The old adage “It takes a village to raise a child” holds just as much meaning today as it did many years ago.
There is strength in numbers, and when educating a child, that strength must lend itself as support. Support from the school, the family and the community are critical components in educating a child today. We are all dependent on each other and share the responsibility to ensure that our children live happy, healthy lives.
On Oct. 3, the Rowan-Salisbury School System will launch a new opportunity for parents and caregivers. Parents Matter is an opportunity for parents to enhance their skills as they work in collaboration with the school system to ensure success of their children. Among its many benefits, this partnership will:
n Increase parental involvement and participation in schools.
n Allow parents an opportunity to form partnerships with professionals and other parents.
n Assist parents in developing the skills needed to implement positive parenting practices.
n Empower parents to become effective advocates for their children.
n Strengthen home-school-community partnerships.
n Equip parents with the knowledge and awareness of available resources.
Our kickoff will be held at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA on Wednesday, from 5:30-6:30 p.m. The nationally known guest speaker, LeAnn Nickelsen, will lead the session titled “Put on the Positive Parenting Hat” that will focus on how to positively support your child’s education and journey in life. Along with the keynote speaker, parents will have the opportunity to visit various community resources kiosks and childcare will be available.
As we forge this partnership, please consider the words of this unknown poet:I dreamt I stood in a studio,
And watched two sculptors there.
The clay they used was a young child’s mind,
And they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher – the tools she used,
Were books, music, and art.
The other, a parent -working with a guiding hand,
And a gentle loving heart.
Day after day, the teacher toiled
With a touch that was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by her side,
And polished and smoothed it o’er.
And when at last, their task was done,
They were proud of what they had wrought.
For the things they have molded into the child,
Could neither be sold nor bought.
And each agreed they would have failed
If each had worked alone,
For behind the teacher stood the school,
And behind the parent, the home.
Kelly Feimster is director of media services for the Rowan-Salisbury School System; Jerri Hunt is director of staff development.