Pike County Schools is hosting the 8th Annual Parent Expo Thursday night, allowing parents to see what their children are experiencing on an everyday basis at the schools.

“We will showcase various things that are happening in the schools that will provide info and help for the parents when they work with their children,” said Dr. Mark Head, administrative assistant to the superintendent.

Showcases will be separated into subjects such as math, English, etc. for different grade levels. Showcases also will be available for the academies. The two new academies, STEM and the performing arts academy, also will have showcases.

“Parent involvement has direct correlation of student achievement,” Head said. “Statistics show a trend of less parent involvement nationwide. We want to eliminate the barriers so that students can be involved with their children’s schools.”

Head emphasized that it is important for the parents to see how school programs have changed since they were in school themselves.

“School is not the same as it was when the parents were in school,” Head said. “It’s a chance to get some direct questions answered on how to help the students in areas they are unsure about.”

Head said that all Pike County Schools will be present at the expo.

“It’s an opportunity to see that everyone is working together,” Head said.

Parents attending the expo will receive school supplies after attending three showcases. While anyone is invited to attend the expo, the supplies are reserved for parents of children attending Pike County Schools.

“We provide some supplies for parents to take home to their children,” Head said. “That’s part of the benefit of going.”

Food will be provided at the expo, as well as a supervised fun zone for children.

“Parents can focus on the showcases and not worry about taking care of kids,” Head said.

The Pike County Schools Parent Expo will be held Thursday at the Pike County Cattleman Arena from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

“The expo provides a catch-all time,” Head said. “(Parents) can come one night and have questions answered in one place, even if they have children in both elementary and high schools.”