New Rochelle Parents Discuss Lack of Involvement in Education

Dr. Angela Campbell, executive director of Academic Pathways, stood in front of a classroom of parents Saturday morning, sharing her story about a mother she observed ignoring her child because she was too busy talking on the phone. That’s just one small example of a bigger issue of disconnect between both parents and children and parents and teachers, she said.

The New Rochelle School District, along with the New Rochelle branch of the NCAAP and City of New Rochelle Youth Bureau, presented “Our Community’s Commitment to Education” at New Rochelle High School.

“It’s about parent empowerment,” said Kelly Johnson, the Executive Director of the New Rochelle Youth Bureau. “We strengthen the community through education at all levels, which also involves the parents.”

But it’s important for parents to have the proper knowledge and resources available to them to allow their children to succeed, which is what “Our Community’s Commitment to Education” aimed to provide, organizers said.

Principals, teachers, social workers, guidance counselors and community members led workshops about parental involvement from kindergarten to grade 12 along with how to prepare for college and resources available outside of the school district.

“Education doesn’t just happen at school,” said Chrisanne Petrone, president of the Board of Education. “It happens at home and in the community. … Parents need to be given the tools to help their children succeed in life and school.”

The tools are ones they can use to help their sons or daughters with their homework. Camille Edwards-Thomas, school community facilitator, led the workshop called “Help is out there!” which was an overview of services and resources available to parents outside the school system. She suggested Web sites that can be used to refresh the parent’s mind and provide extra help for the student: Khan Academy, Steve Finston’s lectures on YouTube, Quizlet, Flashcard Machine, Studystack, AplusMath and Regents Prep.

She also recommended The Guidance Center of Westchester, which includes mental health and counseling and substance abuse programs; Westchester Family Service, a free service to help families; the YMCA and NR Focus.

Petrone also mentioned she wished more parents attended this program; hoping future events will fill the Linda E. Kelly Theater at the high school.

Stephanie Tomei, PTA Council co-president, echoed her desire for more parent participation.

“I know it’s difficult,” she said. “I know people have busy schedules, but our kids’ education has to come first.”

The parents that did attend found the information useful. Many of them spoke to the workshop leaders and addressed their individual concerns.

Vivian Spady, a New Rochelle resident for 40-plus years, has two grandchildren—7-year-old Makira and 5-year-old Marcus Bunsie—who attend Trinity Elementary School.

“I can bring the things I learned to my daughter and I can tell her what she’s doing right and what she’s doing wrong,” she said. “And I can bring the ideas and information back to my home in the Hartley Projects and share it with everyone.”