Several dozen parents took advantage of Parent Night Thursday to meet Varnett’s new interim Superintendent, Dr. Margaret Stroud, and to brush up on district policies governing students.
“Education is not new to me,” said Dr. Stroud, who has worked in a variety of educational settings including K-12, charter schools and post-secondary. “I am focused on children and their success and I am here to make sure our staff does the same.”
Campus Director Twilet Alexandar, who last school year directed the Northeast Campus, talked about the curriculum, Parent Handbook, proper dress code, communication with staff and policies regarding cell phones, weapons, potty training, bullying and the importance of arriving to school before classes begin at 8 a.m.
School ends at 3 p.m. and students will not be released before then, except in the case of an emergency, All students must be picked up before 3:15 p.m. Failure to do so without notifying the campus director could result in children being taken to the nearest police station and a possible report being filed with the Texas Department of Child Protective Services.
The Parent Handbook contains the policies in detail and can be found at varnett.org. Users need to click on “About Us” on the home page and scroll down to the documents, written both in English and Spanish.
Mrs. Alexander also emphasized the importance of academic achievement and briefly discussed strategies to assist students who are struggling. “We want 100 percent success and we’re going to get it,” she declared.
She also introduced Mrs. Cheyne Brown, the new director of Southwest PreK, as well as the curriculum coordinators and behavior manager for the Southwest Campus.
Ms. Adiela Lopez, a member of the Varnett staff, served as the Spanish interpreter.
Dr. Stroud said she was honored to be named Interim Superintendent and she will have an open door policy to answers questions. “I assure you I will talk to you and address your concerns,” she said, adding that if she doesn’t have the answer she will find someone who will. “I hope you have a wonderful year.”
Southwest and Southwest PreK will host Open House/Family Night on Wednesday, Sept. 17, when parents can visit their children’s classrooms and talk to teachers. Mrs. Alexander also said that the campus monthly newsletters will be posted on the campus website under “Bulletin Board.”
Thanks to all for coming and taking an active role in your children’s education.