A class connection

The tiled hallways of Blanchard Elementary are like a second home to Jerra Hutson.

The teachers and students there are like family now.

When she occasionally spots her son with his kindergarten class in the school, she gets a hug not just from her own child, but from each of the other students.

"The other day, one little girl gave me a hug and said, 'I wish my mommy worked here,'" Hutson said.

Hutson isn't an employee at Blanchard. She's something many educators consider just as important to school success, though: a parent volunteer.

"Both my parents were very involved when I was in school, and that was so important to me," said Hutson, who not only volunteers but also heads the PTA at Blanchard.

The Missouri Legislature reinforced the importance of parental involvement by passing Senate Bill 480, which was signed by Gov. Matt Blunt in July. The law required the state board of education to adopt a parental involvement policy by Dec. 1 and requires all public school districts to adopt a policy by March 1.

According to the bill text, the policies must promote "regular, two-way, meaningful" communication between school and home; promote and support responsible parenting; recognize that families play an integral role in education; promote a "safe and open atmosphere" for families to visit the school and "active solicitation" of parental support for school program; include parents as full partners in decisions affecting children; the availability of community resources to promote school programs, family practices and student achievement.

Dr. Barb Kohlfeld, principal at Blanchard, said the new requirement only substantiates what most local schools have been doing for years.

"Parental involvement is crucial, it really is," Kohlfeld said. "Parents who really care about their children's education typically have children who perform well and behave well. The expectations of parents will mirror the achievement of kids."

Cape Girardeau director of personnel Gerald Richards said his school board will consider a parent involvement policy at its February meeting. In Jackson, assistant superintendent Dr. Rita Fisher said the administration is also reviewing current policies and considering changes that will meet the requirements of the new law. Neither administrator was certain yet what impact the new law might have on their district, though both said increased of awareness of the need for parent participation will be inevitable.

Local principals say they've worked hard in recent years to expand parental involvement beyond the typical semiannual parent/teacher conferences.

Schools invite parents to special reading events, talent shows and other activities. There are days when cafeterias are opened for parents to join children for lunch. Parents also volunteer to help at the school, whether it's working in the library, tutoring students or making copies for teachers.

The volunteer dynamic changes as students get older, however, and parents are less likely to be found working in the classroom.

Dr. Rodney Pensel at Jackson Middle School said his school recently formed a study group to increase parental involvement.

One reason secondary schools see a drop in parent participation is students' desire for autonomy, said Pensel.

"Middle school kids want to become very independent. When they're little, it's fun having mom and dad around, but when they're older, it's like, 'Drop me off at the corner, and I'll walk the rest of the way,'" Pensel said. "Our parents are still very interested, but they have to find that happy medium that keeps kids content."

While there is little classroom help at his school, Pensel said teachers encourage parental involvement with projects like "positive postcards," which are used to communicate a good deed or an exceptional grade to parents.

The parental involvement study group is researching other ideas to improve communication and parent participation, said Pensel.

Hutson, who also has a third-grader at Blanchard, said she solicits ideas for improving parental involvement at every PTA meeting.

"I know I'm not the norm, because I don't have to work outside the home and have time to volunteer," said Hutson. "I know a lot of parents would like to be there but are not able to."

From the perspective of a parent and taxpayer, Hutson said spending time in the school has given her a better understanding of the challenges teachers face. Volunteering is also the best way to build rapport with your child's teacher, she said.

It also has an impact on students.

"When Mom knows what's expected of you and knows what's going on, it changes everything for the student," Hutson said.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128