Jamieson Elementary encourages parental involvement

By JOSH NEWKIRK

Staff Writer

The teachers and faculty of Jamieson Elementary exemplify dedication and commitment.

But it takes a village to raise a child.

Jamieson, a Comer-education school that is home to 652 students, wants the community and parents to become more involved. But everyone there knows they face an uphill battle in achieving their goal, especially given many students’ family situations.

"We know that there are a lot of single parents," Dorothy Lindsey said. "We just try to give support. We just want the parents to feel part of the team. We try to assist parents anyway we can."

COURTESY PHOTO   EMU students Josh Newkirk and Mike Bauchmann interview Jamieson faculty.

According to first-year vice principal Kelen Walker, parental involvement – no matter how little – makes a huge difference.

"As parents, make yourself visible to the child," Walker said. "The child knows you care.

"I want more parents to come and see how their child is doing in school," added Walker, who had been a teacher a Jamieson for 14 years before becoming vice principal.

Renee Green, head of the Comer parent faculty, felt area businesses should do their part, too.

"Local business should get more involved," Green said. "We have been asking for money or food donations so children can have a turkey for Thanksgiving. We support the stores by buying food and stuff, and they should give back to the community."

There have been signs that this message of involvement has succeeded in some areas.

"We had a pancake breakfast for the children and their families," Green said. "We only expected 150 people to show up. We had 300. It was great that parents came. The parents are getting involved."

Jamieson also just formed a Cub-Scout and Girl-Scout troop.

"It’s a start," Lindsey said. "All communities should have a safe place for the children. Parents want good, safe programs for their children."

The idea that faculty and parents should come together for children is a cornerstone of Comer-education schools.

Employing a more personal style of teaching, it aims to bridge child psychiatry and education.

It involves a hands-on approach in everything: phonics, student workshops and peer tutoring.

Comer-style teaching affects all areas of the child’s mind. According to Lindsey, Dr. James P. Comer research deals with various child development pathways – social, psychological, physical – with the goal to address all areas.

A school’s job is to be there for the children, Lindsey said.

"If a child needs glasses and the parents couldn’t afford it, the school would then intervene and raise funds for the child’s achievement."