Nov. 17-21 is Parent and Family Involvement Week

Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008

“By taping every two weeks, we’re fresh,” said "Parents in Action" host Judi Conrad. “We try to complement what’s going on in the school system and cover what’s current.” (Photo: Tammy L. Lane)

Informed and involved – that’s Judi Conrad’s ideal for families with children in Fayette County Public Schools. To that end, she has hosted “Parents in Action” for 15 years on Channel 13.

“It’s an informational program for parents – about parents – with things they can use in helping raise their kids,” she explained, noting that the show covers everything from health issues to parenting tips and questions about the school district.

“By taping every two weeks, we’re fresh,” Conrad said. “We try to complement what’s going on in the school system and cover what’s current.”

TV host is but one of many hats Conrad has worn through the years. “She’s the best example of a community person who’s involved because she cares about all the kids,” said John Price, Fayette County Board of Education vice chairman.

In 1993, Conrad spearheaded the FCPS’s council of PTAs becoming the 16^th District PTA and served as its first president. She was state PTA president in 1999-2001 and was elected to the national PTA board of directors in 2001-2005. These days, Conrad helps the 16^th District PTA with its bylaws.

“Judi has been one of the most dedicated volunteers we have ever seen in our school system. She truly is focused on support for all kids and believes in and loves this school system,” said Alice Nelson, the Family/Community liaison for FCPS. “She’s been a mentor and model for so many PTA leaders over the years and continues to be an incredible resource for all of us who work in PTA and parent leadership.”

Price, who is also a former 16^th District PTA president, noted that Conrad has trained PTA volunteers, helped at the annual workshops and assembled slideshows for the PTA appreciation luncheon, among her countless contributions in the years since her own children graduated from FCPS. “She wanted us to talk about all the benefits of our diversity and was instrumental in having the first Unity Day here in Fayette County,” he added.

He also praised Conrad’s show on Channel 13. “She always looks for the best in everybody and only shares the best of everybody,” Price said. “She helps to bring out the positive in people.”

Conrad’s half-hour “Parents in Action” features guests ranging from governors and mayors to Miss Kentucky and the national PTA president. She often books the show four months in advance, but she can also be flexible. “Its mission is whatever we feel is important at the time,” she said.

Some of the best segments simply talk about what parents can do for and with their children. “We want them involved in schools, but they don’t have to be in the building to do it,” Conrad said.

Dick Simpson, coordinator of FCPS’s Educational Television, has worked with Conrad since the show’s inception. “She’s a conscientious individual who is very concerned about getting things right on the air,” he said, adding, “She’s very passionate about the vital role that parents play in the educational process.” 

“Parents in Action”

Judi Conrad hosts this program on FCPS’s Channel 13. It features special guests and valuable information on programs and issues pertaining to the Fayette County Public Schools. New shows are produced every two weeks. “Parents in Action” airs regularly on Sundays at 6:30 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.