With parents like Cheryl McGinnis, Clarkston High School students are in good hands.
The mother of three is the acting president of the Parent-Teacher-Student Association.
‘We are a group of individuals who try to help the interests of the parents, staff, administration and the students,? McGinnis said. ‘We try to be as supportive as possible when we are needed.?
The group has a 400 person membership, which is a little lower than in years past, although some individuals are more active than others. The group mobilizes their volunteers by sending out a packet during the summer months where parents can sign up to help. When the group receives the replies from the parents, they form a database of volunteers which they use throughout the year.
The group helps with items as simple as providing teachers with coffee and doughnuts during teacher conferences, and as time-consuming as assisting students with their schedules.
‘Just this year we had about 25 to 30 volunteers come in and assist students with their schedules. It would normally take the counselors a month to meet individually with the students to finalize their schedules but with us in only took a week,? McGinnis said. ‘We also helped with the MEAP test by packaging the test just the way the state wants it.?
While McGinnis is the acting president, she is quick to point out it is the volunteers that make the most difference.
‘We seldom get a rejection because the list is tailored to what the parents are comfortable with. Our parents really participate and really give of their time,? McGinnis said. ‘A lot of us have full time jobs and we do what we are able to do.?
McGinnis works full time with her husband Mark’s business. Despite that she finds time to take an active interest in her children’s education and the schools they attend.
‘I am in the high school about two or three times a week. It is great to walk the halls. It is very refreshing to see a lot of the kids who know me by name. The kids have no problem with parents being in the building,? McGinnis said.
While she has been helping the schools for numerous years, McGinnis has to really give it some thought to remember how it all started.
‘Now that I think about it, it was a Clarkston bond campaign to build a new elementary school,? McGinnis said.
McGinnis heard about the movement from a group of women in her neighborhood, and after learning about the issues she decided to help out the cause. While the bond issue did not pass at that time, a journey of McGinnis helping the school district did.
A few years later after attending a rally at the school board offices, McGinnis co-chaired a bond issue for Springfield Plains Elementary. McGinnis has since chaired other bond issues and attempted to do what is in the best interest of Clarkston Community Schools students.
‘I do it for the community,? McGinnis said. ‘I never thought I should do it because my kids will have new desks or computers. That is never a consideration. I just think of all the students as a whole.?
While not classifying herself as a ‘popcorn mom,? McGinnis says she was always an interested parent.
‘I think parents should think outside the box. They should know the curriculum. They should do what they feel is the right thing to do. Parents must take an active role in their student’s education at every level. I am a firm believer I am my child’s first teacher,? McGinnis said. ‘Sometimes it is hard for parents to look at the whole picture, but that is something they need to do. Sometimes you have to look at what is good for everyone.?
The group meets the second Tuesday of each month in the Clarkston High School media center at 6:30 p.m. The group is always looking for new members and McGinnis is looking for someone to succeed her as president. The 20-year Clarkston resident has been president for three years.
‘It doesn’t take 100 volunteers to make a change, it just takes one,? McGinnis said. ‘My heart tells me this is what I should be doing but believe me, this is not a Cheryl McGinnis thing.?
McGinnis is the mother of Sarah, senior, Natalee, sophomore and Patrick, seventh grade.