Friday, August 20, 1999
What parents say about getting involved
Here's what Tristate parents have to say about parental involvement in their child's school:
• Katy Krieger of Anderson Township: “In elementary (school), the doors seem to be always open to you,” she says. “The teachers recognized you and knew you. They were always willing for you to help.”
In high schools, she says, it's harder to break-in as a volunteer. “The teachers don't always ask for help. Parents have to be persistent and find ways to be helpful.”
She and three other moms found a niche doing publicity for Turpin High School. They send news releases and photographs to local newspapers.
“The kids started getting used to me clicking away with my camera. ... the kids see me involved, the teachers see me involved and consequently, I believe, the kids benefit.”
• Gary Sweeney of Westwood: “The only way to get involved in your child's education is to go to school with them. Even if it is only 5 to 10 minutes as school starts, you must get into the classroom.”
His son starts third grade this year at Midway Elementary. Mr. Sweeney, who works a swing shift, has volunteered from kindergarten on in the classroom, doing whatever is needed, such as reading to kids.
Teachers need help, he says. The biggest hurdle is asking what they need done and assuring them you really will help. They will find things for you to do.
• Linda Shaw of Wyoming: “I can't think of anything more important. There are studies that show children who perform best have parents who are involved. It has to start when they're young ... It's important not only for now, but for laying the foundation for the future.”
She is a member of the Parent Advisory Committee at her daughter's school, Vermont Elementary. Members meet once a month with the principal to go over issues related to the district's Parent-Student Association.
The committees' tasks include keeping communication open with parents, coordinating and helping room parents, and assigning parents to playground and lunchroom duty.
• Denise Harpring of Anderson Township: “You get to see firsthand what goes on in the classroom, and it gives you a chance to meet your child's classmates,” she says.
“PTA or PTO organizations are also wonderful ways to volunteer. You can also help in the school's library and computer center. The important thing is that your child knows you're there ... that shows that you care about their education.”
Mrs. Harpring volunteered at Summit Elementary even after her children had graduated.
One year, while helping a first-grade class on the first day of school, a boy came up to her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a note. He asked her to read it because he couldn't read yet.
“It was a note from his Mom. I knelt by him and read the short, sweet message.
“I looked at him and he had a tear in his eye and the sweetest smile on his face. I folded the note and put it back in his pocket and told him that it was very special.”
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