For years the Indianapolis Public Schools system has gotten a bad reputation from the general community as well as some of its students and parents. However, despite the criticism and lack of communal support, the district continues to advance towards its goal of becoming a school system that’s among the best in the country.
There are several things that are needed to help transition IPS to that next level, and at the top of the list is parental support.
There are public meetings that IPS has to address various issues or changes concerning the district. Many of these meetings are televised and the dismal attendance of the district’s parents is disheartening.
While it’s understood that many parents work in the evening, may not have child care, or face various transportation issues, there should still be more parents who attend the meetings. To have the largest school district in the state only generate a couple of dozen parents at their meetings is completely unacceptable.
Parents voiced their concerns in droves when IPS Superintendent Dr. Eugene White instituted a new dress code for students; parents were seen on the news, you read about their dissension in newspapers, and you heard their frustrated views on radio stations. Yet sadly, when White holds a public meeting to discuss redistricting, the schools’ general fund, or technology upgrades; there’s a hushed silence.
For quite awhile it seems that parents in general have done a less than adequate job of raising their children. Rather than focusing on being a friend to their child, parents should do the responsible thing and look at what’s good for students overall.
Parents need to also realize that they are their child’s first teachers. It’s imperative to communicate effectively with your children early on, so by the time they reach school age, they are more equipped to learn.
I’ve spoken with several early childhood teachers and administrators and they say it’s not uncommon for a child not to know his full name, instead they only know their nickname. This is a very serious problem.
Many people criticize Bill Cosby and other outspoken Blacks for “airing our dirty laundry,” but the only way to work towards a tangible solution is to first address the problem.
There are many wonderful things that IPS has for its students as well as the township and charter schools throughout the state. What matters most is that parents, teachers, and administrators are all doing their part to ensure the proper educational success of students. It’s also the individual responsibility of each student to work hard towards securing their own future.
On Tuesday Dexter Suggs, principal at Donnan Middle School on the city’s Southside was recognized for his efforts by the Milken Family Foundation. Suggs was one of 80 teachers nationwide to receive the honor, which included a $25,000 cash prize that the recipient can use in any way.
Suggs is an example of someone who didn’t let his circumstances determine his destiny. He grew up in St. Louis and was in a gang by the time he reached middle school. While in the gang, Suggs had been shot twice and stabbed several times.
Eventually, he reached deep inside himself and realized that a life on the street was not the life he wanted to live. After transferring to a school far from his neighborhood, Suggs began rebuilding his life. He was active in sports and eventually enrolled at Southern Illinois University. Soon after he joined the Army Reserves, went to war, and later decided to become an educator so he could contribute positively to society.
Suggs is one example of the dedicated and talented teachers at IPS. His commitment to the community he serves will surely make a personal impact on his students.
Hats off to Dexter Suggs.
