Are you a middle school drop-out parent?

Childhood Education, 1997 by Rita Newman

Carey Middle School is a good example of how a school can meet the needs of its community. Through outreach efforts, the school encourages the involvement of parents, who begin to see how their efforts can affect their children's academic success (Carnegie Council, 1989; Steinberg, 1996). Leticia Rodriguez once thought that she would never say that she likes school, but now she is an enthusiastic volunteer. "I enjoy working in the school and feel very good to be able to help the school's concerned and dedicated teachers," she said. "My daughters see how important it is to be in school."

Each role that a parent plays in school can positively affect a student. Encouraging words and a smile can do so much to improve a student's attitude. It is easy to overlook the importance of having someone to listen to or in whom to place your trust. Having a counselor is helpful, but schools can expand upon that role through tutoring, mentoring or advising programs (Canter & Canter, 1993; Evans, 1996; Freeman, 1996; Lantierri, 1996).

Louv emphasizes the importance of having a male presence at school. He recommends that schools match adults with children and solicit volunteer help from the community. A mentoring program could be initially aimed at students who are at great risk of dropping out, and then expanded to include all students. Mentors should help students build selfesteem, learn to make wise decisions, develop interpersonal skills, and find reasons to stay in school and become a valuable member of the community (Brodhagen, 1995; Louv, 1994).

Principal Robert E. Craft of the W. H. Atwell Fundamental Academy in Dallas praised the positive impact of a mentoring program on his students. Many of these students come from single-parent homes in which the mother or grandmother is the sole parental figure and breadwinner. The mentoring program begins with a "kick-off" breakfast, at which the mentors and students are joined by faculty members as well as pastors from local churches. The students and the mentors meet each Thursday for lunch, after which they may go to a sports event or simply meet away from the school for quiet conversation. Ellis Sanders, a local businessman involved in the mentoring program, explains, "As a mentor, whatever I do has a direct reflection on that student, as well as myself, for the rest of our lives. You must be able to listen and work to develop the trust of that young person. I have felt strongly about the importance of my role and have worked to get other men committed. Very few of the men who come to see the program walk away without joining us. The comments of the boys who come back after graduating high school are rewards enough."

Unlimited Opportunities for Middle School Parents

Parents can become involved in their child's education by showing interest and becoming a partner in the school. Join programs that are already working, suggest new ones, be involved with a group of middle school students who are seeking new activities or challenges, or work quietly with a student who needs a friend.