Mission Statement

to increase the graduation rates for underrepresented students within Modesto City Schools.

Promote more participation on the part of the parent groups
Encourage parents, community and MCS staff to help build cultural competence
Support community programs
Seek more positive relationships with site principals, clubs and teachers.
Increase the community’s sensitivity and understanding to all teachers and administrations
Be prepared to listen to all sides
Assist schools and the district with recruiting and retaining underrepresented tutors, mentors, teachers, and administrators.
Support school efforts to eliminate the use of all “racial slurs” within our schools and community.
Encourage our students/children to be culturally proficient
Encourage our students/children to pursue a future as an educator.
Work with district and school staff on developing strategies to reduce student suspensions and expulsion numbers.
Promote higher education with college scholarships for high school seniors.

Goals and Expectations

Background

Dr. William C. Parker, (deceased, June 2008) was the founder and president of Parker & Parker Associates, a human resource development consulting firm, located in Lexington, Kentucky. He was the author of numerous articles and books on human behavior, managerial psychology, multiculturalism, prejudice reduction, and many others.

In 2002 from growing concerns in the community, Dr. Parker met on several occasions with Modest City School district staff and community members. His goal was to increase and improve the dialogue between the schools and members of Modesto’s diverse community.

At his recommendation, the Dr. Parker Committee was formed to continue his work. The purpose of this committee was to address and discuss the “Closing the ACHIEVEMENT GAP Movement” within the Modesto public school system.

“Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verbs agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. “

Dr. Martin Luther King

Since the onset of this committee several changes have been made to support this initiative:

¨ Changes to the school conduct code

¨ Presentations open to staff and the community on related issues

¨ Increased minority hiring and recruitment

¨ Black History month celebrations with community readers.

¨ District-wide Black History Month Program

Dr. Parker Steering Committee is charged with the leadership and guidance to empower the Dr. Parker Committee and it’s members to accomplish it’s goals and objectives and to fulfill it’s missions.

Students must attend a Modesto City School

Have a GPA of 2.0 or higher

Send in an essay with 250 words or more