John Butterfield led a financial planning ‘course’ during Parent University at Rainbow Elementary School. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Moms and dads went to ‘the learning tree’ for refresher work during Parent University at Rainbow Elementary School on Sept. 8.

The event gave Rainbow parents “the tools they need to be successful for navigating their child’s educational path,” PTA president Sonja S. Griffith said.

The evening opened with dinner, followed by a Rainbow PTA meeting. While parents attended ‘class,’ the children in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade gathered in the gym and cafeteria for activities supervised by employees with Bricks 4 Kidz, Every Child Has a Story and West Main Studios.

Parents chose three 20-minute sessions among the possible 12 ‘courses’ in the ‘curriculum.’ First Commercial Bank of Madison offered a financial planning ‘course.’

Instructional partner Ginger Hardy presented “Emergent Reader,” which suggested ways to help a child become a proficient reader. Enrichment specialists Molly Bounds and Rachel Glass explained the year’s schedule for students in gifted classes.

Christa Gaddy and Emily Peck discussed the objectives and activities for the Rainbow Enrichment series. Officer Ralph Dawe with Madison Police Department talked about his work as an on-campus Special Resource Officer.

Principal Melanie Barkley and counselor Kelly Moody visited from Discovery Middle School to offer suggestions for a smooth transition from elementary school. Media specialist Dixie Paschal led parents in understanding technology resources.

Alex Luttrell described the importance of Watch DOGS (Dads of Great Students) who volunteer during the school day. Rainbow Principal Dorinda White and counselor Becky Thompson led “When, Why and How of Testing” to understand ACT Aspire.

Connie Spears and David Hergenroeder, Madison Board of Education members, gave a status report on plans and changes for the Madison City Schools district.

From Bob Jones High School, engineering teacher Jeremy Raper and art teacher Robin Lakso outlined interactions of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics).

In the cyber citizenship class, parents heard suggestions on becoming technologically savvy with social media. Facilitators were Rainbow assistant principal Angie Bush and coordinator of instructional technology Carmen Buchanan.