PTA urges parents to get more involved in schools

Barbara Seigler hopes the start of a new school year Monday will bring more parental and community involvement in Richmond County schools.

"It takes everyone working together -- the schools, parents and the community -- to help our children do their best," said the president of the Richmond County Council of PTAs. "Together, we can unlock the door to a successful future for our schoolchildren."

To kick off the school year, the council and the Taking Back the Streets organization have organized a school revival Saturday at the Augusta State University Athletic Complex. This is the first year for the event.

Information on the resources, activities and programs offered at each school will be available. Also, community groups that offer tutoring and other resources will have booths set up. School supplies will be given away as well.

Each school's PTA will have booths set up to acquaint parents with ways to become involved, such as through parent-teacher associations, volunteering and the Dads in Action program, which will be introduced during the event.

"PTA is a parental-involvement organization. We speak out for children and do workshops with parents. We work with parents and the community to support student success in our schools," Ms. Seigler said. "We hope that people will want to get involved in their school's association and take an active role in supporting our children and schools."

Richmond County school Superintendent Dana Bedden and school board members will be present to speak with parents, Ms. Seigler said. The event is being sponsored by Wal-Mart.

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.