Community groups can help local schools

As an institution that holds our children as a captive audience for about seven hours a day, five days a week for the better part of a year for more than 12 years, the public school system is uniquely positioned to influence the lives of students.

Despite all that, the schools can’t mold great children by themselves.

That was an important part of the message delivered by S.C. Education Superintendent Molly Spearman to Rock Hill educators this month, capping a two-day professional learning conference in preparation for the fast-approaching school year. Her address was streamed electronically to 1,100 teachers at three different sites.

Spearman spoke of the importance of enlisting the assistance of churches, service organizations and a variety of other community groups to form partnerships with schools. She noted that there are many ways they can be involved in helping schools enlighten students and make them better citizens.

Spearman has spoken with church groups across the state and has encouraged them to get involved. But, she conceded, “You can’t go in and talk about Jesus. Just act like him.”

Many members of the community might not realize that they have something to offer. But even if they do not have a specific set of skills that would apply to one discipline or another, they still can play a useful role.

Schools need volunteers as chaperones on field trips, reading and math mentors, donors to provide treats for students. If you are willing, schools usually can find a way to put you to work.

We would hasten to add that volunteering also can be educational for those who volunteer. Many of us are unaware of what goes on during a typical school day, and volunteering in a school can be enlightening in many ways.

This experience can be especially valuable for parents of school-age children. It gives them a better idea of what their kids do every day after they are dropped off at school, and it can be an opportunity to develop a better rapport with teachers and administrators.

And when community groups partner with schools, it strengthens not only the school but also the community. These bonds form an important foundation on which to build a better life for all and a greater sense of civic involvement.

These partnerships also increase the likelihood that members of the community will have a greater appreciation for public education and will be more willing to support the funding necessary to ensure that all children have access to a decent education.

The more we know about how our children are educated through involvement in the process, the more engaged we will be in making that process successful.

Volunteerism and support from the community are no substitute for strong schools. The state still must invest in public education.

But community support can be an invaluable asset, especially where schools are struggling with issues such as teacher retention, inadequate facilities and high poverty rates.

If you think you have something to offer, please contact your child’s school or representatives at the school district. Chances are, they can use your help.

This story was originally published July 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Community groups can help local schools."