful for the opportunity to impart wisdom and support the parents and guardians of public school students in the St. Thomas-St. John district. The conference will remain an integral part of the mission to help each student become successful. It was organized by Jerae Forde, St. Thomas-St. John director of school and community affairs.
