Pickens Middle Holds Title I Meeting

As a Title I school, Pickens County Middle School is required to conduct a parent informational meeting yearly as a means to develop school policies that reflect not only district goals, but parental goals as well. This year’s was held Monday night.Despite an active Facebook group formed by parents to address concerns within the school system, the turn-out was low. Principal Dr. Chris LeMieux states the school sent letters home with report cards as well as a hand-out given in the car line for after-school pick ups, a robo-call and numerous school announcements.

LeMieux stated,

“In the past, I have scheduled this meeting prior to band or chorus concert to capture a large audience of my middle school parents. This year I was told by central office that I needed to have the meeting separate from a concert. I decided to choose a topic (i.e., school safety) that I thought would interest my parents.”

A panel of experts attended to answer questions, put faces and names together for parents and to explain their involvement in the school. Representatives of the administration, the PTO, the school nurse, school resource officers and GEMA all explained their roles in various parts.

Topics covered included parent involvement, FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act), the discipline plan, the CARES (Character Education/Advocate/Remediation/Enrichment/School Spirit) plan and emergency preparedness.

The program detailed parental involvement and how important it is as well as providing paper copies of the school survey for parents to complete for input. Several power point presentations enhanced the event and the messages being conveyed.

There was a question and answer segment but no one opted to participate. However, the school as well as the district is still encouraging parental involvement and it’s not too late to submit a survey online. You may do so at:

School District Survey

The PCMS program video is available for viewing here: