Parent involvement is critical to student success. When children see their parents or guardians take their schooling seriously, they are more likely to take it seriously themselves.
“When they see their parents here, they get really excited,” said Jackson-Keller Elementary School Family Specialist Jessica Judson. “We love seeing their parents too. Seeing the parents investing in their kiddos is really great.”
That’s why Judson and Jackson-Keller Librarian Nicole Meneses started Books and Bagels. Throughout the school year, parents are invited to the school to enjoy a bagel, coffee and some quality reading time with their students.
In November, third graders and their parents filled the library. Tables were set up for English and Spanish language learners. Students read to their parents, and they played games that quizzed them on the books they had just read in a fun and exciting way.
“I love it. I came last year, and we had a lot of fun. It’s really good, and it helps my daughter a lot, too,” said Jackson-Keller parent Brittany Sanchez. She and her daughter, Holly, even dressed the part with matching Frog and Toad shirts and frog eye headbands.
“I like seeing my mom,” said Holly. “I also really like the bagels.”
Along with full tummies and fun memories, the parents all left with a learning game so they can continue to stay involved in their student’s learning at home.
“We wanted to involve our parents and get them involved with their students reading and give them tools to help them carry on their reading at home,” said Meneses.
November 21 is National Parent Involvement Day. We celebrate our partnership with all of our parents as we work to help students succeed in their educational journeys.
If you want more information on ways to get involved with your child’s education, you can volunteer with the PTA or take advantage of our family engagement classes.
