New parent committee, N.E.S.T., working to ensure the success of every New Albin Elementary student

A parent committee was recently started at New Albin Elementary School in the Eastern Allamakee Community School District. The purpose of N.E.S.T. (New Albin Elementary Success Team) is to ensure the success of every student, in the classroom and beyond. The motivation for starting this group was to develop a partnership between the community and the school, working together towards the success of every student.

“By having parents involved, we will be able to show our students that their education isn’t just important to the staff at the school, but it matters to the entire community as well. We want the students to know we care about all aspects of their lives, and their success is our reward!” said New Albin Elementary School Principal and N.E.S.T. organizer Donna Thomas.

The group formed late last year with one of its first objectives being coordination of volunteers. The group also plans to arrange parent education events, offer classroom support, organize fundraisers, assist with school activities, and plan appreciation events, among other matters.

A benefit of having a group like N.E.S.T. is to collect ideas for improvement from outside sources and then have the help available to implement those ideas.

“Involved parents understand the challenges their school faces and are eager to help find a solution. If we foster a closer relationship between parents and the school, it will lead to more ideas being shared, more solutions being found and more help being available. That will leave a positive impact, not only on the school, but most importantly, on the students. And that’s the goal,” says N.E.S.T. President Jenny Cole.

The committee meets the first Thursday of every month, from 5-6 p.m., at New Albin Elementary School. Anyone in the Eastern Allamakee Community School District who is interested in joining N.E.S.T. is invited to attend. Those who are unable to attend the meeting, but who are interested in joining the group, are asked to contact Principal Donna Thomas by calling New Albin Elementary at 563-544-4246 or emailing her at dthomas@kee.k12.ia.us.