Bowler hosts Title VI family info meeting

School district will continue to look at initiatives to help students become successful
By: 
Luke Reimer
Reporter

The Bowler School District hosted a parental information meeting explaining the Title VI program to families on May 4.

Title VI coordinator and athletic director Jeff DePerry explained that Title VI supports a comprehensive approach to educational improvement and reform for American Indian students.

“This is to help ensure that they benefit from national education reforms and receive every opportunity to achieve high standards,” said DePerry.

DePerry said that the informational meeting is held annually to catch parents up to speed with what they need to know about the Title VI program.

“Every year for our Title VI grant, we are required to have a parent advisory committee meeting,” said DePerry. “We tried to turn this year’s meeting into a family night, where families were welcomed to come eat dinner, meet the staff and ask questions.”

During the meeting, DePerry, with the help of other Bowler staff, informed families on things that are happening inside of the building, as well as the initiatives that they are looking at down the road.

“We do family nights and host events that families are encouraged to attend,” said DePerry. “We want families to be involved as chaperones and classroom helpers.”

He said that all of these initiatives and projects are provided to give students more opportunities to decide what they want to do when they leave the Bowler School District.

“Our Native American children can succeed, and it is exciting to see them do so,” said DePerry.

DePerry said that there is a need for the Title VI program in the Bowler School District.

“There is probably a bigger need than we have currently,” said DePerry. “This supports the educational and cultural needs of our American Indian children.”

He added that this funding gives the school district an opportunity to spend money on cultural events and initiatives.

“We can put on a powwow, go to a college fair and purchase supplies for students,” said DePerry.

Along with the school district, DePerry said that he wants families to be as involved as possible when it comes to Title VI and the school district as a whole.

“The bottom line is that these are all of our children,” said DePerry. “We want families to have a voice as well. We have gotten feedback over the years. We want to hear what families want in regards to education and career-building. It is important to have a voice in your child’s education.”

DePerry summed this meeting up saying that the school district’s goal is to give students as many options as they can and let them make their decision when that time comes.

“There are a lot of good things happening inside this building,” said DePerry. “We want to continue to find ways promote that and communicate that. We will continue to uncover every stone to provide our kids with chances to be successful once they leave us.”


lreimer@newmedia-wi.com