'Parent liaisons' getting parents involved with schools and promoting choices

FreshMinistries parent liaisons Sarah Cain and Lillie Caldwell have been busy visiting downtown schools, including Jackson High School, Ribault High School and North Shore Elementary, in an effort to get parents involved in their children’s education and to inform them about School Choice options.

Through PTSA meetings, SAC meetings, Parent Night and events at the East Jacksonville Neighborhood Resource Center (EJNRC), Cain and Caldwell are promoting parental involvement while giving parents the option to learn about additional educational opportunities and school choices.

School Choice options include magnet schools, career academies, charter schools, private schools, virtual schools, McKay scholarships, Step Up for Students and many others.

“Many parents are unaware of the opportunities that are out there for their children,” said Cain. “When we attend different events at schools, we speak about virtual education, for example, because many of the parents do not know that their child can attend free online classes if there is a credit that is needed to pass a class or promote to the next level.”

Cain and Caldwell also meet regularly with school personnel to come up with strategies to bring parents into the schools.

“It’s so important for parents to pay attention to their child’s education,” said Caldwell. “When the parents get involved, it helps keep the children on track and helps them reach their potential.”

---