Published: October 13, 2008 01:22 am         

SCHOOL: Oak Orchard hosts high to increase communication.

Oak Orchard Elementary School hosted an informational night for the parents of third-graders, in hopes of boosting communication between children, parents and school.

“We’re hoping to reinforce communication,” said teacher on special assignment Kathie Valley. “They are skills to help children through life. It starts right now.”

Oak Orchard Principal Cathy Joynt said the parent/student informational night is a way for the parents to get to know the school. As part of the night, the school contacted Linda Jones-Williams, a former Medina resident, to come and speak on etiquette. Jones-Williams, who lives in Long Island, writes an etiquette column for many newspapers, including The Journal-Register. She has also worked with many school districts, often as part of a Character in Education Program.

The Medina Central School District graduate was happy to return “home” to share her thoughts with the parents at Oak Orchard.

“It is a workshop on the importance of parents teaching kids good manners,” Jones-Williams said. “It begins at home and is a partnership.”

During the night, food was served and the children got to make crafts and play, while the parents listened to Jones-Williams’ workshop.

“I hope they realize the importance of teaching good manners early,” she said. Jones-Williams said that good manners are important for whatever career a child chooses later in life.

“Sometimes parents need a reminder,” Jones-Williams said. “We’re so busy doing what we want to do that we over look their behavior ... It’s just a reminder.”

At the end of the night, Jones-Williams had two goals. She hoped that they learned something and enjoyed the program. More than 70 family members of the third-grade class attended the night. Ages ranged from younger brothers and sisters, to grandmothers and grandfathers.