Agassiz Parents Network
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Parents at the Agassiz school have a long history of involvement in their
children's learning. They have taken a leadership role as planners, instructors,
advocates and activists. They have created play and recreational facilities, planted school gardens and arboledas, hosted fairs and
festivals, fought for school safety and indoor air quality and organized school
clean up and repair projects. They are valued participants in school based
management, reading improvement, math and science projects.
Growthworks
The Growthworks Project was created through funding supplied by a grant
from Boston Plan for Excellence written by parents Elly Mae O'Toole and
Bruce Parkhurst. In the Growthworks Project Elly Mae and Agassiz students
planted a large schoolyard garden and arboretum filled with trees, flowers,
vegetables and garden insects. Under Elly Mae's direction students and teachers
learned about life science by planting, harvesting and tending the
arboretum and garden. Fascinating hands on science lessons were given by
Elly Mae and currently science specialist Bill Ganter. The Agassiz Arboleda
is considered to be a model for schoolyard gardens throughout the region. It is also a model for parent involvement, vision and dedication.
Creating Recreation Areas
In an urban setting it is sometimes difficult to find adequate play
and recreational areas for children. Agassiz parents solved this problem
by fundraising and building their own. Several safe special needs accessible
play areas were constructed by teams of parent volunteers. City government
was petitioned to make city owned areas adjacent to the school available
during school hours. Current plans involve fundraising to expand our indoor
recreational facilities for gymnastics and dance and building an indoor
play area for the little ones to use during the colder months.
Safe Schools Healthy Children
One of a parent's greatest concerns is his or her child's health. Schools
should be safe, clean and healthy environments where children can learn
and grow. When you realize that our children spend the largest portion of
their waking hours in school, insuring a safe, healthy learning environment
becomes essential. One of the biggest issues currently involving parents
at the Agassiz School is indoor air quality. Marietta Dussourd, Wanda Last and many other parents and teachers have worked
with environmental specialists, school, city and state officials to improve
the indoor environment of our school and others throughout Boston. The Agassiz
is not unique in having these problems, many schools do. If your child's
school is experiencing a problem with air quality, please contact us at
our school's email address. We will be happy to suggest ways you can organize
to find solutions.
Parenting Tips and Ideas
One of the best things about parents working together is that they can
share ideas on meeting the challenge of parenting in the 90's. We would
like to offer a few tips we have found helpful for busy and working parents.
Always be an advocate for your child.
Let your children know that you support them and that they
can come to you for help when they have problems.
Set clear limits and guidelines but allow your child to have input in establishing them.
Schedule regular uninterrupted time to spend with your child.
Read to your child often. Every night is best but at least read several times a week.
Help your children with their homework. This is the best way to find out what your children are learning in school and in what areas they need help.
Involve your child in extracurricular activities you choose. Most communities offer many enrichment programs in sports and the arts. Fees for these programs are often scaled according to income and family size. Funding programs are also often available.
Get involved in programs and activites with your child. Become a coach, sponsor, chaperone or cheerleader.
Get to know your child's friends and their parents.
Visit your child's school regularly. Attend open houses, parent nights and parent conferences.
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