Going to a D school? Here’s how you, the parent, can help

Posted Aug 19, 2011 by Sherri Ackerman

Updated Aug 19, 2011 at 04:53 PM

I spoke recently with Hillsborough County principals at schools graded a D by the state, based on scores on the FCATs.

And one concern kept coming up.

Parents at many of these lower-performing schools aren’t very involved in their children’s education.

All of these schools are in neighborhoods so poor, almost every student qualifies for free or reduced lunches.

Some families only have one parent or a grandparent. In others, mom and dad work at least one job, sometimes two.

There’s not a lot of time for teacher conferences or transportation to get there.

But parents can make such a difference at school, says Sligh Middle School Principal Barbara Fillhart.

“Talk and work with your child for 20 to 30 minutes every night,’’ says the mom of a first-grader, who reads with him every day.

Parents need to put a value on education so their children will value it, too, she says.

Make sure their child attends school every day - and on time.

Potter Elementary Principal Kim Thompson knows some parents are fearful of the school district.

They may not have had the best experience when they were in school, she says. Some may have even dropped out.

“We understand the difficulties,’’ she says.

But parents have to be willing to overcome their obstacles so that their children can do better.

Come in and talk to her and the teachers, learn about their programs and ask questions like why your school is a D and what you can do to help raise the grade.

Oak Park Principal Joyce Miles says parents don’t have to be at the school to show children that education is a priority.

It starts in the home.

Turn off the TV. Make sure children have a quiet place where they can study.

Some parents simply aren’t willing to live up to their commitment.

Lockhart Elementary Principal Larry Sykes has a message for them:

You don’t have to be really smart or have a lot of money or fancy equipment to help your kids learn.

Go to the local library. Make the time.

“Invest in your child,’’ he says.