Erpenbach Helps Launch "Take Your Parent to School" Week

WEAC President Terry Craney on Monday (May 10, 1999) joined Sen. Jon Erpenbach in announcing "Take Your Parent to School Week" May 17-21.

Terry Craney speaks at the news conference while Sen. Jon Erpenbach and his son, Joey, look on.

At a news conference at Sauk Trail Elementary School in Middleton, Craney said this special week is an important first step to encourage parents to become more involved in their children's schooling.

"Wisconsin teachers wholeheartedly support any attempts to increase parental involvement," Craney said. "We have long welcomed parents into our classrooms and encouraged their participation in their child's activities."

"Take Your Parents to School Week" is modeled after "Take Your Child to Work Day." The idea was advanced by Erpenbach and embraced by Governor Thompson, who made an official proclamation during the Sauk Trail news conference.

The bipartisan nature of the event was characterized by the participation of Erpenbach; Thompson; Craney; and Jim Haney, president of the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce. Also participating were Sondy Pope-Roberts of the Wisconsin PTA and Steve Dold of the Department of Public Instruction.

"Research has shown time and time again that parental involvement in a child's education is key to that child's success in school and throughout life," Craney said. "Parents are their children's first and most important teacher.

"The best way parents can influence their children's education is to visit their schools, check homework, limit television viewing, see that they get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast, so that children arrive at school each day ready to learn," he said.

Erpenbach, a member of Senate Education Committee, said he developed the idea for the week after spending lunch in his son's kindergarten classroom. He said he expected many parents would take the opportunity to visit their children's schools.

"Wisconsin parents work hard balancing the responsibilities of running the house and assisting their children's educational growth," Erpenbach said. "This week can be a rewarding experience and a reminder of how important it is to make our children's education a priority."

The governor said that by going to school with their children, parents can open up a dialogue with their teachers, and build a better learning environment for their sons and daughters.

Posted May 10, 1999