Parent meeting set for today

Published 12:00 am Thursday, August 26, 2010

NATCHEZ — Tonight’s annual Title 1 parent meeting should cater to involved parents and inquisitive taxpayers alike.

The federal government requires the Natchez-Adams School District to host the meeting each year to make the community aware of how Title 1 federal funds are being spent, Federal Programs Director Marilyn Alexander-Turner said.

The meeting, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the David Steckler Multipurpose Building, will also offer information about ways parents of children in the district can become involved in their child’s education, Alexander-Turner said.

Email newsletter signup

Alexander-Tuner, who will direct the meeting, said the district will distribute handouts outlining how $3.25 million of Title 1 funds will be used.

In addition, those in attendance will have a chance to offer input about how to spend the federal money, Alexander-Turner said.

Alexander-Turner said private and parochial schools also receive Title 1 funding, as well as Natchez Children’s Home.

“Since this is public money, anyone who would like to find out any info on how spent should come,” Alexander-Turner said.

However, parents with children in the public schools will receive information about opportunities to volunteer in the classrooms and halls of their children’s schools at tonight’s meeting.

Alexander-Turner said when the proper paperwork is filled out and a background check is completed, parents can take an active role in their child’s education by assisting teachers, running paperwork, monitoring students during testing and other ways.

“(The meeting is) a good way to get it all at once,” Alexander-Turner said.

Superintendent Anthony Morris said information given at the meeting should update the community and parents on new federal programs. For example, Common Core State Standards, which seek to align standards across state borders, is a new federal initiative, Morris said.

“(Parents) should come to get the latest information on what’s going on with their children, how things are changing, so they’ll know what to do to keep up with their children and support them in our system the best they can,” Morris said.