School offers family time during schoolday

Posted at: 10/29/2009 7:55 PM | Updated at: 10/30/2009 7:43 AM
By: Joe Bartels, Eyewitness News 4; Charlie Pabst, KOB.com

It can be difficult for parents to stay on top of what's going on inside their child's classroom — especially for parents who work at night.

A Clovis elementary school is trying to help those families by encouraging family time during the school day.

Educators say the lack of parent involvement is one of the biggest issues they face when teaching children.

Cameo Elementary is trying to solve that problem by inviting parents to spend some time with their kids during school hours.

Parent Jonella Bocanegra said Thursday, "I like to come in and spend time with my children, to help out in the classroom."

A new room and a new program inside Cameo Elementary School is helping Bocanegra connect with her kids.

"Sometimes when we are at home, it's chaotic," Bocanegra said. "I'm trying to attend to all three kids at the same time. This way I can grab one of my children and say, let's read a book, tell me what's going on at school."

The school "Parents Center" was created as a place for parents who may work after school to come in and be actively involved with their child's learning—something the principal says is very beneficial.

Cameo Principal Tony Igo said, "It's definitely important. You've seen and heard the research that more parent involvement, the greater student achievement is, so that's our hope."

Complete with some of the comforts of home, the kids can read books with their parents, or share with them what's going on at school.

Dozens of parents have taken advantage of the room, and are excited to be able to spend quality time with their kids at school.

School officials say the program's increasing popularity has other Clovis schools considering similar plans.

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