It's only an hour each semester, but Itta Bena Mayor Thelma Collins says 60 minutes will make a difference.
The Board of Aldermen last week approved Collins' recommendation that city employees spend an hour in the classroom with their children.
Collins said it will set an example for the rest of the community. "That's the goal. This will get other parents involved."
Often the only time parents visit a school is when their child is sick or in trouble.
By sitting in the classroom, the parents can observe their children. It will provide insight on their behavior in school and what they're learning, Collins said. And it will support the children's efforts, showing that the parents place value on education.
Charles Ollie, principal of Leflore County High School, welcomes the idea.
"It's very important parents know what we are doing in the school system."
Many parents have full-time jobs and cannot make it to meet with teachers. This measure is also an opportunity to see how well students are progressing, the principal said.
The mayor's long-term goal is to strengthen ties between the community and its schools.
The new measure is only for city employees with children in Leflore County Elementary or High School, which are located inside Itta Bena.
The city has a total of 47 employees.
If the parents don't use the hour during the semester, they lose it.
If a child has two parents working for the city, each employee still gets an hour, Collins explained.
The idea was inspired by a recent conference of the National League of Cities Collins attended in San Antonio.
