Dean calls for involvement at conferences
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

For the second year in a row, Jasper schools will dedicate an entire day for parent-teacher conferences. On Monday, October 15, parents may visit teachers from 11 am to 6 pm on all campuses.

"Enough cannot be said as to the importance of parental involvement in a student's education," JISD Superintendent Bill Dean said. "We don't have to rely on statistics from national surveys and reports from prestigious universities to emphasize this. We know it from experience."

Dean said that last year's conferences were very successful and the unusually high turnout at Jasper High School was indicative of that success. Few and Parnell also recorded high numbers.

"The parent response last year was very positive, particularly at the secondary level," he said. "We are looking forward to even more parents taking advantage of this designated day."

Each campus is hoping to have even better attendance this year and parent liaison representatives from the various schools stress the importance of face-to-face contact with parents.

"We feel like a face-toface meeting always helps the bond between parent and teacher," Jasper High School parent liaison Jeff Hicks said. "We want to get to know parents so when we see them around town, we can tell them what is happening with their children. A lot of times I think, as a society, we think of high school children as being grownup and ready for the world, but they are not. They are still kids, still need loving, guiding, and direction from their parents. When a child sees that his or her parents take the time to come up to the school, he know they mean business. We want parents to know that we are here for them and want to help them push their children to not only make plans and goals, but to reach for and achieve some of those goals."

Since campus procedures vary, the following information lists each school and the process for setting up conferences.

Jasper High School

Each teacher is contacting parents in their first period class and inviting them to come. In addition, counselor Stacy Gills reported that parents could contact the teacher for conferences so there is no conflict in scheduling. Parents can call the receptionist at 384-3242 and give their contact information to be forwarded to the teacher.

Jasper Junior High

Teachers at the junior high, where attendance was lowest last year, are hoping to increase contact this year.

"I think that parental involvement is the best way to ensure a child's success in school, parent liaison Becky Wilson said. "We really hope that parents will come out and make the most of this important day."

Wilson said that the information about Parent Conference Day was on the students' progress reports, the student activity calendar, the district calendar on the Jasper ISD web site, on the radio, and in the newspaper. JJHS parents should make appointments through Mrs. Coleman in the principal's office.

Rowe Intermediate School

Liaison Barbara Hoyle said that session I will last from 11 am to 2 pm and session II, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Each student received a flyer to carry home on Friday, October 5th. Parents can schedule individual conference times by contacting Mrs. Sherry Brooks at 409 382 -1172.

Parnell Elementary

Teachers are scheduling conferences about every 20 minutes. The information has been announced over the speaker system and notes were sent in takehome folders. If notes are not returned, teachers will make an additional attempt to contact parents by telephone.

"Our response last year was very good and some teachers will have back-toback conferences for the entire 7 hours," Principal Betty Powers said. "We try to have sandwiches and snacks in the lounge and when teachers have a few minutes, they can have a quick meal. At this age, the turn out is very good. The feed-back after the conference day last year was very positive. Our foremost concern is the success of our children, and we feel that if we form a team with that parent we increase the likelihood that that child will be successful."

Few Primary School

Teachers are contacting parents to schedule conferences. Parents will also be able to pick up and discuss their child's report card. Liaison Maggie Robinson said that parents will also have an opportunity to sign up for door prizes, and refreshments will be served.

There will also be a display hosted by Region V Adult Education English as a Second Language and English Literacy and Civics Education students. Adult Education students have created an exhibit of authentic artifacts, handmade clothing, crafts and other items reflecting Latin American culture.

Few's computer lab will also be open for parents.

"We encourage parents to visit the Jasper ISD web page at www.jasperisd.net. Look for the link to eBoards, choose Few Primary and then select your child's teacher," Robinson said. "Each teacher has created an eBoard and posted information about classroom activities and upcoming events. We look forward to this opportunity to communicate with every parent."

STARS campus

Parents are encouraged to come by anytime.

In addition to Parent Conference Day, JISD offers many ways to communicate and obtain information, Superintendent Dean said.

"Parents who cannot come during this specified time are encouraged to call the campus administrator for an appointment at a time when it is convenient," Dean said. "The district also has other ways for parents to be involved, to 'stay in the know'. The JISD website provides general information concerning each campus, athletic events and special programs. Another popular tool is Family Access on the web page that allows parents to stay in touch with student assignments, grades and attendance. Teacher e-mil addresses are available for ease in contact."

Dean said that the district understands that technology is not easily available to all parents, and that administrators and teachers encourage parents to call for conferences.

"Our campuses are open to parent visits," he said. "For security reasons, we do ask that the proper procedures are followed when entering the building. The many opportunities(for parent contact) are not only available, they are well used. Parents have called to say how they appreciate these avenues of communication."