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I was interested in new principal Debra Barger's Plan of Improvement for our 7th and 8th Grade Center. As reported in the Muskogee Phoenix, MPS is addressing concerns and becoming pro-active in finding solutions. I was especially encouraged by Ms. Barger's statement, " Give me two years and you will be surprised at the difference." Principal turnover in the last several years can not have made it easy to implement any ongoing strategy. Building confidence and a sense of community in a faculty takes not only leadership and great ideas. It takes time.

A concern in Cathy Spaulding's article was one Mel and I have continually discussed in this forum. The importance of parental involvement. Ms. Barger states this is a key issue in a student's lack of success in middle school. For some reason, the cupcake making, t-shirt selling, Science Fair Judging elementary Mom or Dad drops the ball when their child enters 7th grade. It is as if they have done their part for 6 years and now it is the government and school's turn.

The pre-teen years are probably the most crucial time for parents to be part of their child's education. The school is huge, hormone's are kicking in, classes are getting more difficult and these middle school kids are facing a lot of choices. Tweens are entering uncharted territory and need some help navigating through it all. Kids need to know you are interested. Kids need to see you are involved. Kids need to feel you are communicating.

Attendance is also an ongoing problem. It is pretty basic. If a child is not at school, a child cannot learn. Parental responsibilities include getting their student to class. This seems pretty simple but attendance rates in public education are horrendous. I cannot tell you how difficult it is to meet Pass Objectives when you are teaching to empty seats. If a home conveys attendance is not a priority, it sends the message that education is not important. It sends the message that "getting by" is just fine. Mediocre is all that's expected. Personal best isn't expected to be very good at all.

Parents must to be partners with teachers in their child's education. Discuss curriculum choices ahead of time. Know assignments, special projects and when quizzes and exams are scheduled. Make appointments to discuss your child's progress. Understand what each teacher expects, how they teach, how much homework they assign and what their favorite cookies are. "What, you say!" Didn't your little darling bring a little something to their teacher in elementary school? Send some brownies to say thank you for a kindness or consideration given to your son or daughter. It will be very appreciated and more importantly sends the message that you as a parent are in tune to what is happening at school.

You may be shaking your head. "My mood swinging pre-teen does not want me to be at their school. " HELLO. Who is the grown up here? I promise. Many may protest but most like to know we are around.

So call the school and see how you can volunteer. Make appointments to meet teachers, principals and counselors. Serve on committees. While you're packing up chocolate bars, stick your head in classrooms during planning periods. Working the concession stand helps sell the popcorn but also keeps you visible and viable. Chaperoning at Dry Gulch enables the district to offer the opportunity to it's students, and offers you the opportunity to observe the dynamics of your child's relationships and social skills. If you work, take your lunch hour or a sick day to work in the office or meet a teacher with concerns or questions. Then, take your child to lunch. It gives you one on one time and makes a regular day at school special.

Hats off to Principal Barger and the faculty and staff at The 7th and 8th Grade Center. These middle school years shape later success in school and in life. It is not an easy time for pre-teens and they need all the help they can get - In school yes, and most importantly, at home. Call or visit your child's school today and find out how to get in the parent pipeline. It's a Win-Win proposition.

Just an opinion. Couldn't we give The Center a name? 7th and 8th Grade Center is pretty generic. It's a little hard to have a school song or a snappy T-Shirt without a name that inspires loyalty and dedication. "Where do you go to middle school?" "Why, I go to The Center." "We're loyal to you Center. To your colors we're true Center. .....