EPISD sets up suites for parents to monitor their middle school kids

Monday was the first day of school for students in the El Paso Independent School District, and while many parents dropped their kids off some, decided to stay a bit longer.

The district set up Parent Hospitality Suites at every middle school, where parents were invited to spend time, and check on their child. District officials said the parent hospitality suites, which included coffee and donuts, are a way for parents to check in on their kids during the first day of school. Staff was available to answer questions, and let parents know how the school will support kids throughout the year.

“For many of them they have sixth-grade students, and they are just starting middle school so they’re a little bit nervous,” said Brown Middle School Principal Laurie Enloe. “I assured them that we are a great family here at Brown, and we love our kids very very much.”

The creation of the suites was a part of the district’s emphasis on customer service. Enloe said staff explained to parents how Brown Middle School planned to support its kids in the upcoming year, adding that the suite served as a casual more discrete place for parents to reach out to teachers or children.

District officials said the lounge allowed parents to keep an eye on their children from a distance. It is a time for transition, which is why it’s important for parents to give their children some space.

“That is a difficult age. That is not an easy age to go through,” said Albert Villa with Region 19, “Knowing went to give those children, maybe a little bit more freedom, a little bit more responsibility, you know, children should always have responsibility, is something that is a very important message for parents to get to their children,” Villa said.

A recent study finds being overly-involved in your child’s life can lead to learning, behavioral and social problems, which can lead to anxiety and depression in adulthood.

“We always go back to the same idea of opening those lines of communication,” Villa said, “Teachers are very good about implementing structures and routines … parents can then partner with their child’s school or their child’s teacher to be able to possibly carry some of those things over into what they do at home. That provides continuity.”

Villa said it is important for children to know they can count on their parents and other individuals, like teachers and counselors at school. “Knowing they can have adults they can count on makes a huge difference,” he said.