Central High School has a very diverse student body and as a school, we value the relationship between parents and students. Central had a National African American Parent Involvement Day event in the den at the school’s library.
National African American Parent Involvement Day started in 1995. Happening on February 10th, this day is for African American parents to come to their child’s school and experience what their day at school looks like. This day allows parents to encourage their students with grades and activities.
Central wanted to have a warm welcome for parents, the library was decorated with red, green, black, and yellow decorations symbolizing the African American flag. NAAPID has a tradition of sharing popcorn and bonding over ways to better the community.
Jevonna Page, an African American student, took pictures at the NAAPID event for the Central yearbook. “I do believe African American students would be more involved if their parents were too because having support for your parent is an amazing feeling, especially when it’s something you’re interested in.” She also expressed how it makes her feel when her parent is involved. “My parent being involved in my education impacts me dearly because communication gets lost between the school and home so having my mom makes it easier.”
The African American Club (AAC) hosted the event with sponsors Jasmine Barber and Tiffany Young. They felt it was important for the event and club to have more student involvement. Central seniors Clowie Love, Taylor Henderson, and Nevaeh Bickerstaff are the club’s chiefs. “We looked at the past NAAPID days for things we did and didn’t like,” said Baber. Ms. Young also expressed that she is very involved with her child’s education and has found connecting with her child’s teachers easier. Ms Barber also feels it is essential for African American students to have this day because it is a space where they can be vulnerable and have a safe place where they aren’t judged.
Clowie Love opened with a presentation on why NAAPID is important to the community followed by a parent-led questionnaire with Dr. Montia Gardener about solutions to better the safety and accountability of African American students. Love says that when you send kids to school it is expected that they act right and the parent goes to work, but there isn’t a connecting bridge of support. She also said she’d be proud if her parents were there because she was at the forefront of the event.
