Elementaries show increase during annual conferences
By GEORGIA PURDY Newsboy Correspondent

Jasper 's two elementary schools enjoyed significant increases in participation at the second annual Parent Conference Day held October 15.

Few Primary School recorded 593 parent visits, 73 percent of their student population. Last year's total was 505.

"Having the opportunity to visit with our parents and guardians is wonderful," Principal Vanessa Phillips said. "It gives our teachers the chance to share important information about each student."

Phillips said they gave out report cards and The ABC Book of Educational Terms. In addition, Few gave door prizes.

The winner of their biggest prize, a computer, went to Kim Causey, mother of kindergarten student Charles Causey.

"Teachers like the faceto face visits," Parent Liaison Maggie Robinson said. "It gives us an opportunity to develop good relationships with parents so that we can work together to decide what is best for each child."

Parnell's numbers jumped to 230. Last October they recorded 188 or 46 percent.

"One of the things that really pleased me (about our staff) was seeing not only the classroom teacher in the conferences, but also resource teachers and lab teachers," Principal Betty Powers said. "I also heard very positive comments."

Rowe Intermediate School had 120, compared to 150 in 2006. Still, Principal Victor Williams considers this a success since these parents were engaged in multiple conferences.

"We recorded over 120 parents, but those parents had multiple conferences because we are on an eight period day," Williams said. "If you take the actual number of sign ins in each room we had a great, great turn out. We had 387 visits if you add each teacher's count together. We had teachers with numbers like 46 (P.E.), 22, 20, 17, 16, etc."

Rowe's enrollment is 432, making this year's attendance figure about 28 percent.

Parent Liaison Barbara Hoyle said parents' comments were positive, and working parents were especially grateful that the time period was extended to 6pm.

"Several parents suggested that it coincide with report card day because it would be an incentive for students (to encourage their parents to attend)," she said.

Parent Liaison Becky Wilson counted 62 parents at Jasper Junior High, compared to 58 last year.

"I think the parents who attended were pleased with the experience," she said. "It's nice to to able to sit and talk with parents in a relaxed atmosphere."

Karen Byerly, also a liaison, said that the day was beneficial and teachers sometimes receive information about problems students are having at home that may affect learning.

Another teacher, Amanda Savage, said that the biggest benefit is "that I can put a face with a student's name and discuss any problems I am having face-to-face with the parent."

Principal Mervin Cleveland said he was disappointed with the turnout but he appreciated those who came.

"This is only eighteen percent of our student body's parents," Cleveland said. " I am so appreciative of the parents that came out for the visitation which is an increase from last year, but this is not close to what we would like. Hopefully, next year we will increase even more."

Jasper High School reported 582 parent contacts; however, as of Friday afternoon, 20 teachers had not turned in their sign-in sheets. That number is less than the 748 last year, but since it is only a partial count, it is possible that the high school numbers stayed about the same.

"I still haven't heard from about 20 teachers," said Parent Liaison Jeff Hicks, who tabulated the results. " I feel like there will be at least 150 more, but I cannot be for sure. Most teachers have averaged 15 to 20 contacts each.

The overall response from teachers is that this is much more successful that what open house ever was. We would like to thank all the parents that attended and encourage all the other parents to come and meet their child's teachers."

Also, because of the number of entrances to the buildings, there is no way to have a central sign-in sheet and get an exact figure as the other schools do. Last year's response was considered a success .

"Our participation on the high school campus was excellent. Many of our parents made arrangements to meet with all of their child's teachers, while fewer parents met with only one

or two teachers," Principal Kevin McCugh said. "The availability of teachers for parents in this setting is vital for effective teacher / parent communication. Many parents of high school students prefer the Parent Conference Day to a traditional open house arrangement. At high school, students can have up to eight different teachers and classes, and this allows parents to meet with each teacher individually about the progress of their child."