Sweeping reform has to start with a few interested minds.

But it is still difficult to squelch disappointment when the “few” is less than hoped.

Ferriday Upper Elementary School opened its doors on a Sunday afternoon in hopes of educating 30 or so parents about the all-important upcoming state tests. The principal and approximately five faculty members gave up their day off to cater to working parents.

Only approximately 10 parents attended.

But the school officials didn’t get too discouraged. They’ll start the reforms off small.

Principal Cindy Smith said what she intended to say, and encouraged the group present to take her message on the road.

The LEAP and the iLEAP determine everything from grade promotion to school rankings and the funding schools can receive. These tests are important, but the students do not seem to care.

So Smith told the parents to gather up neighborhood children this week and talk to them about the test. She gave the sample questions, quick tips and rules for the coming weeks.

And she told them it is time to see change in the historically low Ferriday test scores.

If the 10 present take the message on to 10 more, who take it on to 10 more, that change can come.

But the message must get out. Students must do well on these tests. They need extra sleep, extra encouragement and a positive face at home.

Parents can make or break our local schools.

When Louisiana schools start state testing next Monday, every interested mind counts.