Dear Editor,
Research shows that when parents are involved in their children’s education, the children are more likely to: earn better grades, score higher on test, pass their classes, attend school regularly, have better social skills, show improved behavior, be more positive in their attitude toward school, complete homework assignments, graduate and continue their education.
As a new school year dawns, I encourage all parents to become an active member in their schools parent-teacher organization (PTO). As chair of the Appling County Primary School PTO (ACPS-PTO) we take pride in ensuring that parents are actively engaged and children are learning! We are proud supporters of our school! Our principals Mrs. Cindy Stewart (Principal) and Mrs. Shelly Roppe (Assistant Principle) welcome and encourage parental involvement. They recognize the positive impact it can have on a child’s academic achievement. Last year through PTO we achieved the following: over 300 parents attended our interactive classroom events (“Muffins with Moms and Doughnuts with Dads”). These events allowed parents to witness an interactive classroom lesson and be first hand participants in their child’s learning at school. Muffins, Math and Moms will be held in November 7-10 and Desserts with Dads will be held February 6-9, 2017. (Don’t worry grandparents your special event “Goodies with Grandparents” will be held September 6 and 7), purchased new supplies and equipment for PE and Music, purchased new homework folders for all children enrolled at ACPS, managed and staffed the weeklong Holiday Christmas Shoppe for children to purchase Christmas gifts for their families and our parent volunteers clocked more than 500 hours of volunteer time at book fairs, reading to classrooms or just lending an extra hand where it is needed.
This year, we are excited about all of the upcoming events! Our focus this year is to increase parent participation and support our teachers! Parents you are the key to a successful school year! By working in partnership with the school administration and teachers, we can continue to make great strides in education. The best investment we can make is investing in our children! Here are some tips: attend open house on July 29 to meet your child’s teacher, volunteer at school events, schedule parent-teacher conferences and JOIN PTO! (Look for us at Open House to join).
We look forward to a wonderful school year! Please feel free to contact the school with any questions at 367-8642.
Santina M. Fryer, PTO President