The McComb Branch NAACP Youth Council hopes to encourage a closer relationship between school administration, parents and students during a youth education and health care summit Saturday.
Youth council advisor Mamie Kettle, who is organizing the event, said the summit will allow parents and students from North Pike, McComb and South Pike schools a chance to address their district’s administration.
Kettle said she believes some students and parents are uncomfortable with addressing school administrators or superintendents with their concerns.
“Some parents, I feel, don’t feel comfortable to go to the school system,” she said.
Kettle said the gathering can pave the way toward closer ties.
“We’re trying to let everyone know we’re on the same page,” Kettle said.
She expects each school district to be represented Saturday and hopes each superintendent will attend. The summit will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the downtown McComb pavilion.
A panel of four students from each Pike County school district will ask questions of school administrators, and parents and other students in attendance will have a chance to query officials as well, Kettle said. She said the discussion will be led by a moderator.
“This is not a bashing event. This is a bridge-the-gap event,” she said.
Kettle said the NAACP has held education and health workshops, but this is the first time the youth council has held an education forum that combined all Pike County schools. She said it’s important to address the concerns of the county’s students.
“This is for all schools. This is a Pike County event,” she said.
Kettle said students have concerns with their schools.
“We know in every school they have certain issues,” she said.
Those in the audience should address their questions through the moderator, Kettle noted.
Following the education summit, attendees will hear from health care experts, and various health officials will be on hand.
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For more information, call Kettle at 248-7581.
