Indianapolis Recorder, Indianapolis, Marion County, 6 September 2002 — Page 7

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2002

THE INDIANAPOLIS RECORDER

PAGE A7

It’s all in the C.A.R.D.S. at Southport High School New program encourages parental involvement and support

By ANNETTE L. ANDERSON Recorder Correspondent

With the beginning of the classes in schools across the country, comes the beginning of a new and much welcomed program at one of the local high schools. Southport in Perry Township h^s initiated “Collaboration Assures Results Daily at Southport,” to enhance parental involvement and support. C.A.R.D.S. is not only crucial to the success of the students,

but is als<^ beneficial to teach-

ers and other parents as well, according to Principal Terry

Thompson.

“This (C.A.R.D.S.) has to do with parents getting involved,” Thompson noted. “We need this involvement in order for our students to succeed. And their success is dependent upon teachers and parents working

together.

“The key to the whole thing is developing a positive environment, and boosting the morale of the school,” he said. Thompson, who is new in office, admitted that Southport had experienced low attendance by students, which he associates with low morale. “We want parents and students of all races and ethnic backgrounds to have a positive experience when they walk through our doors,” Thompson continued. “When they feel this way, they will return and become more involved in school activities and their child’s school agenda. There cannot be high morale and successful students without a positive environment, which is what we are working so hard to establish.”

According to Thompson, the concept for C.A.R.D.S. came from an experience he had at McCutcheon High School in Lafayette. “About a year ago, I attended a meeting at McCutcheon, and there were all these friendly faces,” he remembered.»1 felt so re-energized and welcomed. So, when I accepted this position here, I contacted the originators of the program at McCutcheon, and decided to implement a similar one for Southport.” One parent, who is a Volunteer for the program, spoke about what her duties will be. “I am a greeter, and will direct visitors to the appropriate office or destination,” said Tristina Smith, mother of Donesha, a sophomore at Southport. “A friendly face is just whait most people want to see. And from my understanding of the research on success in high school, three things are crucial: student motivation, engaged teachers, and involved parents. I want the best for my daughter, so 1 must do everything possible to help her to achieve success. And I encourage all parents to become as involved as I intend to be.” Mary Miller, Thompson’s secretary, had this to say: “This was the brilliant idea of Mr. Thompson’s to implement this program. It is just what we need here, and I am certain it will be a great success. Since some parents cannot always be at school, they will feel reassured that other parents are.” Thompson urges as many parents as can to volunteer for the program, which operates monthly, with minimum two-

hour time blocks. In addition to greeting visitors, volunteer duties include, but are not limited to welcoming new parents, collecting and disseminating

information about community resources, assisting at open houses, I-STEP and PSAT testing, chaperoning field trips and dances, representing parent

views on various committees, and acting as ambassadors for students and the entire school body. The target date for the pro-

gram is the beginning of the second quarter of the school year, Oct. 14. For more information, contact Miller at (317) 789-4821.

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