Parent Link July 2012
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Check inside for Outstanding Graduates! All county schools will start in August. See page 4. parentA newsletter for parents published by the Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporationlink • Volume 27, Number 3, July 2012 Positive Outcomes Abound from by Peggy Magee Mom’s Volunteer Work Valued by All; School Involvement Earns Her Rockwood’s Rose Award If were possible to clone By any standards, Tisdale goes above education.” Pointing to the friends outside of the school day,” she and beyond at Uthoff Valley Elementary connections and relationships Tisdale notes. parent Carolyn Tisdale, School in Fenton. Not only did she do builds with the other students, Browning Tisdale has a saying that guides the her classroom volunteering two to three notes, “It has such a positive impact on family in all they do: “We may not have school staff and students Wednesdays a month (staying on to join them.” a lot, but we make the most of what we everywhere would jump at the children at lunch and on the play- Being so tied into the school commu- do have.” One opportunity they have, ground), she was present at nearly every nity has had some unintended outcomes she points out, is the ability to attend the the chance. school activity involving her daughters, for which Tisdale is especially apprecia- Rockwood district. “We are so fortunate,” At Rockwood’s Uthoff Valley El- including the first day of school event, the tive. Having talked to other moms about she says. And she takes full advantage of ementary School, where Tisdale has two fall festival, music performances and field the Girl Scout troop at Uthoff Valley, she it by becoming immersed in everything daughters, the faculty admire her for what trips, as well as PTO meetings. In past enrolled Trinity in it and with the help of that’s happening at school. teacher Julie Backer describes as, “going years, Tisdale has done a lot with 10-year- Trinity’s leader, she found a troop that is By attending the informational ses- way beyond the average expectation of old Terrena’s classes, such as volunteering a good fit for Terrena not far from their sions for parents on the first day of school parent involvement.” This past year, Tis- for class parties and other special events. home. On meeting days for Trinity, a fam- (she caught a 6:30 a.m. bus), Tisdale dale volunteered regularly in her daugh- Her active involvement is even more ily hosts her after school until the scout found out about academic resources ter Trinity’s first grade class and, accord- impressive given her circumstances. The meetings start and other scout moms and curriculum information that she taps ing to Backer, the kiddos always looked family lives in St. Louis city and has been take turns driving her home. into often. Many times before arriving at forward to her visits because of her “full without a car since it was stolen nearly When Trinity was invited to a class- Mrs. Backer’s class, she had already read out” participation, including working with two years ago from outside their apart- mate’s birthday party in High Ridge, an the book that she was asked to work on them in the classroom, eating lunch in the ment. Tisdale rides the Metro bus to do arrangement was worked out whereby that day with the students. She utilizes cafeteria and playing with them at recess. her classroom volunteering and to get Tisdale and Trinity met the host family at the school’s website to access books the “All my students think Mrs. Tisdale is really to many other functions at the school. a half way point – South County Mall (a girls can read for Accelerated Reader cool,” confirms Backer. Uthoff Valley is more than 15 miles from straight-shot bus ride for Tisdale) – and credits. Mrs. Backer’s class website, which Recognizing that Tisdale is one special her home near Carondelet Park where mom and Terrena browsed the mall until features fun ideas and interactive activi- mom, the Rockwood district awarded her she resides with her husband Terrence, Trinity was returned there. “I’m so pleased ties, captures the attention of mother and its coveted Rose award, which this year their two daughters and 14-year-old son, that my girls can spend time with their daughter on a regular basis. “Trinity likes went to 15 individuals who show excel- Isaiah, who is autistic. to update her class on our fam- lence of character, performance, leader- The bus drops her at the ily’s activities,” mom says with ship and service to the Rockwood school McDonald’s about a half a smile. district. In addition to Tisdale, Rose award mile from the school and As a result of Tisdale’s recipients included teachers, adminis- she walks the rest of the presence at the school, she has trators, a classroom assistant and a bus way, no matter rain, shine, developed relationships with driver who were chosen from among the wind or snow, according faculty and administrators. 250 persons nominated. to Julie Backer. “Because of the comfort level Tisdale says she is we have with one another, I engaged in her children’s am not afraid to ask questions education because she or request assistance,” she cherishes being part of explains, adding that everyone their young lives and responds in a most helpful NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT U.S. POSTAGE PAID LOUIS, MO ST. NO. 5737 PERMIT because she knows how manner. The same holds true much it means to them. for other parents, she says. She “My girls look forward is so well thought of that she to me coming to school. has been asked to serve as an It makes their day.” Her officer on the PTO next year, loving and caring manner a responsibility for which she extends to all the school feels honored and was pleased children with whom she to accept. comes in contact, as re- Principal Browning believes flected in a comment she the example Tisdale sets for repeats often, “I love all other non-resident parents is a my Backer babies,” refer- good thing too. “They see that ring to the children in Julie it is possible to be part of their Backer’s class. children’s education and to be Tisdale’s hands-on seen as a valuable volunteer.” routine sends a strong School counselor Lisa Sand- message to her girls, bothe totally agrees: “Other plus makes a wonderful parents can see it is doable.” impression on the other Not only doable, but so children, according to much to be gained by it, is principal Connie Brown- Tisdale’s way of thinking. She ing. “Mrs. Tisdale’s daugh- encourages other parents to ters see that education “open that door” to becoming matters to her and that is Parent volunteer Carolyn Tisdale has fun on the playground with first graders at Uthoff active in their children’s school a motivating factor when Valley Elementary School. The school benefits from Tisdale’s active involvement; she lives. “Find out what’s there for and her family benefit from the connections and resources she gains. “We cannot children see the priority expect our children to be open to new experiences and opportunities if we are not,” you. You’ll be happy you did, I their parents place on notes Tisdale, who received Rockwood’s coveted Rose award. Photo by Marilyn Zimmerman promise you.” Voluntary Interdistrict Choice Corporation 7425 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 110 St. Louis, MO 63105 Follow VICC on Twitter Carolyn’s Advice for Parents and win great prizes. twitter.com/VICC StLouis Build a relationship with Ask about how Most importantly, a “Involve yourself and • Be follower #100 and win a the teacher and other you can get little time can mean have fun. Children, $25 gift card to Best Buy. school staff. Ways to involved. Volunteer so much – to your they teach us so • Be follower #500 and win an do this: opportunities usually I-Pod Shuffle. child, to the teacher much.” • school visits include helping in and to you! Take a • Be follower #1,000 and win an the classroom or in I-Pod Shuffle • conferences few minutes to visit and an I-Tunes gift card. • email and phone the library, field trips, your child’s class. class parties, so find There is much to be gained Meet their classmates VICC/Transpar employees and their families out what is possible are not eligible for prizes (but please do by getting to know the and see who their follow along to see what’s new with VICC.) people who your child is in for you and your Anyone found to use multiple accounts to friends are. enter will be ineligible. contact with all day. schedule. This issue of the Parent Link is dedicated to those transfer students who are members of the Class of 2012 -- hardworking students who have left behind an enviable record of accomplishments. For each student who is mentioned, there are scores of others also deserving of recognition. Our congratulations go not only to the students, but their parents and teachers as well. You are at the heart of this program and an important part of the success it has achieved. After a trip to state last year Tyler hopes to run track as a AFFTON HANCOCK PLACE collegiate athlete as well. Affton High School Hancock Place High School Accepted to attend Missouri Valley on a football Recognized for her outstanding academic MEHLVILLE scholarship, Jean Pierre played football for Affton accomplishments and participation in extracurricular for three years, serving as varsity captain for the 2011 activities, Hyonna Williams plans to utilize her A+ Mehlville High School season.