SOUTH-CENTRAL : Taft Teachers Take Bus to Meet Parents

For the first time, parents whose children attend Taft High School in the Valley had a chance to meet with teachers without having to make the 40-mile drive.

The Taft faculty took its annual back-to-school event on the road last Monday. Aboard three school buses, 90 teachers and administrators made the one-hour drive to Jefferson High School to meet with about 70 parents.

Deborah Taylor, whose son Lamont Odom is a senior at Taft, praised the teachers’ effort.

“It’s so nice of them to have it here this year. There are so many parents that can’t get transportation to the Valley,” she said.

“There’s nothing like meeting the teachers in person. I also think it’s good for them to go to the community their students live in and deal with every day.”

About 1,200 Taft students--almost half the student body--live in South-Central and East Los Angeles. According to Los Angeles Unified School District officials, about 17,900 students are bused each year from Central Los Angeles to Valley elementary, junior and senior high schools.

Taylor said her son wakes up at 5 a.m. to catch the bus and does not get home until 8 p.m., after football practice.

For Quilla and John Adams, whose son Lejon is a senior, the event provided a chance to check up on his academic performance.

Speaking to Lejon’s mathematics teacher, Tom Simpkin, they asked what their son could do to improve.

“Lejon is respectful and bright. He just needs to push himself a little more,” Simpkin said. “Whatever you’re doing at home, you’re doing it right. He’s a great kid.”