Who: Parents and more
What: First Day of School Celebrations
When: Monday, August 24, the first day of the 2009-2010 school year
Where: Every school in the Fort Worth ISD!
Parents can expect to spend a little time, have some fun and learn a lot at their child’s school on the first day of classes. On August 24, every school in the District will hold First Day of School Celebrations. The day-long events will offer parents a welcoming atmosphere for getting to know the school and building important relationships with faculty and other parents.
Schools will provide coffee and snacks in designated meeting areas. Some will host day-long activities. All schools will hand out materials about school schedules, important dates to remember and ways to get involved in school activities. Every parent is encouraged to drop by, ask questions and meet their child’s teacher and principal. A Fort Worth ISD administrator also will be present at each school.
Last year, an estimated 25,000 parents and guardians participated in First Day of School celebrations. Dr. Melody Johnson, FWISD Superintendent, hopes for an even larger number this year. She has asked area pastors to encourage attendance. She has also asked companies to provide flex time for employees on August 24.
Dr. Johnson says, “Research shows parental involvement is a major factor in students’ success. Students need to know, even on that very first day of school, that they are strongly supported and their education is top priority.”
There are many ways parents can be involved. “They can volunteer at schools, attend parent/teacher conferences, and simply encourage or help children with their homework,” says Nancy Ricker, Executive Director of Parent and Public Engagement. “Any of these things will foster a desire in kids to do better in school.”
Individual schools can be contacted for specific information on First Day of School Celebrations.