Parents involvement needed

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August 1, 2009

Anonymous The Meridian Star Sat Aug 01, 2009, 11:26 PM CDT

By Norbert D. Luster

guest columnist

Parents for Public Schools (PPS) of Meridian/Lauderdale County, is an organization of parents who are working to improve the schools in our school districts. We work with principals, school district administrators and school board members as active participants in directing how our schools work. We have more than a financial stake in our schools; we have a personal stake – our children.

PPS of Meridian/Lauderdale County has a community-based, not school-based, approach. As public school parents and as voting citizens, we provide an important link between public schools and the communities to which they are accountable. As public school “insiders” PPS encourages a more meaningful, hands-on involvement of parents at the building and district levels. As “outsiders” PPS’ civic-minded activists face a wider, external audience calling on the community to support the public schools as a whole.

We at PPS are working to develop a network of current and prospective public school parents and our newly formed organization will enable this incredible network of parents to work to ensure that our public schools provide the education that our children deserve. PPS believes that once parents learn about what their schools have to offer, they will set aside preconceived notions and sign up their children and work for school success.

I have heard many people ask why parents are sending their children to our city's "beleaguered'' public schools. Frankly, if I based my decision solely on hearsay reports, speculation, and innuendo, I, too, would be worried about my daughter's educational achievement and safety. Instead, I visit our schools and get my information first-hand. What I have seen in many cases is impressive. Yes, there are some problems in our schools, but with the schools, parents, and community working together, we can solve them.

If you are interested in the work of PPS, I encourage you to visit our website, www.parents4publicschools.org, or send an email to us at

pps.meridianlauderdalecounty@hotmail.com. We will let you know how you can get involved. Our public schools work when everyone does their part. We need you!

Parents for Public Schools is a national organization of community-based chapters working with public school parents and other supporters to improve and strengthen local public schools. Founded in 1989, there are 17 PPS chapters in 11 states.

Norbert D. Luster is president of Parents for Public Schools, Meridian, Lauderdale County Chapter.

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