Wanted: Parent school involvement

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Students at public and private schools headed back to the classroom for the first day of the academic year.

Governor Mitch Daniels declared this week "Parents as Partners in Education Week."

Principals and parents NewsChannel 18 interviewed agreed that it is indeed the best way to ensure students excel.

In the morning William Arnett Senior sent his daughter Sheila, a kindergardner, off to school.  A few hours later, he stopped by to see how her first day was coming along.

The Lafayette resident said because most parents are not around, his kids and others will see a lot of him.

"I'm going to volunteer for everything that the school wants me to volunteer to do. I'm retired, I draw Social Security, so the only thing I got is time," said Arnett, who also has a daughter in the second grade.

But a lot of parents work.  And, Miller Elementary School principal Brandon Hawkins understands that. Because the school has suffered academically in the past, he wants help outside of the classroom.

"Coming to the school for parent involvement nights. Being on the Parent Teacher Organization. Coming to the family library checkout nights. Just simply volunteering in the school for a couple of hours a month. Coming to eat lunch with their son or daughter," said Hawkins.

There is an African proverb that states "It takes a whole village to raise a child" and Hawkins hopes parents and staff use that method.

"It lets the child know that they think school is important," said Hawkins.

Students at St. James Lutheran School started their day in chapel with their parents. Principal Randy Strakis said parents are also invited to after school clubs and athletics because he feels they are the first teachers.

"Together we teach and we help our children develop. If there's a problem we work together to figure it out. We communicate," said Strakis.

West Lafayette Community School Corporation administrators credit parent volunteers in the classroom for its success. Junior-Senior High School Principal Ron Shriner said he attributes it to what parents are doing at home as well.

"They're talking about the world. I think they're talking about the future. I think they're talking about what's happening in the economy. They ask those questions, what did you do in school today and they probably pursue the kids and go beyond, "Well, I didn't do anything" or "I didn't do much." said Shriner.

Some of the principals I spoke with said the first day of school brought more kids into theirbuildings, but very few problems.