Parents Need to Become Involved In Schools

To the Editor:

            I attended the second Community Conversation that was held on Thursday night, Sept. 25 at the new Franklin County School campus from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and I noticed that there were very few parents in attendance. As a parent I would like to say to the ones who were there "Thanks" for showing interest. I hope you all enjoyed the conversation, I know I did and so did some of the others I have spoken to since. I think we all came up with some great ideas.

            To the parents who were not there I would like to say "You don't know what you're missing." I really do wish that these communities would get together in support of all of the students, no matter what, win or lose. If they lose a game, it's just a game. They made mistakes and mistakes have a purpose, too. They teach just like teachers do. We have to learn from our mistakes and so do these students. In case you haven't noticed they are all facing three times as much peer pressure as we did back in the 80's and 90's.

            There are issues in every school system from here to Timbuktu (wherever that might be) and issues (like mistakes) are meant to be resolved. The only way we can resolve the issues is to work together for the sake of our children. Parents need to take notice of the changes that our children are facing. From our 4-year olds to our 18-year old seniors, we are one school and one community, come what may "I am proud of Franklin County, born and raised."

            I was born in Carrabelle, raised in Eastpoint, and my first real job was in Apalachicola. I proudly graduated from Carrabelle High School in 1987. As a result of this I have come into contact with a lot of people. I have made countless friends and I want all of them to know that this school system needs support. They need parents for the Parent-Teacher-Organization, it doesn't work without both sides being present.

            There has been an abundance of school administrators, staff, and support personnel at these community involvement get-togethers. There were grandparents everywhere you looked and I'll bet they enjoyed the conversation, too. There were people seeking office there also and if you ask me, these are the ones who care the most about our children's future. Parent count was low though, and for this school system to be successful we have to take a stand. Parent involvement in Franklin County has never been this low before. Parents, please get involved in your school system. They have a need for your help.

            We work hard at what we do and we are proud of what we've got. I work in the school system and there are issues there, but there are more good things happening. Every day I get at least 50 hugs from children who like the job that I do. These hugs I get from these children make all my efforts worth a lot more than my paycheck. These are the fringe benefits of a successful school system.

            When your child is sick, the school is required to call you. When your child is having problems with behavior, the school is required to call you. When your child gets in-school suspension, the school is required to call you. Our day at school starts before 7:30 a.m. and goes to sometimes 10 or 11 p.m. due to sporting events. The whole time the school system is working for you and your children. These children's futures are a group effort and it's not an easy task. This is why we need your help to make this a successful school system. Our children are the future of our community, and if you want your child to be a successful adult, they have the resources to achieve anything they may dream with a successful school system. We can't achieve that without some parental involvement.

            Therefore, I am challenging all my friends who have children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, friends, or parents in the school to get involved in what happens in your school system. Attend a board meeting, PTO meeting, SAC meeting, sporting events, celebrations, community involvement meetings, or any other support that you may have to offer. Regardless of the things you hear around the community, there are great things happening every day at the new school and it could be better with support from the parents.

            Thank you,

            April (Banks) Dalton