There may have been more school district administrators and support staff agency workers than parents in Bennett High School Monday for a parent orientation.
Based on conversations with non-English speaking parents earlier in the summer, the District Parent Coordinating Council helped set up the orientation. There was help for everything from health to college information.
District officials were there to talk to the larger parents group and then to smaller groups, speaking through interpreters.
"It's always critical to meet with parents and have parents involved in the child's education and involved in the school," said Buffalo's new school superintendent Dr. Kriner Cash.
"We like to say engaged in the school because it's a stronger verb. But that's why I'm here, to welcome these parents and make sure they get the supports they need also to help their children."
Cash talked to the parents about schools and issues and will be meeting with the DPCC, something not common among recent superintendents.
Parent Dennice Barr was there looking to see what help is available for her high school senior who wants a career in culinary. Barr says it's time for more cooperation with parents.
"There's been a little bit of a stronghold with the school board in terms of locking down how much parent engagement was available. But, I think that they see now that people really want it, they want to be engaged and the more they make it an open and inviting atmosphere, the more people will come," Barr said.
Cash says parent involvement can be very difficult for parents who have to juggle multiple jobs to put food on the table.
