Child abuse and neglect increases in Hampton with holidays and times of economic hardships.

You would be surprised about the number of children in Hampton County School District 2 who are abused and neglected at home. For many children school is a safe haven. It is a place where they can get away from the abuse that they endure at home. It is a place where they can get a least two hot meals a day. But what happens to children during school breaks? For many children in our community school breaks is a time of hurt and abuse. During this holiday season, let us not forget about the children who are being abused or neglected in their homes. When we wake up on Christmas morning and have the joy of seeing our children open their presents let us not forget about the children who are in foster care. As we approach the New Year, let us not forget about the children who were abused or neglected. As we make New Year’s resolutions let us not forget the children. Make a decision to change a life of a child. Make a resolution in the New Year to make a difference in a child’s life. The impact you have on just one child can change the world. Many of us know about a child who is being neglected because of drug abuse by the parents. Many of us know about a child who is being sexually molested by a parent, family friend, family member, or even a neighbor. Many of us know about a child is living in domestic violence.

The financial hardships that many families in our community will face in the coming weeks will put many children at risk of abuse. Many companies are laying off employees or requiring mandatory leave without pay. Economic hardships lead to substance abuse and substance abuse leads to child abuse. As the number of child abuse case increase there will be a need for additional child services. There will be a need for foster homes and Guardian ad Litems. However, for many of us are not able to bring a child into our homes as a foster parent. As a Guardian ad Litem, you can help a child. You can be their voice. You can see that they are not lost in the child welfare system. All you need is a few hours a month to be their voice when they cannot speak for themselves. Make a resolution in the New Year to volunteer some of you time for a child who is abused or neglected. They need your voice. Visit this website for more information about how you can become a volunteer Guardian ad Litem visit this website. www.hampton.scgal.org

Stand up for a child in the coming year. Give hope to a child in the New Year.

PIE meets with Interim Superintendent

The Executive Members of Parents Involved in Education had an opportunity to meet with Interim Superintendent Dr. Tobin. During the recent 2 hour meeting with Dr. Tobin, the Executive Members of PIE discussed their concerns about what changes need to occur in our school district. PIE presented Dr. Tobin with the list of concerns we have posted in the “For Your Information” section of this website. We are happy to report that several of our concerns listed have been addressed. Dr. Tobin brings stability and hope to our district.

Some of the topics discussed were:

High Teacher Turnover

Discipline and safety - PIE is very pleased with the measures taken at Estill Elementary school to deal with behavior issues.

Estill High School - too many concerns to list. Mr. Corley really should talk to PIE.

Security Cameras at the high school. We are happy that the district is finally placing security cameras in the schools. Security cameras in the classrooms are not a bad idea. If the teachers are doing their jobs, they should not worry about being on camera.

Communication between the parents and the schools is still a concern. The automatic calling system is a great idea however; announcements should be made in a timelier manner.

The District website continues to be a problem. The website should be a priority for the district as a line of communication between the parents and teachers.

Estill High School needs a lot of improvement in their guidance department. Somebody tried to fix something that was not broken. The personnel changes there have only hurt the students. PIE has gotten several complaints. Parents are not happy.

The special education department needs to be reviewed. PIE has gotten several complaints.

Dr. Tobin will conduct the search for a superintendent. He explained to PIE how he will conduct the search.