Educators prepared themselves with the New Jersey Education Association kit, and parents responded. Attendance at the two subsequent parent workshops increased by about a third. And parents are doing more than getting important information through the workshop. Parents now feel more comfortable coming into school and asking questions, says Vicki Duff, a third grade teacher and professional development chair of the Toms River Education Association. There's less resistance between parents and teachers.
Members receive training on how to implement the program, and some go on to train other staff.
In response to the school board's request for more community outreach, TREA presented its work with the FIT program. The kids just beam when they see their parents come through the school door. The students from each class perform in front of their parents in the multipurpose room. Presentations range from poetry and music to medleys and dances. Everyone gets excited about this annual program.