Merced conference to train parents to aid in kids’ success

Golden Valley High School will host the Merced County Parent Institute conference on Saturday to provide parents with educational tools on health and other resources to help their students succeed.

The free event will include talks from Elizabeth Diaz, Fresno County’s public defender, and the lead figures from the movie “McFarland USA,” including coach Jim White and the Diaz brothers.

“McFarland USA” tells the story of a McFarland cross-country team that won section championships. Kevin Costner played White in the 2015 movie that gained popularity and brought attention to the Central Valley.

More than 90 vendors will attend the event to provide information to parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers of students. Vendors include Fresno Pacific University, California Highway Patrol, Planned Parenthood, Merced Police Department, Valley Children’s Hospital, Merced Count and more.

“We want parents to inspire their children and have big dreams for their child,” said Rosa Barragan, an event organizer. “The time is now to prepare for children’s future.”

In previous years, the conference has attracted more than 500 attendees.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Golden Valley High School, 2121 E. Childs Ave. in Merced.

The Golden Valley culinary class will provide a free continental breakfast and a lunch, Barragan said.

Child care will be available for the first 150 children ages 3-12.

Those wishing to attend can register at http://bit.ly/MercedParent.

For more information, contact Barragan at 209-381-6793, ext. 6161 or rbarragan@mcoe.org; or Sol Rivas at 209-381-5170, ext. 6942 or srivas@mcoe.org.

This story was originally published February 23, 2016 at 5:50 PM with the headline "Merced conference to train parents to aid in kids’ success."