Event Promotes Educational Success

A new school year is just around the corner, and 14 parents learned how to help their children have a great school year at an event on Saturday, July 30, organized by Love In the Name of Christ of Southeast Missouri.

A collaborative effort, the session featured a panel of professional educators from the Cape Girardeau Public Schools who provided information parents need to help their children succeed in school. Topics included the importance of regular attendance, the best way to communicate with a classroom teacher, when a sick child should stay home, and choosing quality after school programming. Parents who attended will have an opportunity to visit Grace Kids Closet, a ministry of Love In the Name of Christ that provides new and gently used clothing for school-age children.

Panel members included Sydney Herbst, principal, Clippard Elementary School; Susan Bartlett, kindergarten teacher, Alma Schrader; Theresa Ladd, nurse, Alma Schrader; Kim Newman, sixth grade teacher, Cape Girardeau Middle School; and Sharon Shaw, retired kindergarten teacher.

"Good communication between home and school is the key to successful learning," said Newman. "We look for every opportunity we can to build relationships with the parents of our students to let them know we are all on the same team and want the same thing: a positive learning experience where kids gain the skills they need to be successful throughout their lives."

Pat Fanger, interim superintendent, Cape Girardeau Public School District, was excited about the collaborative effort. "One of the things I love about our community is how well everyone works together. As professional educators our staff members were able to effectively provide the information the parents need, while Love In the Name of Christ are able to provide what the children need. It is really a great partnership."

"This is just one example of the types of events our ministry is beginning to focus on," said Eva Hillis, executive director, Love In the Name of Christ. "While it is great to get people the things they need, like back-to-school clothing, furniture or kitchen items, we are looking for creative ways to promote educational opportunities. Whether it is helping your child succeed in school, learning to effectively manage your finances, or preparing for a job interview, we want to help people develop the skills they need to effectively reach the goals they set for themselves and their families."

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Love In the Name of Christ of Southeast Missouri is committed to mobilizing the Church to transform lives and communities. A partnership of 25 local churches, Love In the Name of Christ matches people in need with Christians who can help. In 2010, Love In the Name of Christ served 559 families, meeting 1,472 needs and coordinating 6,440 hours of volunteer services, which resulted in the distribution of over $181,000 worth of goods and services. More information about the ministry can be found at www.loveincsemo.org or by contacting Eva Hillis at 573.334.5055.