Walking the halls
By PRINCIPAL BETTY POWERS Parnell Elementary

We have just completed the first semester of the school year 2007-2008. Tutorials in reading, mathematics, and writing will begin in just a few days.

These tutorials provide additional instruction to help your child be successful in those content areas. We are very proud of the fact that last year we raised our scores enough to move from the status of "academically acceptable" to a "recognized" status as determined by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

We believe at Jasper ISD that you as a parent/guardian are also an integral part to the success of our students. In fact, the #1 goal cited in our district and campus improvement plans is that "parents will be full partners with educators in the education of their children."

With this in mind, I urge you to take full advantage of the opportunities to be a part of Parnell and Jasper ISD. Some of the activities and things in which you can participate are:

• Read your child's agenda daily to keep abreast of happenings in the classroom

• Monitor you child's grades, etc. on FAMILY ACCESS

• Join PRIDE (our parent organization)

• Attend Good Morning Parnell (first Friday of each month)

• Attend "Brown Bag Luncheons" for parents of students in Title 1 programs

• Volunteer to help with projects such as yearly carnival, outdoor learning day, class parties, etc.

• Attend musicals presented by music department

• Request conferences as needed with your child's teacher

• Make sure your child attends all relevant tutorials.

Our students will begin the first round of TAKS testing on Wednesday, March 5. Please know that our staff is working very hard to help our students reach their full potential and be successful. Our hope is that you "will come on board" with us. Who knows? Together, we might attain the status of "exemplary," the highest ranking given by TEA.