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Taft Elementary recognizes outstanding parents, grandparents
Taft Students honor parental involvement
YOUNGSTOWN
Roberta Richard is at Taft Elementary School “daily,” the grandmother of four children at the school said.
“Whenever needed, we are here,” she said.
Richard was one of 35 people recognized at a ceremony Friday for the school’s most-involved parents and grandparents. The event was the first of its kind at the school, 730 E. Avondale Ave., and organized by the school’s parent advocate Elia Nieves.
“This is really the first time someone came up with the idea to recognize the parents who help us,” said Principal John McMahan. “They are parents who help with different events that we have here. They’re parents who help out in the library or the lunchroom. They help out with holiday things. They’re people who have done a lot of good things for us over the years.”
A group gathered in Taft’s cafeteria for the event, at which children read a poem and each person being recognized was presented with a certificate.
Richard was one of three of her family members to receive recognition. Her husband, Bert, and daughter, Brandie, also received certificates.
“It’s very important,” Roberta said of volunteering at the school. “It’s a family thing.”
She said she believes her family’s involvement at the school is beneficial for her grandchildren.
“I think it keeps them more on task with their learning,” she said. “They know we’re here.”
McMahan emphasized that point, saying students whose parents are involved at their school are more successful. It also benefits the school as a whole, he said.
“Parent involvement always enhances what we do here at the school,” he said. “When we see parents on a regular basis, that directly correlates to how successful your school is going to be.”