Reader’s Corner: Parents, get involved

As a new school year begins, most parents hope their children’s reading skills continue to improve as they advance to a new grade level. Sadly, though, with the current state of social affairs in our country, the beginning of school also calls for vigilance on the part of parents who want to make sure what their children learn lines up with their family’s values; and one area where it’s important to be informed and get involved is that of what our students are reading. 

Here in southwest Missouri, we are fortunate to have many area library staff and volunteers, in both school and public libraries, who are careful about the materials placed in front of our kids; but unfortunately, questionable materials can still creep in. Parents can visit www.TakeBacktheClassroom.com, which was previously shared in this column, and other websites searchable by state and school district, to find information and express concerns. 

A recent discussion by Jill Simonian of Prager U Kids offered a back-to-school checklist for parents, with good tips on how to be an involved parent, how to opt out of lessons that do not match your family values and more. One of her suggestions for making sure kids have appropriate reading materials is to donate good books! Visit the Prager U website to learn more. 

Another good resource is the Children’s Health Defense Back to School toolkit [https://childrenshealthdefense.org/toolkit-for-back-to-school/], which contains guides for health issues, privacy concerns, curriculum evaluation and parental rights to be informed and involved. 

We are thankful to have many great administrators in our area schools who share parents’ concerns for quality materials that do not violate conservative family values, and who do not try to exclude parents from the information loop. Let’s show them our appreciation as parents, grandparents and caregivers, by getting involved!