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How One Mom Helped Get Others Involved
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By GreatSchools Staff
Working With the School:
The principal and parent liaison have been thrilled with the increase in involvement from Latino parents and with the extra help with supervising students. The parent liaison supported and encouraged Tanyit when she began supervising students in the mornings.
Major Challenges:
The biggest challenge was helping the parents overcome their hesitation to become involved in the school. The keys to Tanyit's success were persistence and a focus on the importance of parents being involved with their children. She was not afraid to ask parents to help, and then ask again and again. She also never stopped stressing to parents the importance of supporting their children both at school and home. "If you are here [at school], you have power in the school. You can help your kids. That is the right thing for your kids."
How the School Has Benefited:
Tanyit's efforts have made James Lick a safer place for students in the morning now that there are plenty of adults to keep an eye on them. She has also contributed to making the school a more welcoming place for Latino parents and helping them become a very important part of the school.
Tips for Other Parents:
Tanyit urges parents to not be afraid to be involved in their kids' schools and reminds them that being involved helps children both academically and socially. Tanyit's own daughter was not happy when her mother first became a strong presence at the school, but she now understands why and recently told her mom, "Thanks."
