ROME, GA—As the morning sun had just begun to spread its warmth across the rooftops of Rome Middle School, that warm embrace was reflected inside the bustling cafeteria where parents and caregivers were welcomed to the first RMS Donuts for Dads event on Thursday, Oct. 6.
Grabbing from a sweet assortment of donuts, students and their family members sat on the small stools and engaged in conversation, taking time to connect with one another as well as the families around them.
Parke Wilkinson, former principal of RMS, stood to the side, smiling at the reception occurring in the room around him.
“This is such a great turnout,” he said. “This is our first Donuts for Dads. Our first one, but not our last one.”
The hopeful goal is to involve and engage all parents, caregivers and community members that hold stake in the efforts and endeavors of RMS and its students.
Wilkinson said that the most important piece of information to offer caregivers during the inaugural event is one of gratitude for showing up and showing interest in their child’s education.
He attributed the coordination of the event to RMS’ very own Communities in Schools Site Coordinator, Emanuel Woods, who works with students on a one-on-one basis to offer support, mentorship, and parental engagement opportunities, as well as a host of other duties and initiatives.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming out this morning,” Woods addressed the full room. “This is a beautiful thing to see, for me, all the dads being involved.” He went on to inform attendees of his role within the school and how that role works to benefit both them and their children.
Assistant Principal Kristin Hall offered caregivers information and encouragement concerning the resources available through the PowerSchool software accessible through the Rome City Schools website, as well as the alerts and updates available through use of the mobile resource, SchoolStatus.
Woods capped off the morning fellowship by introducing a friend and guest speaker, Rome native and Cobb County law enforcement officer, Russell Reid, who spoke of the importance of mindful parental involvement in a child’s educational journey and beyond. Reid used personal experiences and viewpoints to engage and relate to the caregivers in the room. He stressed the importance of, not simply instructing children, but showing them, being active role models.
As Wilkinson passes the RMS torch to new Principal Christian A. Barnes, to embark on a new position within the RCS system as principal of Rome High School, he took the opportunity that morning to extend gratitude for the dedicated individuals who continue to serve the students and the school with all of their best abilities and intentions.
“I love this school,” Wilkinson smiled. “We have the best of the best. We have great students, great teachers, and I can’t thank Kristin Hall, Mr. [Anthony] Whatley and Amber Garlin enough for helping me as principal. Their leadership is outstanding.”
He told attendees that as Barnes takes his place at RMS, in just a matter of days, he knows that events and programs such as this will be in good hands.
RMS is set to host Muffins for Moms on the Tuesday following fall break (Oct. 18).
“We will continue this tradition of inviting families into our school,” Wilkinson said. “I’m sure this will build and get bigger and better every time.”
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