The Metropolitan Council for Educational
Opportunity (METCO, Inc.) was created more than three decades ago by
educational collaborators from metropolitan Boston and suburbanites who
believe that all children should be afforded a quality education regardless
of where they live. The Massachusetts State Legislature funds METCO, a
voluntary integration educational program. The Board is sincerely happy and
proud to usher in another school year. We will work collaboratively with
various constituents of the METCO Family to ensure that more children will
be able to take advantage of a program in which students are brought from
various communities to learn together.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to welcome all parents and
students to an exciting school year. In order to facilitate the process of
new parents and students, the administrative staff of METCO encourages
veteran METCO parents to share both insight and strategies for effective
education with new parents. Careful reading of this handbook will ensure
that parents are cognizant of ways in which to participate. Parents should
enlist the support of METCO staff, avail themselves of the Student Services
Department, and choose rigorous academic programs for their children.
The METCO family can provide your children with wonderful academic and
social opportunities. In order for the METCO experience to be successful,
parents must become involved with the school systems where their children
attend school. Parents should not feel toward like they are visitors in the
suburban school districts; they should become involved in meaningful ways.
In conclusion, the METCO program encourages parent participation. As
aforementioned, parents must be fully involved in their child's education.
In addition, parents must also be registered voters. Although the METCO
family has been successful in its lobbying efforts at the Statehouse and has
recently received additional funding, parents should not be complacent. In
order for the program to educate each METCO child properly, the need for
increased funding must be communicated to the Legislature each year. Through
active political participation, METCO families will convince the legislators
that our children must be valued. As a result, the METCO community must
dedicate its efforts to the maintenance and revitalization of academic
programs that bring urban and suburban students together.
The METCO Board is certain that our collaborative efforts will result in the
continuation of the METCO program in the future.
