Promising Practices

Bowling Green Junior High School

GEAR UP for College - Parent Night Out

Parents toured the local university and technical college and were informed about postsecondary education choices and financial aid programs for their children.

At Bowling Green Junior High (BGJH), we initially targeted 75 parents to attend. After many efforts and only 30 responses, we opened up the group to other parents. At first we were disappointed by the small turnout, but realized we had made an impact on these parents and that the parents had bonded. YES! This group of parents would easily return for other events.

Transportation was provided from the elementary schools to BGJH. Only a few parents took advantage of this service. Childcare was provided by the Bowling Green High School child care class and supervised by a BGJHS teacher. Pizza and drinks were provided.

At 5:30 the bus tour left Bowling Green Junior High to go to Western Kentucky University (WKU). We picked up an admissions office employee, who offered many interesting facts about the programs and life on campus at WKU. We then proceeded to Bowling Green Technical College (BGTC). We met in the computerized wood shop for a fascinating demonstration. Our next stop was the Dining Room for a delicious meal prepared and served by the culinary arts students.

Parents were given a portfolio pad to organize the materials they were given, plus a pen, calculator and post-it notes.

After dinner the following presented information about postsecondary education choices and financial aid programs at their respective institutions: WKU Dean of Admissions, BGTC Counselor, WKU Educational Talent Search Director, and BGJH Counselor.

The closing event was the drawing for the K-mart gift certificates and the ride back to BGJHS on the bus.

The only costs were for the bus mileage, driver's salary, and food for the dinner. The approximate cost was $300. All others donated their time or considered it part of their normal work responsibilities.

Standards and Indicators for Success:

• The school works with families to remove barriers to learning in an effort to meet the intellectual, social, career, and developmental needs of students
  
  
• The school functions as an effective learning community and supports a climate conducive to performance excellence
  
  
• Teachers communicate regularly about student progress
  
  
• Families are active partners in the educational process and work together to promote services for all students
  
  

Contact Information:

Mary Higgins, Ed.S., LPCC
Bowling Green Jr. High School
900 Campbell Lane
Bowling Green, KY 42104
(270) 746-2290
Fax: (270) 746-2297
mhiggins@b-g.k12.ky.us