Whether you can use some pointers on how to help your child with his homework or get information on financial management, Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School will be the place to be on Saturday, Aug. 15.

That's when Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 will sponsor the seventh annual Parent's Day educational event from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Motivational speaker Rose Rock of Georgetown, mother of comedian Chris Rock, will be featured during the morning session.

Barbara Sarjeant, family literacy coordinator for OCSD 5, says more than 700 people attended last year's event.

"We'll start with registration in the morning, followed by entertainment from several school choirs and Mrs. Rock's appearance," she said. "Lunch will be provided to the participants and their children.

"Afterwards, we will break down into 15 different workshops in the afternoon that cover topics ranging from handling discipline to nutrition and how to buy a home, just to name a few. Each workshop will be offered twice so parents can choose which ones they would like to attend."

Darrow Riley, a member of the Parent's Day organizing committee and a staff member at Bethune-Bowman Elementary School, says the information will come from various individuals and organizations from across the county.

"Different agencies, such as the 1890 Program as S.C. State (University), Clemson Extension, the Department of Social Services and the Department of Health and Environmental Control will have booths set up there," Riley said.

A separate area for kids 3 to 17 years old will be provided, complete with a magician, storyteller and other entertainment. Throughout the day, door prizes donated by area merchants will be given away.

"Each kid will receive a bag with school supplies in it," Sarjeant said. "Last year, we had two Parent's Day events, one in January and one in August. We felt having it in August would better serve our parents because the information they need comes at the beginning of the school year."

Sarjeant says parents tell her the information provided during Parent's Day is very beneficial.

"Parent's Day is also a great benefit to me," she said. "As literacy coordinator for the district, we help parents of children ages birth to 5 get them prepared for school, especially those in low-income homes who don't have the tools to assist them. We also do the same work with teen parents already in the school system and teach their children so they are ready for first grade."

For more information about Parent's Day, call 803-534-5454.

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