All parents and members of this community are invited to learn more information about school-wide Title I programs.

The Natchez-Adams School District will hold its annual Title I parent meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the David Steckler Multipurpose Building. The district feels it is necessary for parents to attend this meeting to understand Title I and parent roles.

Title I is short for Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act that is in the process of being reauthorized by President Obama.

The Title I program is a federal program that provides supplemental educational services so that all children can have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a world-class education.

Major benefits of this program include smaller classes, additional teachers and assistants, improving reading, math and language arts skills, special instructional spaces and opportunities for professional development for school staff.

It also offers extra time for teaching Title I students the skills they need, individualized programs for students, a variety of supplementary teaching methods, additional teaching materials that supplement regular instruction, and training for parents.

School wide Title I Programs are successful when schools and parents work together. As outlined in our required school-parent compact provisions, parents can volunteer and assist in their child’s classroom, attend meetings and parent-teacher conferences, and participate in the annual evaluation of parental involvement.

In return, the schools will give all parents the opportunity to participate in their child’s education, reach out to parents through newsletters and parent-teacher conferences, and offer workshops to help parents work with their children to improve academic achievement.

Come out Thursday evening to receive more information on school wide Title I programs and learn about your rights and responsibilities as a parent.

Mrs. Marilyn-Alexander Turner, director of Federal Programs for the Natchez-Adams School District, will supply parents with the tools needed for understanding how Title I works in our schools.

If you have any questions about our annual Title I parent meeting, please contact Mrs. Alexander-Turner at 601-445-2828 or me at 601-445-2988.

Angelita L. Jones is the parent center supervisor in the Natchez-Adams School District.