Leaders issue call-to-action for parents: Stay involved in education

In many ways, parents act as their children’s first teachers, and local leaders want that influence to continue even after young people start school.

Representatives from HISD, Children at Risk, Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Early Matters, and Collaborative for Children joined forces during a press conference at Cunningham Elementary School on Sept. 3 to promote that message and encourage parents to make the most of the resources available to them.

“Learning is a 24-hour process,” explained Ken Huewitt, who serves as HISD’s deputy superintendent and chief financial officer. “We want to provide parents with programs — such as HIPPY and the many others offered through FACE — that will allow them to continue the learning process.”

“As we go back to school, it’s really important for parents to understand that they need to be a part of the equation for student success,” added Dr. Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk. “The role of parents is a key part of children getting good grades, being confident, and liking school.”

“We all share a common goal – to ensure that every child is afforded the opportunity for success in school,” said Dr. Julie Baker Finck, who serves as president of the Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.

Listed below are other resources that parents might find useful. Some are related to Literacy Awareness Month and Attendance Awareness Month, both of which are in September.