MAKING "SLOGANS" REAL

By Chuck Taylor

We hear so much about the "No Child Left Behind" act. The concept needs to be more than a cute slogan.\

It is vitally important for public schools to communicate with and listen to the parents of the students they are entrusted with.

Policies must be adhered to that have the childs well being, safety and education as their primary focus. Currently, many activities, schedules and rules are written for the convenience of the schools, rather than our kids.

Board Members should visit at least one school each week. During the visit, they should listen to students, teachers and parents to learn about the "state of the school" and plan on implementing positive suggestions that may be presented to them. It is impossible to really know your school district unless you actually observe and participate in the daily activities.

During my last term on the board, I visited our schools over 100 times. I participated in assemblies, activities, festivals and monitored various class room activities. The information I learned through these visits made my job on the board more effective.

"No Child Left Behind" means full cooperation and teamwork with every person who has contact with your child. I promise to pursue that requirement tirelessly.