Burnet Parent Resource Center aims to help parents manage family, school life
BURNET — Parents raising schoolchildren often face any number of challenges, but the staff at the new Burnet Parent Resource Center are ready to offer them a helping hand.
A grand opening was Jan. 23 at Burnet Elementary School, 607 N. Vanderveer St.
The facility is a free information center to help parents guide their children through school — especially when the going gets rough, said Shelley Reavis, the curriculum coordinator for the Burnet Consolidated Independent School District.
PHOTO 1: Patrick Estes, 3, says hello to Annabelle and Izzy at the Burnet Parent Resource Center. Todd and Rachel Estes of Burnet are Patrick's parents. The center recently had a grand opening at Burnet Elementary School, 607 N. Vanderveer St. Staff photos by Raymond V. Whelan
PHOTO 2: R.J. Richey Elementary School students and Wells Fargo Bank recently donated artwork and a stuffed horse to the new Burnet Parent Resource Center at Burnet Elementary School, 607 N. Vanderveer St.
PHOTO 3: The Burnet Parent Resource Center recently celebrated its grand opening at Burnet Elementary School, 607 N. Vanderveer St.
"It is a place where parents can find out what resources are available for their school-age children," Reavis said. "It could be a resource parents might use for just about anything."
Parents can use the outdoor entrance from the school parking lot at Lamon and Vanderveer streets.
Volunteers at the center plan to hold classes on home discipline, time management and other topics to help parents manage family needs, said Darlene Denton, the BCISD parent volunteer coordinator.
"If someone walks through our door with a need, we will try to direct that person to the right place to fulfill that need," Denton said.
Businesses, churches and other agencies have volunteered to help parents referred to them by the center, she added.
Reading programs for young children are also available at the center. And, Labrador retrievers Anabelle and Izzy are kenneled there to entertain children in the play area, Denton said.
More than 500 students and parents have found assistance at the center since it opened informally in December, she added.
Feedback indicates parental assistance at the center helps schoolteachers encourage young students to stay focused on the classroom, Reavis said.
Also, the center is helping parents be better providers for their children, she added.
"It is something that has been needed for a long time," Reavis said. "We have already seen huge success. If the economy stays the way it is — it is going to be even more important."
The center is federally funded, along with donations and in-kind assistance from businesses, churches and other agencies, Reavis added.
It is open 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 1-5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
Call (512) 715-3668, (512) 756-2126 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more.
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