Tag: Schools

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The Importance of Community Involvement in Schools by Jesus Zeus Salas

Jesus Salas
Jesus Zeus Salas with Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho

Although Jesus Zeus Salas has made a name for himself as an award-winning, 20-year veteran of the Spanish-language broadcasting industry, he has taken a recent interest in improving educational opportunities for students in the greater Miami metro area. In light of his recent work with the Miami-Dade County Public School Juvenile Justice Center, Jesus Zeus Salas offers the following insight into why community involvement in schools is so important.

  • Numerous studies have shown that schools do better with community involvement. Drop-out rates are lower and student motivation levels are higher at schools with high community involvement, regardless of whether involvement takes place at the elementary or high school level and regardless of the economic status of the school or its students.
  • With budget cuts, many schools are not getting the support from local municipalities and governments that they need to succeed, and many of the programs that most appeal to students (such as art, music, and sports) are disappearing. Community lobbying, through writing letters to local government officials or attending school board meetings, can help preserve the systemic integrity of public school districts.
  • Community-based initiatives can often help students offer services that can help underprivileged students succeed, such as health clinics, after-school tutoring, book donation programs, and extra meal services. Volunteer hours and resources from parents, friends, and local professionals can make a world of difference for a student who may not have access to appropriate care at home.
  • When open lines of communication exist between parents, teachers, and administrators, school can be “brought home” far more easily. Many working parents don’t have the opportunity to get up to a child’s school for meetings, but regular contact through notes or brief conversations can help parents become more aware of any behavioral issues, homework expectations, and school policies. Likewise, teachers can learn more abut factors at home that may be affecting a student’s ability to perform at school.

For these reasons and more, it’s crucial that parents and local community members get involved in their schools. Today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow, and they deserve that every effort be invested in their success, betterment, and well-being. If you’re interested in finding more information about why community involvement is so important, or examples of ways that you can get involved with the schools in your own community, consider taking a look at the online resources listed below.

www.nea.org/assets/docs/PB11_ParentInvolvement08.pdf

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/community-parent-involvement-essential-anne-obrien

http://teaching.about.com/od/ParentalInvolvement/ht/Promoting-School-Support-Throughout-Your-Community.htm

http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/familycommunity/index_sub1.html

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How to Encourage Teens to Stay in School by Jesus Zeus Salas

Jesus Salas Certificate of Appreciation
Jesus Salas Certificate of Appreciation from Everglades K-8 Career Day

Jesus Zeus Salas is a strong supporter of the Miami-Dade Public School System. Encouraged by his recent participation in the Principal for a Day Program, Jesus Zeus Salas has formed a commitment to improving education in Miami, and encouraging teens to stay in school and take advantage of all the opportunities that a thorough education has to offer. Jesus Zeus Salas offers the following tips for getting teens to stay in school:

1. Focus on the Future

For many teens who want to drop out of high school, there is a distinct disconnect between what they want now and their understanding of how it will affect them in the future. Remind teens that in today’s world, professional success relies heavily on not only a high school but college education, and that earning power is highly correlated with level of educational completion. Plus, teens gain crucial job skills in school, from reading, writing, and math abilities to skills relating to communication and problem solving.

2. Talk About Health

According to the Center for Disease Control, those who complete high school are less likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors like drug abuse and heavy drinking. Young women who stay in school are also less likely to have an unplanned pregnancy. In addition, schools frequently offer a way for financially disadvantaged students to have access to basic health care and healthy meals. Teens may not realize the benefits that school can offer outside of a career path.

3. Offer Support

If the underlying cause of a teen’s desire to drop out of high school has to do with poor grades or a sense that education isn’t “for them,” identify problem areas. Many cities and towns offer free tutoring to struggling students through a school, library, or community center. Encouragement and role modeling at home helps, too. Place an emphasis on education in the home, and consider engaging in family activities like going to a museum or learning a new skill together.

4. Look For Alternatives

It’s entirely possible that an academic career may not be what your teen has their eye on for the future. However, dropping out still isn’t the answer. Talk to your teen about possibilities like trade school instead of a traditional four-year college. While your teen is in high school, find local professionals in a career that your teen might enjoy, and try to find job, internship, or apprenticeship opportunities.

You may follow Jesus Zeus Salas on Twitter @SalasMedia

For more information about the importance of keeping teens in school, and advice on ways to prevent teens from dropping out, check out the following links:

http://www.helium.com/items/2057759-Parenting-Teens

http://www.ehow.com/about_6497711_should-teens-stay-school_.html

http://www.essortment.com/family-parenting-encourage-teen-stay-school-37003.html

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/971669/preventing-school-dropouts

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How to Get Involved in Education by Jesus Salas

Kids who are in school right now are the thinkers, leaders, and doers of tomorrow. But in many places in the United States, the education system simply isn’t receiving the support and resources it needs to provide students with the guidance they need to excel. Jesus Salas, who recently participated in his Miami community’s Principal Day initiative, suggests the following ways that you can get involved in your community’s schools, whether or not you’re a parent.

Jesus Salas
Jesus Salas with Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvalho

Be a Tutor

Many students today don’t have family members who have the time to help them with their homework after school. If you have a talent for reading, math, or any other subject, think about volunteering your time to help kids brush up on concepts they need to spend a little extra time with. Even if your algebra days are long gone and you couldn’t tell a coordinating conjunction from a transitive verb if your life depended on it, consider helping kids manage their time by showing them the value of making schedules.

Attend School Meetings

As a tax-paying member of your community, you have the right to be involved in school board meetings. Just by showing up, you’ll show administrators that you care about the quality of your community’s education. Feel free to ask questions and voice your opinion about the issues that you feel matter the most. If you’re a parent, joining a PTA (Parent-Teacher Association) can give an extra boost to your administrative involvement.

Support Leadership and Development

This is an avenue for you to push for quality education with your wallet. Help establish scholarship funds to send teachers to workshops and conferences. Or, create a funding pool for students who want to attend outside educational programs they might not be able to afford themselves. This type of fund can also help students cover the cost of college applications.

Stay Informed

It’s especially important for supporters of public schools to stay informed about what’s going on in the government when it comes to education. Currently, many states have bills in their legislative branches that seek to limit certain aspects of instruction, or that are cutting funding from various program. Know what issues are up for vote in your community. If there’s a ballot initiative in your community that affects education, get out and vote.

Talk to Your Schools

Principal Day is just one of many community initiatives that bring individuals and schools together to improve educational opportunities and access. Get in touch with your local schools to see how you can best support them, and what options are available for volunteering or other involvement.

Sources:

http://www.pbs.org/weta/twoschools/getinvolved/empowering/100ways.html

http://www.pbs.org/pov/principalstory/take_action.php#.UMJ1VpPjn9I

http://www.bhg.com/health-family/school/back-to-school/get-involved-in-your-childs-education/?page=2