by Rodney Dunigan
RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. - Educators say that the best students are those with parents who are highly involved in their education.
Parents at one Rutherford County school are taking that to heart, and making sure kids are getting all the help they need.
The Stewarts Creek Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization donated more than $2,000. The money will allow the school to hire three teachers to provide free tutoring for students.
"Any reinforcement or extra proactive that happens at home is absolutely vital. It makes a huge difference," said teacher Amy Gullion.
"We're all here for the same purpose, to educate our children and give them the best start in life that we can give them,"
"We want to see all children succeed and we're all in this together," said parent Suzanne Arnold.
Principal Richard Zago said the tutoring will focus on those students struggling in math and reading.
"It's extremely important to have the parents on board with the things we're doing here at school," said Zago.
He believes parent involvement is key to improving the performance of all students
"One or two students make all the difference in the world as far as being proficient or meeting those federal stands for proficiency," Zago added.
Gullion said with additional help there's no limit to these students potential.
"The more involvement we have with our parents the better off the child is because they see we have the same goal," Gullion added.
The teachers hired for the tutoring will make about $600 for 35 hours of work through five weeks.
The sessions should wrap up just before TCAP testing in April.
Email: rdunigan@newschannel5.com
