Ding ding! The morning school bell rang and students are now in class, learning—uh what exactly?
Educators and school staff heavily influence a student’s education, but what about the support at home? School is like a miniature version of the world; within its walls, students prepare for the reality of their future and the larger world as a whole. Confined to school for 12 years of learning, how do the people beyond, closely related to the students, support and influence a student’s success in academics, social skills and so much more?
Columbia Heights Public Schools consists of Columbia Heights High School, Columbia Academy, and three elementary schools: North Park School for Innovation, Valley View and Highland. The Heights Herald (HH) reached out to parents and guardians to ask what they think makes their students’ education worthwhile here in Columbia Heights.
HH: How do parents’ perspectives shape their children’s academic experiences and outcomes?
Natalie Hughes, ValleyView: As a parent, I believe that the way we see education has an impact on how our children [approach] their studies. If we view education as important and communicate that belief to our kids, they’re more likely to value learning themselves. Our attitudes about school—shape how we think about effort, success, and even failure.
Ethan Maxwell, Columbia Academy: I think it is about how we engage with their schoolwork and the school [community]. When parents take an active role in education—doing homework together, talking about their kid’s day, or attending school events—it sends a message that school is worth our time and attention.
HH: Do parents’ involvement play a critical role in their children’s academic performance and success?
Alondra Manzanarez, Columbia Heights High School: It’s about being present—attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering at events, and staying connected with the school activities. [Ultimately], I think our involvement shows our children that we care about their growth—not just academically, but as whole people. It’s about teaching them the basic fundamental concepts, which I believe starts at home.
Sophie Ramirez, North Park: My children and I have lived in Columbia Heights our whole lives. They have been going to school here for years and hopefully will continue to until graduation. Something that makes the education system here in Columbia Heights unique is the level of involvement the schools allow parents to take part in. Events hosted by the schools such as Cultural Night, Track and Field Day, and Peace Day foster opportunities for me not only to grow with my children but also to see the meaningful lessons they are learning in school when I am not there. It’s a level of trust that Columbia Heights has built with me, allowing me to leave my children in their care.
With collective perspectives from parents around the Columbia Heights Public Schools district to discuss education and how it plays a role in not only their own lives but also their children’s, not to mention their communities and extended families. One thing is for sure—a good education stems from having a strong support system. The school bell rings and school for the day has ended.
Ding ding! It’s the doorbell. It’s time to ask them about their day now and see what they have learned.
