Grant to give parents school Internet access

A state grant will help parents learn more about their children's daily activities next year at Central Junior High School.

Through a Comprehensive School Reform grant of $74,000, the junior high will implement Parent Link, a computer program that allows parents to check on their child's grades, attendance and lunch money through the Internet.

Parent Link is just one of several new things happening next year at the junior high through the grant money.

The junior high will hold a steering committee meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday in the school library, where parents of current students as well as incoming seventh-graders can learn more about the opportunities provided by the grant funding.

"We're exploring ways of changing our learning environment and making everyone a part of it," said Lee Gattis, principal.

Tuesday's meeting will include a rundown of future plans and programs. Parents are welcome to share suggestions for improvements, Gattis said.

One area of focus next year will be low-income students.

Teachers will receive additional professional development in working with at-risk factors that low-income children face.

"Historically, one of those risk factors is that lower socioeconomic kids do worse academically," Gattis said.

Teachers will receive training in classroom management and dealing with the first days of school.

Through the grant, the school will likely be able to provide transportation to and from after-school tutoring one day a week.

Currently, the after-school tutoring program is in place, but there is no transportation for students.

Several other schools in Cape Girardeau County have received the grant, including South and Orchard Elementary in Jackson and Central High School.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128