For the Roussell family, education is everything.

Parents Mina and Eric are always encouraging their two sons-Eric Jr., an eighth-grader at Selma Middle C.H.A.T. Academy, and Victor, a fourth-grader at Edgewood Elementary-to do their best and make good grades.

The couple also understands that part of being good parents means being involved in their children’s lives.

So in order to ensure their children are getting a good education, Mina says, she and Eric have to go into the schools.

It just so happens that their volunteer work not only benefits their children, but the entire student body was well.

Mina is the Parent Teacher Organization President at both Edgewood and Selma

Middle C.H.A.T. Academy.

She is also Edgewood’s Cub Scout leader and serves as a chaperon for the school when necessary.

Eric serves as a tutor for both the School of Discovery and Selma Middle C.H.A.T. Academy.

“Getting involved was easy,” Mina said. “Our kids are there (at the schools), so we want to make sure they get what they need and other kids benefit too.”

Mina added that being a volunteer at the school is also a lot of fun, and comes with the extra benefit of knowing she’s helped several other children and the teachers.

“Our philosophy is to make sure each child feels like someone cares,” she said.

Of course, being a parent volunteer means having to devote a lot of free time to the schools, especially during the evenings, but the Roussell’s do not seem to mind.

To them, Mina said, it’s all about ensuring their children’s future.

“When it comes to education, everybody should bring something to the table,” she said.

Mina said whether parents become tutors, PTO members or even just chaperons, they usually get more from the experience than what they give.

“Parents need to get involved in schools because the children have a bit to offer us, too,” she said.