By Rebekah Martin
Assistant Editor

Ward 1 councilwoman Patsy Jones, who was recently recognized for 20 years of public service, will hold an informational meeting for parents of new high school students Feb. 19 at 5 p.m. The meeting will be held at Carver Primary School, 307 Carver Ave., and will focus on 8th grade student registration.
Jones said one goal she hopes to accomplish is to inform those in her ward and to offer any assistance that she can provide. “We’ve moved into the school this year so that parents can have a little more privacy and one-on-one time when discussing their children’s registration,” Jones said. “Our purpose is to make sure parents know what has been made available for their children, going into high school and how important these years will be to their livelihood.”
A former educator, Jones cited the importance of education as a cornerstone of her platform. “Education is at the top of my list,” Jones said. “I stay in close communication with the school and always tell them to let me know if there’s anything more I can implement into my ward meetings that would benefit them.”
Jones said parents will be informed of all that the Opelika school system offers them at the meeting. “We have advanced classes and dual enrollment with Southern Union,” Jones said. “So many times, parents just aren’t aware of these things.”
Jones said a similar meeting will be held for those in Ward 2 at a later time, but all, even those not residing in Ward 1, are welcome at the meeting Feb. 19.