Madison Board of Education member Connie Spears, shown here with Rainbow students in 2013, will be one presenter at Rainbow Parent University. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Does your child need extra help with classroom assignments? Do decisions in the Alabama State Legislature affect our local school? Rainbow Parent University will answer these and many other questions.

Rainbow Elementary Parent University will be held on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. on campus. The informative sessions “are designed to give the parents of Rainbow Elementary School the tools they need to be successful for navigating their child’s educational path,” PTA president Sonja S. Griffith said.

Rainbow PTA will meet from 6 to 6:20 p.m. Sessions will run simultaneously at 6:20 to 6:40 p.m., 6:40 to 7 p.m. and 7 to 7:20 p.m.

Griffith and fifth-grade teacher Tammy Brunton will explain how Common Core relates to the Alabama College and Career Ready Standards. Rainbow Principal Dorinda White will facilitate “Testing 101: What we do and why.”

Dr. Catherine Hogan-Gancarz, a psychometrist, will advise parents about testing or special services for students who are struggling. Christa Gaddy and Emily Peck will discuss components of Rainbow’s enrichment studies.

Principal Melanie Barkley and counselor Becky Thompson will visit from Discovery Middle School to offer suggestions for a smooth transition to middle school. Rainbow Media Specialist Dixie Pascal will lead a technology expo.

Rainbow Assistant Principal Michael Gunner will walk around the building to accept written questions from parents.

Connie Spears with Madison Board of Education will give a legislative update. School nurse Dee Smith will present “Having a Healthy Balance at School.” Parent Jack Huskey will offer ways to guarantee Internet safety for children.

While parents attend ‘class,’ the children in grades PK-6 will gather in the gym and cafeteria for performances by Joy Brindley’s Juggling Team from West Madison Elementary School, Alexander’s Martial Arts and the Patriettes Dance Team from Bob Jones High School.

A grant from Healthy Balance and “Together Counts” will provide dinner for parents and guardians.

Registration deadline is Feb. 14. Registration forms are available at the school, or online at rainbowpta.org or by emailing to sonjabillgriffith@live.com.