After a month or so, move on to another subject - the weather, perhaps. It's demanding and they have to work late. But it's inspiring. Teachers at Detroit's Gompers Elementary School meet frequently with Principal Marilee Bylsma to help make decisions about the school. Similarly, cafeteria aides can be enlisted to offer encouragement or special treats to shy or troubled youngsters.
Parents can gain skills in reading, computers and English.
Some centers double as health clinics, others house social workers who refer parents to local agencies. In Reading, Pa., a parent internship program pays a small stipend for parents to help at school. Community Public education affects everyone in a region, since today's students are tomorrow's employees, consumers and parents. Therefore, the schools are everyone's responsibility. The success of our whole country depends upon the success of our children.