3rd Kitchen Table Conversation set
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on February 9, 2009 1:46 PM
Parents and community members are again being invited to weigh in on the local schools, as Wayne County Public Schools plans its third Kitchen Table Conversation later this month.
The format was introduced earlier in the school year, following the successful prototype already in place at Durham City Schools. Discussion during previous local sessions centered around dropout prevention and parent accountability and parent involvement.
Officials announced the third installment will be held at North Drive Elementary School on Monday, Feb. 23, from 7-8:45 p.m. The topic will be "Discipline with Respect."
"Participants will have the opportunity to sit around the 'kitchen table' with others to discuss current discipline issues in schools and to look for ways parents, guardians and educators can promote positive student behavior," said Olivia Pierce, WCPS executive director for community relations.
The open forum is designed to afford parents and other stakeholders the chance to discuss issues pertinent to the district, and pool ideas for school leaders. Results are then compiled and shared with the school board and administrators, to be studied before recommendations are made or new programs implemented.
Results from previous sessions have also been posted online at the district Web site, www.waynecountyschools.org.
The latest topic is expected to be especially pertinent, Mrs. Pierce said.
"We feel this third conversation will build off the first two, allowing participants to take a hard look at discipline issues in schools, and offer positive strategies for disciplining children when their actions or behaviors begin negatively impacting their education or academic success," she said.
One more kitchen table conversation is expected to be held this school year, at a later date to be determined.
The session is open to the public, and participants are being asked to register in advance by calling the schools' central office at 705-6164.