PEP project aims to get parents involved

Public Education Partners' "Project of the Month" for September features an effort by Redcliffe Elementary School kindergarten teacher Rachel Creasy to help parents become more involved in their children's education.

PEP has introduced a monthly project this year, seeking donations to assist teachers who come up with great ideas.

"If we can raise $250, URS will match the rest," said PEP Executive Director Natalie Fox. "Over 50 students will have help developing skills for the foundation of their future and gain the confidence of early success in school."

The funding will help Creasy conduct a workshop for parents of struggling students. The parents will receive kits that include specific activities for parents and children to complete together, activities based on S.C. state standards.

Creasy and other grade-level staffers and counselors have done similar workshops in recent years.

"This project enables us to work with the parents in a one-on-one setting," Creasy said via e-mail. "It helps us zero in on specific skills that the children need a little extra help with and creates game and activities with the parents."

The previous PEP project provided funds for Marianne Berst, a teacher of gifted and talented children at A.L. Corbett Middle School in Wagener. The donations will allow her to build a garden habitat that will attract migrating monarch butterflies. The garden can be certified as an official monarch tracking site for the Monarch Waystation Project.

Other partners funding the garden were Troy Nobles, Fran Altringer, Garvin Oil Company (Kent's Korner) and Sally Brodie at Real Estate One.

Creasy said she enjoys working with her parents and getting to know them.

"We are all in this together, and we need to work closely to do what is best for each child," she said. "With budget cuts and a weaker economy, grants are our saving grace right now. I am very grateful for having companies that are willing to support our efforts."

Interested persons may donate to the project at www.publicedpartners.org.

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.