Did you know that November 19 was National Parent Involvement Day? According to Kathy Cox, the state Superintendent of Schools, this day was set aside to say a special thank you to parents for getting involved in their child’s education. Mrs. Cox further stated that students with involved parents get higher grades, have fewer discipline problems, and are more likely to be successful throughout their lives. For more information about Superintendent Cox (who is also a parent of teenagers), please visit the Georgia Department of Education website at www.gadoe.org.

As the parent of two teenage girls, I know that making time to become involved with school can be a challenge. In addition to our professional work in schools, my wife and I spend time each week at our church, maintaining a house, keeping our cars running, taking our youngest daughter to practices, and on and on. Sometimes the last thing I want to do is to help with homework at the end of a long day or to attend a booster club meeting.

As a professional educator, I strongly believe that the extra effort you make as a parent is worth it! While working with hundreds of students each year for thirteen years as a classroom teacher and coach, I saw firsthand how a parent who was willing to help could provide the needed support for a student, even in difficult times. Support for some students was academic, for some emotional, and for some both. For many students, time equals love. Whether reading with a student, helping with math, or just listening to them talk about their day, this time is well spent.

Spending time as a volunteer at your child’s school also sends the message to your child that getting a good education is important and worth time and effort. As the leader of a school that has tremendous parent and community support, let me say, “THANK YOU!” At Davis, you can always volunteer to help your child’s teacher by contacting him or her through the student agenda or by email. You can also volunteer to help in other areas by contacting Mrs. Brenda Wheeler (brendawheeler@dadecountyschools.org). Our Parent Teacher Organization is always looking for volunteers. You can contact the PTO president, Angie Stokes, by calling the school at 657-6300 and leaving your contact information for Mrs. Stokes. If you have other ways you would like to get involved at Davis, you can always contact me at mikerich@dadecountyschools.org or by phone at 657-6300.

Mike Rich
Principal