St. Johns County School District families can attend the first "Parent University" session on Sept. 22 at Sebastian Middle School in St. Augustine. Superintendent Tim Asplen will lead the one-hour program, which runs from 6 to 7 p.m.
The first topic: student attendance.
The district announced the series through its superintendent's office webpage. First Coast Observer reported additional details about the program, which is described as a district-wide effort to help families navigate issues affecting students in a district that has seen substantial in-migration in recent years.
The session will be held at 2955 Lewis Speedway, St. Augustine. Parents who cannot attend in person can join online or by phone at 904-420-0831, using conference ID 225 619 602.
District picks attendance as first session topic
Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of school days, can predict academic struggles and lower graduation rates, according to First Coast Observer. Florida school districts also receive state funding based in part on student attendance through the full-time equivalent enrollment formula.
The county has drawn new families in recent years, driven by top-rated schools and relative affordability compared to other Florida metro areas, according to First Coast Observer. Families arriving from out of state may be unfamiliar with Florida's attendance policies, making the topic a natural starting point for the series.
Virtual options aim to reach western county families
Sebastian Middle School sits in St. Augustine. For parents in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee or near Durbin Crossing, a 6 p.m. weeknight drive means rush-hour traffic on I-95 or CR 210, First Coast Observer noted. The online and phone options remove that barrier.
No schedule set yet for future sessions
The district has not announced a schedule for future Parent University sessions or additional topics beyond the Sept. 22 kickoff. The program is run out of Asplen's office, according to the district website.
Families can find updates on the district's Parent University page at stjohns.k12.fl.us/supt/parent-university/.
