Communities For Kids’ Education By Barry Murphy, EVP. Day of, American Express (NAPSA)—Parental involvement is the single most accurate predictor of a child’s academic success, Fis: Ss according to 30 years of ongoing QO & Education. Yet, despite being one of the best investments that can be Bb madein a child’s education, parental The long-term effects of involvement in education are real, according to the U.S. Dept. of Education. When schools, parents and communities are involved, children get better grades and have higher test scores, graduate from high school at higher rates, are more likely to go on to higher education and have more positive attitudes about their future. And, when students succeed, their future is brighter. In fact, a 1998 study by the College Board showed that the median annual household income of a high school graduate was $34,373 as com- pared to $62,188 for a person with a college bachelor degree. That could mean a difference of more than $1 million in earnings over a person’s career. Schools, parents, businesses and communities all have an important role to play in building a child’s academic success. Follow- ing are a few ideas to get everyone started regardless of their formal education or how much money they have, started in every child’s education beginning with preschool and extending through high school: Schools Invite parents to meet teach- ers and otherstaff on the first day of school Invite parents to attend lunch at the school during the year Ask students to engage their parents and guardians in school activities Set up parent/teacher e-mail networks to create an open forum of communication about the activities of young people Parents Make sure yourchild is wellrested, well-fed and dressed appropriately for school Get involved (and stay in- volved) in your child’s education by asking questions about assign- ments andclassroom activities e Attend children’s extracurricular activities Stay in touch with your child’s teachers so you’re aware of % mie research cited by the U.S. Dept. of involvementis still one of the most often overlooked. “to, FIRST DAY FOUNDATION www.firstday.org school activities and your child’s progress Businesses / Communities Adopt-a-school and set up mentoring programs Donate goods andservices to school(s) in your community Encourage employees to get involved in children’s education Another way people are getting involved in education is through First Day of School America. First Day is a nationwide grassroots initiative that provides vision, structure, resources and encouragement to mobilize schools, parents and communities to get involved in their children’s education, starting with the first day of school each year. “It’s a national movement that encourages and enhances family involvement in education throughout the year,” said Terry Ehrich, president of First Day Foundation and creator of the First Day of School celebration concept. “The first day of school is the one day each year when it’s simultaneously most important and easiest to build positive rela- tionships and partnerships with parents. Schools across the country are embracing the idea because of its proveneffectiveness.” American Express believes a quality education is one of the most critical factors on the road to longterm economic independence. That’s why the companyis a proud supporter of First Day of School America. In fact, many American Express employees and advisors are contributing to the success of the program by bringing the concept to teachers, school administra- tors and community leaders in townsandcities nationwide. For additional information and/or to learn how to start First Day of School America initiatives in your community, visit the First Day Foundation Web site at www.firstday.org or call toll free (877) First Day.
