Dallas County Schools hosts community awareness fair for parents

Dallas County Schools parents gathered at the Freedom Baptist Church in Selma for the second event of the Parent Extravaganza on April 20, this one being the parent information session. 

The next event, a community awareness fair, will be May 2 at 4 p.m. in the Selma Convention Center.

The second event focused more on encouraging and empowering parents, school staff, and the community to work together to better help students. 

Parents were given facts on the consequences of their student missing days of school such as legal, financial, long-term effects, and how it affects the school district as a whole. One consequence being their students being held back in third grade for not meeting the state literacy standard, the increasing chance of a student dropping out of school, truancy visits, their district receiving a low score (thus losing funding), and more. 

Parents were encouraged to engage with their student’s teachers, take an active part in their learning, and help bring change into their communities. How a child is aware of how their parent is when it comes to being involved with their school life and will adapt the same attitude toward school. Parents were also reminded what resources and tools were available to them to encourage and push their child’s academic career.

Chestnut, who is a member of the Alabama State Board of Education, mentioned that efforts are in the works for holding accountability for absent students. She emphasized how the community needs to come together to encourage and protect students. Chestnut also mentioned other laws and possible funding in the future for children in fourth grade and up who can’t meet the reading standard, school for more safety measures, and teachers.

Parents in attendance received a Walmart gift card, muffins, hotdogs, snacks, and drinks.

“We are concerned about (parents) but also their children,” Chestnut said. “With all of us coming together, operating as a village is a win-win for both the child, the school, as well as the community.”

Parents are a child’s first teacher, she added, and greatest influence. “You don't have to be an educator to help your child, but we want you to be where the information is given out so your child can benefit from what’s to offer,” Chestnut said.

Speakers for the event were Superintendent Anthony Sampson, Dorothy Owens, Zella Ford, Pastor Lebron Mack, Pastor Frederick Hardy, Paula Reese, Wilma Pritchet, Quilita Coleman, Ivery Williams, Jaclyn Wright, Elaine Melton, and Zeb Lee. The event was led by Zella Ford.