Parent Leaders recognized by OCPS

Parent Leaders at OCPS Board Meeting.

June 09, 2009

At Tuesday evening’s School Board meeting FOCUS leaders were recognized by Area Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Reeves and School Board Member Kat Gordon for the innovative “Parent Watch” program and its contribution to the Board’s goal for sustained community engagement. Following meetings last year with OCPS and the Sheriff’s office, parent leaders from St. John Vianney are now monitoring the implementation of the Parent Watch program at 5 schools along the Oak Ridge Road corridor: Sadler Elementary, Millennia Elementary, Shingle Creek Elementary, Palmetto Elementary and Westridge Middle. Bright House Networks has come on board as the corporate sponsor for the program. A pilot run was conducted the last week of school, and will launch officially at the start of the school year. 

With crime prevention training from the Sheriff’s office (first training took place on May 21), parent volunteers stand watch outside the school for 30-45 minutes at dismissal time to help keep kids safe. Parents wear bright lime green vests and hats so that kids know which adults are safe and there to help. With cell phones from the Sheriff, or radios from the school, parent watch volunteers are able to report any unsafe or suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.  Anne Lynaugh, principal of Millennia Elementary, said the program was conducted on 2 consecutive Wednesdays and went “amazingly well”. They announced the program on the morning news so students would recognize the green vests. Fabiola Popuchet, a parent leader at Sadler Elementary, said “this program is a dream, to see so many people come together for our children”. People are excited to expand the program in the fall and work together for positive changes.

Go to OCPS website to view video from meeting on June 6, 2009.