Parlier Unified's 6th Annual Showcase Offers Free Arts, Resources Event March 18

A 94-degree afternoon did not stop the Parlier community from turning out in force on March 18, when the quad at Parlier High School came alive for the 6th Annual Parlier Unified School District Showcase. Families, educators and students gathered for an afternoon filled with performances, a resource fair and more than 20 food vendor options.

After an opening performance from the Parlier High School and Parlier Junior High School bands, PUSD board members and staff, Councilmember Juanita Molina and Fresno County Superintendent of Schools Michele Cantwell-Copher took to the stage to welcome attendees. "There are very few communities as special as yours, where when we hold a party, everybody shows up to support our kids," Cantwell-Copher told the crowd.

Conjunto Pantera, one of the region's only high school conjuntos, was among the performers at the showcase. The Parlier High School ensemble embraces Hispanic heritage through conjunto music and is supported by the district's Expanded Learning Opportunities program.

The event ran from 4 to 7 p.m. and was free and open to the public. Beyond the performances, PUSD packed the program with practical programming: a Community Resource Fair, exploration of Career and Technical Education pathways, interactive educational booths, student presentations, and TK and Kindergarten registration information for families planning ahead for the fall. The district also used the occasion to recruit, advertising open positions under the banner "We're Hiring! PUSD Job Fair."

Erica Basurto, community health worker for the district, offered insight into the health and wellness resources available at the showcase, noting it gave the district an opportunity to highlight in-house resources like La Canasta Food Pantry and raise awareness of external resources for adult education, medical referrals and housing. "I feel like it builds closeness, and it shows parents all of the resources that are available," Basurto said. "It also brings all of the outer resources to a rural community like Parlier, and shows them what's available at their sites as well."

The inspiration for the annual showcase came from Kings Canyon Unified School District, when Superintendent Dr. Rafael Iniguez attended one of their showcases in 2019 while serving in another role at PUSD. As superintendent, he wanted to do something similar and make it as big as possible for Parlier families. This year's showcase was particularly notable as the first one held in the recently revamped quad, in addition to the new multi-purpose cafeteria.

PUSD distributed its bilingual showcase materials in both English and Spanish, reflecting the community it serves. Families seeking more information about future events or district programs can contact Lydia Martinez or Lamar Lopez at (559) 646-2731 or by email at lmartinez@parlierunified.org or llopez@parlierunified.org.