In the news and around town, the talk is about Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts. Is sending our children to school districts 20-plus miles away the answer?
Has our educational system failed our children, and now we have to bus our students to other districts in order to receive an accredited education? Meaning, an education that counts, one that is official and recognized.
The total cost of educating and sending these kids to other districts has to come out of the pocket of the school districts that are struggling. We as a community must quickly come together in order to rectify the state these districts are currently in.
However, all is not lost. We are not at a point where there is no way of regaining accreditation. This can and will happen.
We need more parents and members of our community involved in the daily activities at these schools. Our students need help with reading, writing and arithmetic.
To anyone reading this article: Can you make the pledge to assist at a school near you? Does your child or a child you know need improvement in these three basic areas?
Our teachers need the assistance of the parents. Parents, your children need your assistance in completing their homework and other projects assigned during the school year. The teacher can’t do it alone. We are seeing proof of it right now.
Parents who are not members of the PTO or PTA, we need you now. What are you waiting on? It would not cost any money, just an investment of time and the willingness to help where needed when available by both parents and teachers.
Let’s offer incentives to the children to boost their morale and motivation. For the student who may not perform well on tests due to pressure or not being prepared, let’s start testing them throughout the school year to assure they are prepared for the required Missouri Assessment Program Test. Let’s give attendance awards to our students attending school everyday, in hopes that it will win over the students who are slacking on attendance.
I feel our calling is right now. Parents, we need to get our groups together and our plan in track before the first day of school. The main goal is regaining accreditation for our children in their school districts. By parents becoming more proactive in working as a team with the teachers, progress can be made and goals achieved can be realized.
Carmen Hense is a St. Louis Community College student and St. Louis American intern.
