MARK-ALAN WHITTLE
Embrace change … make it work                                         CONTACT MARK
PARENTS NEED TO GET DIRECTLY INVOLVED

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Mountain News (Hamilton)
Phyllis Benedict, of Elementary Teachers Federation fame, is right when she states that parents need to support teachers and speak positively of the value of the education our children receive. As the Father of a boy less able, I can tell the readership first hand that my son has not been 'pushed aside' by the public education system, but welcomed with open arms.
Logan now attends Senior Kindergarten at Ridgemount Public School thanks to a seamless transition provided by the efforts of a diverse and caring group of educators and healthcare providers who have all taken a leadership role on my sons behalf.
Anne Cliffe, Ridgemount Principal, is a safety conscious and caring administrator who is not afraid to delegate authority empowering educators to think on their feet in the classroom and find innovative ways to teach meaningful curriculum to a less able child, allowing them to communicate effectively. Perhaps Phyllis Benedict of the Teachers Federation should visit Logan's class and see first hand how valuable an education is for special needs students like my boy.
Jacqueline Johnson, Logan's elementary teacher, has reaffirmed my faith in the public education system by her will to educate Logan in a challenging way.
To further enhance Logan's education, the Hamilton District School Board allows a Educational Assistant and outside experts such as Lucille Harroo, Logan's case worker from the Community Care Access Centre to coordinate language experts and Physiotherapists in the classroom.
If parents want to improve their children's education they need to get directly involved and show their kids they care enough to be there for them and contribute to their children's learning experience.
Joining your School Council or volunteering in the classroom are responsibilities we should all share if we want to improve our education system in a real and effective way.
The classroom door has always been open to parents who care, so don't be afraid to step through and contribute.

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