Leaders promote start of school

North Charleston leaders are getting an early start urging parents to send their children to the first day of school this year, contending that the only way young people can keep up with the learning pace is to be there from the beginning.

Various rallies and door-to-door canvassing are scheduled for next month as part of the third year of the "It's Cool to Be in School" program.

Officials say the effort already has proven to be a success. Two years ago, as many as 3,000 students were absent during the first weeks. Last year the number dropped by about 1,000.

"When students miss that first week, they're behind," Charleston County schools Superintendent Nancy McGinley said Monday during a news conference at North Charleston City Hall. "And very often, they never make it up."

Using a mix of local police, elected officials, school personnel and faith-based groups, advocates are trying to make it easier for parents to make sure their kids attend Charleston County's first day of classes Aug. 18 by creating awareness of the importance of that date.

Door-to-door canvassing will begin Aug. 8, followed by a rally Aug. 15 at the Charleston Area Convention Center. Students will be able to pick up free school supplies and other donated items.

The lack of supplies, uniforms and backpacks has been cited as one of the biggest factors in perpetuating early absentee rates, officials said.

North Charleston ministers also will issue challenges from the pulpit next month that parents and other guardians, such as grandparents, have their children in school on the first day.

The value of making sure kids are in class the first week should not be underrated; the majority of people in prison are high school dropouts, North Charleston Police Chief Jon Zumalt said. "Our future in North Charleston hinges on" success in the elementary schools, he said.

One success story from the past is that officials last year were able to determine who wasn't in class on those first days, but should have been, said Principal Camille Hendrix of the renamed Chicora School of Communications. The word was sent out and the responsible families were immediately contacted, she said.

"All of our children were found and were present" during the first week last year, Hendrix said.

Reach Schuyler Kropf at 937-5551, or skropf@postandcourier.com.