Channel 10 WBIR-TV aired their popular evening show, “Town Meeting” last Thursday evening at Seymour Primary School. Between 40 to 50 concerned parents and educators joined to discuss the topic of Parent Support Groups in schools, their importance, and how to make the groups successful at their school.
Host Bill Williams spoke with participants and asked questions regarding education concerns and how to get parents involved stating, “There are two things that you can do to help your child in school and they are time and effort.”
Spending time with your child and working with them on their school projects was a point driven hard by the participants.
Teachers are a big part of the education process as stated by Seymour Primary School Principal Kathleen Fenton, “Nothing works without being a team and I feel we have that here in Seymour.” But teachers can’t do it alone. They, as well as your child, need parents to commit to helping make their children’s education a success.
Susan Curey has been actively involved with the Parent Teacher Organization at the Seymour Primary School and is now active with the Seymour Intermediate School. “I’m very involved and interested in the schools and what’s happening at them. That was one of the reasons I came to the show,” stated Curey.
“Town Meetings” producer Donna Dudek said she decided to do the show because, “I’m a parent. All issues dealing with the schools are important to me.” Dudek also stated that she remembered when her boss’s daughter, who is a student teacher, was at an open house for her school, located in Knoxville. Only one parent showed up. “That stayed with me,” said Dudek. “I wanted to do a show to get the interest of parents and to get them involved in what was happening in their child’s school.”
So how can you become involved with your child’s school? There are many ways, even if you are not able to go to the school on a regular basis. Perhaps you have a talent to share like storytelling, cooking, quilt making, or crafts. Set up a time with your child’s teacher to share your knowledge. Pick one day a week, or month, that you can spend in your child’s classroom – even if it’s just for the afternoon. Teachers always need parents to come in to read to the class or with students. Perhaps you would prefer to help out at a special event or party or send in items for these events. Volunteer to go on a field trip. You may just learn something new too! When in doubt about what you can do, just ask! The teachers, librarians, or office personnel can always find something for you to do. The important thing is to be involved. It will benefit you, and your child.

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