Dear Editor,

As summer break comes to a close and with school almost a month away, I would like to state the importance of parental involvement in regard to the upcoming school year.

Studies have shown that an increase in parental involvement can lead to children higher grades, an increase in employment rate and college attendance along with having a decrease in crime. It’s no secret that our county struggles with crime and having our children buy into education and its benefits.

Parental involvement involves asking questions, doing homework with your child, surprise visits to their school, contacting teacher(s) via email or phone, attendance to school functions and parent-teacher meetings and attending your child’s extracurricular activities.

If parents follow the steps listed, then they will see a dramatic change in the child. Make a connection, make them matter, set high expectations for them, be firm in your principles and always be a parent and not a friend. Show love and respect, be the hardest working person in their life and be selfless.

We all live in Troup County together and cohabitate as one big family. Our parents must know the importance of parental involvement and how to maintain great relationships and thorough contact with each child’s teacher and school leaders.

If we pay special attention to everyone in our special community, special things will happen.

Nick Griffin

LaGrange