Survey Says: Bullying, Parent Involvement Top Concerns for SD157-C Principals

Bullying and parent involvement led the concerns of Frankfort School District 157-C principals at Monday's school board meeting as they revealed the findings of recent school surveys. 

District 157-C schools surveyed selected classes, teachers and parents after the 2009-10 year in an attempt to find the highlights of the district, as well as the areas that could be improved. The district did the same following the previous school year, and the results will be used to set goals for 2011-12.

“What I've asked is each of the principals to take a look at the surveys from last year to this year, to take a look at the responses from this year and really try to break those down and form them into a plan of action,” said Superintendent Thomas Hurlburt.

Eileen Nelson, Kristin Simpkins and Kevin Suchinski--the principals at , and , respectively--each addressed the board individually about their schools. For Nelson, who is new to Grand Prairie, the findings were from a school year that she did not oversee.

“What really stood out was the safety issue,” Nelson said, later adding, “We just need to make sure that kids understand that and get a better feel for what they need to feel more comfortable on the bus, on the playground or being able to tell if they're being bullied.”

The principals shared feedback from students, parents and faculty at the schools that outlined several areas where bullying can be stymied. District administrators are trying to make strides in the area, inlcuding more interaction with social workers, as well as Internet-based incident reports.

“We've got to look at how we're going to affect the entire culture and climate of a building and make sure that everybody recognizes that there's fairness and equity and that there's consistency in (punishment for bullying),” Hurlburt said.

Eliminating bullying is a major motivator to several innovations at Chelsea and Hickory Creek. Simpkins and Suchinski said their schools offer small group sessions, as well as large assemblies on the issue during the school year.

Aside from bullying, surveyed parents voiced a desire to be more involved in the school system. In fact, 145 out of 180 Grand Prairie parents indicated on the survey that they would like more involvement.

Nelson said the school will work to get more parents participation, specifically citing a desire to have a fathers' initiative in January. This program will be designed to have dads come to a half-day of school to get a better idea of what goes on.