Parent power...
Getting involved in school
programs vital for student success
Parent power...
Getting involved in school
programs vital for student success
Not only do teachers have the power to shape young minds, parents hold that responsibility in their hands. When the two join forces, it is a winning combination that can lead students toward a lifetime of success.
To that end, Pasadena ISD offers a variety of programs which encourage parents to become involved in their child's education.
"There are many ways parents help children to succeed in Pasadena ISD, "said Joyce Eversole, Pasadena ISD associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction. "They can volunteer in the classroom, help teachers with curriculum, work in the libraries and assist in a variety of other areas. Having parents integrated into a child's learning cycle is important. A child can benefit in many ways."
At the elementary level, parent involvement is extremely high. Through the Parent-Teacher Association and Parent-Teacher Organization (PTA and PTO), parents join forces with teachers to make important decisions that affect the students. On both the district and individual school level, these organizations encourage community involvement to provide a better learning environment for the students. They raise funds, provide tutoring and give students the necessary skills they need in school.
Many elementary schools in the district also hold book breakfasts where parents are invited to participate in a variety of activities that encourage literacy. In addition, some schools such as Kruse Elementary hold computer classes for parents. South Houston Elementary also offers programs for parents such as aerobics.
"We want the school to be a vital part of the community," said Karen Holt, South Houston Elementary principal. "We want to do what we can to make parents feel welcome. When you do that, it helps parents become more involved in their child's life at school."
At Challenger School and McMasters Elementary, the Lightspan Achieve Now program has helped students learn math through a video game that requires parental involvement. Parents check out a Play Station and software, take it home and use it along with their children. The program consists of interactive software that teaches students math, language arts, reading and historical information.
"The Lightspan Achieve Now program fits well with our goal to emphasize family involvement within our district," Eversole said. "It provides focused instruction to improve student achievement and helps get our families more involved."
At the intermediate level, the involvement is different. "Parents support their children on the intermediate level by attending arts events, athletic events and live performances put on by the students," Eversole said.
At Beverly Hills Intermediate School, the choir department holds an annual Madrigal Dinner in Renaissance fashion. They literally turn the cafeteria into a medieval castle. Parents come and help with the costumes and food preparation.
At the high school level, parents continue their involvement by joining booster clubs. Parents usually join athletic clubs such as football and basketball.
Parents also support their children in high school by attending plays, musical performances and encouraging tutor programs.
Eversole said that Pasadena ISD is equipped to handle Spanish-speaking parents as well. "We have bilingual teachers in our schools," she said. "We do not want anyone to be left out when it comes to supporting our students."
Parent conferences also are available on all of the school levels.
"Having a parent take an active role in educating their children is one way of ensuring success for the students," Eversole said. "Pasadena ISD has made that a goal and is doing things to achieve it."