LEE COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - Shalon Ruth teaches third grade at Verona Elementary School.
She says she has a good group of kids.
However, as a teacher, she would like to see more involvement from parents of these students to make sure the young people keep learning once they leave school for the day.
Ruth said, "If they go home and just play outside, and don't go home and do their homework or read to a parent or a parent discuss what they did at school, then it's kind of lost. It's reteaching that all over again the next day."
Because of recent low test scores, high drop out rates and other school-related issues, parents of students in Shannon, Plantersville and Verona schools are being asked to come to an emergency school meeting next week.
Ruth says more parental and community involvement is a first step in making sure all three schools improve the quality of education.
Ruth said, "We need to have the male participation to let them see their fathers, uncles or cousins. The more people involved then the better the scores."
Administrators who've organized the meeting say this isn't about blaming anyone.
Instead, educators will look to parents for advice while also offering some of their own in order to successfully move forward.
Plantersville Principal Bill Horton said, "I don't care what kind of a teacher you have or what kind of parent or school you have. Academic success is directly tied to classroom behavior. We're looking for some support from the parents to remind their child that you go to school, sit and listen. If you have a question, you raise your hand but don't be causing a distraction."
Parents of students and anyone who's concerned about these schools are invited to the meeting next Tuesday at 6:00 p-m at Verona Elementary School.
