School board in Charles City encourages parental input

At least two Charles City School Board members are encouraging more parents to become more involved in school functions and child’s activities.

Vice-chairman Preston Adkins and District 3 representative Martha Harris spoke about the issue during closing statements at Tuesday night’s meeting.

Adkins’ comments pointed to a recent television documentary that highlighted successful schools around the world and contributing factors for their high achievements.

“As I watched this show, it was either Japan or China that had the highest ranked school in the world,” the vice-chairman said.

“When they asked what the secret was, it was responded the teachers were allowed to teach, and that students who were strong in some areas helped those who were weak in those areas.

“But the most important factor that they pointed out was the parents’ involvement,” continued Adkins. “The study showed parents who got involved really helped the success of their kids.”

Harris commented on a recent experience she had at Charles City Middle School that demonstrated a great effort to invite parents to see the happenings of the system.

“I attended ‘Principal’s Tea Time’ with Dr. [Brenda] Petteway and the ideas she presented were amazing,” said Harris. “Unfortunately, only two parents attended it.

“We sent out a message through Honeywell [messaging system] to alert parents of the event,” she continued. “Hopefully more will be able to participate in these functions.”

However, Harris also addressed a few reasons why she believed parents don’t attend those events.

“I get tired of hearing that administration and the teachers are the reason a school system is failing,” she continued, pointing to various media and news outlets, as well as word of mouth. “We need to stop pointing the fingers because we are all at fault at some point.

“I want to encourage parents to get more involved,” she said. “There are several things we do but parents need to participate,” she concluded, speaking to a nearly vacant room.