Schools
Parents and Principal Talk Over Coffee at Marguerite Christian
By Nick DeRatto
Sep 24, 2008 - 10:08:48 AM

A few weeks into the new school year, administrators at Marguerite Christian Elementary are already plotting out their course to continue to improve their school. Hoping to showcase their ideas as well as gather new ones, Marguerite Christian principal Carolyn Tisdale held the year’s first parent coffee, talking about changes at the school and welcoming questions and suggestions from parents.

“So far, we have had a wonderful start to the new school year. Our goal is to excel every child past just what they think they can do,” says Tisdale. “We believe that every child has that opportunity to grow.”

In an effort to increase student achievement, staff at Marguerite Christian will be unveiling a few new events and programs, including a new math coach who will work with students several days a week to help improve math SOL scores.

“Our scores are great, but they aren’t at 100 percent yet, so we want to improve those,” says Tisdale.

Along with once again holding math night, an evening in January where students and their parents participate in football-themed math games, the school plans on introducing a science night this year. Staff will also be creating a bulletin board for students of the week, selecting one student from each class each week.

“The students of the week will get their picture on the bulletin board and will get to eat with staff on the stage in the cafeteria one day during that week,” says Tisdale. “The PTA will offer treats to the students when they eat with the staff and they will receive things like certificates and pencils. We want to make sure that students have their achievements celebrated, whether they get on the honor roll, show improvement, or have excellent attendance.”

Not only focused on academic achievement, school officials will also be instituting and maintaining a number of events and activities to bring the community into the school. Upcoming community events will include a garden dedication in October, dedicating one of the school’s gardens to the school’s namesake Marguerite Christian. For this event, students have been encouraged to create art projects using recycled items.

In the spring, the Loving Our Lions carnival night will once again be held on the school lawn. Designed to be like an old-fashioned community picnic, the event will most likely feature carnival games and visits from police, EMS, and army units. While the event will be similar to last year’s, it could be moved from June to May to ensure that the weather is not too hot.

“She [Tisdale] has helped the school a lot,” says Lou Rusnak, parent of a fifth-grader at Marguerite Christian. “She has encouraged better learners and a better sense of community in the school. We are real pleased with her.”

To help assist with these programs, school administrators are currently looking for volunteers. Among the most pressing needs is the need for a volunteer to head the school’s Reflections program; if one isn’t found within the next three weeks, the program will not be able to be held. Volunteers are also needed to assist in the classroom, especially with class reading circles. Anyone interested in volunteering should make arrangements with the school’s front office staff.

School officials hope to hold at least one parent coffee each nine weeks to discuss different issues at the school. To volunteer at the school or to join the PTA, call 530-5733.

nderatto@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421



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