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Parent Pathways program meets needs of families
The Vindicator (Youngstown)
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Linda Hoey, parent liaison for the Youngstown schools’ Parent Pathways program, sorts through donated clothing that the program collects for students. The program aims to help families with school-related issues.
By Denise Dick
YOUNGSTOWN
From helping parents new to the city schools navigate the intricacies of their child’s education to providing free or low-cost school uniforms, the Parent Pathways program tries to provide families with what they need.
Linda Hoey, district parent liaison, is the only full-time employee of the program, and she’s backed by a small group of part-time workers and volunteers.
“We call parents to tell them about things that are going on in the schools,” Hoey said, listing report-card distribution, early dismissal and parent-teacher conferences as examples.
The group calls every parent in the district — although whether they reach them depends on the accuracy of the information they’re provided.
Sometimes, during those phone calls, parents will ask questions or share concerns regarding the school or their children, Hoey said.
The Parent Pathways staff and volunteers can direct them to the right place to address their problems. They answer their questions or sometimes, just listen.
Hoey said it helps some parents who may be reluctant to approach a school administrator or teacher.
“We know what parents need because we are parents,” she said.
Lock P. Beachum Sr., school-board president, believes the program provides a service that will be helpful in improving the district.
“I think it’s very valuable because Dr. [Superintendent Connie] Hathorn is going to need some help in trying to change the entire environment and culture of the school district, and he’s going to need the help of parents, community leaders and business leaders to do that,” Beachum said. “I think the perception of the district now is not the best.”
That negative perception is part of the reason that students leave the district, attending other schools through open enrollment, school vouchers or charter options, he said.
The biggest problem with the loss of students occurs between eighth and ninth grade. “That’s where we’re losing them,” Beachum said.
Students attend city schools through eighth grade but then choose someplace else for high school, the board president said. He estimated that between 350 and 400 students leave the district between eighth and ninth grade.
Parent Pathways office is on the first floor of the Ward building on Wood Street. A separate room upstairs houses supplies donated by organizations and individuals.
Racks of school uniforms — all sizes for both girls and boys — line the small room.
If a parent can’t afford to buy uniforms, the program offers the pieces to them at a discount. If they still can’t pay, the program gives them the uniform but asks them to volunteer in the schools in exchange.
Bookbags, backpacks and other school supplies fill the room. Sometimes the group gets donations of microwaves, coats and other items for families in need.
Besides making phone calls and providing supplies, Parent Pathway volunteers also help out in the schools and on school buses, Hoey said.
A group of parents at Chaney High School, for example, stands outside of student restrooms during the day, offering hand sanitizer and lotion as the kids leave the restroom.
But the program could use more volunteers.
The goal is to have parents in every school building, Hoey said.
She enjoys the opportunity to help people and to build relationships with them.
“It’s rewarding work,” Hoey said.