Parent perspective: Navigating the public school system is challenging

Editor’s note: This article was written by ALG member Patricia Olaoluwa.

My name is Patricia Olaoluwa, I have four children, all of whom who attend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Early College –an 11th grader, 9th grader, 7th grade and 6th grader. 

As a parent of four, it’s not easy to navigate the school system. This school year has been very challenging for my family. Some of those challenges include transportation, including dropping and picking up the kids from school and also taking them to their basketball, soccer, volleyball and other extracurricular activities. 

Another challenge is that my kids often face bullying from other students in the school. I have brought this to the  attention of the school and so far it has reduced drastically. Another challenge is racism. I also have to follow up constantly with my kids to see their grades.

One of the things I enjoy about the school is going to parent-teacher conferences, because it allows me to connect with the teachers on a personal level regarding the performance of my kids. I want my kids to have good grades and do well with their school work. It’s been a challenge going to parent-teacher conferences recently due to my work schedule. 

The school also does a decent job with communication, but it could be better. The school usually sends emails to disseminate information and sometimes follow up with phone calls, which I really like.

I will continue to be on top of my kids to do well in school and I hope the school will do the same.