Parents are essential partners in the education of children and youth.

Parents of ELs are ELs themselves.

In addition to the challenge of learning a new language as adults, they face the challenges of adapting to a different way of life and guiding their children as they move into their new environment.
Supporting the parents in this process is vital to the students’ success.

Special sessions devoted to inform, listen to, and empower parents are being organized in all network schools. These lead to additional initiatives focused on strengthening bilingual reading and parental participation.

Bilingual Educational RESOURCES for Parents and Children

The Sesame Street kit, “Learning Is Everywhere,” contains a DVD, a magazine for parents, a wipe-off activity book, and activity cards designed as part of PNC’s Grow Up Great initiative.
Sets of textbooks for  elementary grades were donated by the Mexican Consulate to some of the Network schools.

In 2010, the Horseshoe Foundation provided specific funding for the family literacy program "Families Read, Kids Succeed," which is also bringing books to homes along with strategies and guidance for parents on how to promote reading and school success.

Parent-Teacher Conferences AND
fAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Dr. Connie Martínez conducted the first parent bilingual advising sessions at our network.

Gioconda Guerra joined the team (fall 2010) acting as a socio-cultural specialist and parent liaison in the Network schools.
In coordination with school teachers, Dr. Guerra is delivering series of successful parent sessions at the Network schools.

Field TripS to IU Southeast
HAVE TAKEN PLACE ANNUALLY

ELs from the Network schools  visit IU Southeast along with parents and teachers for special programs.

They discover the “Games around the World” cultural kit at the Center for Cultural Resources.

They also interact with local and international undergraduate students, and learn about college life and admissions as they share lunch with university students, faculty, and staff.

Latino and Japanese PARENTS Meet with Teachers AT TRAINING SESSIONS

In the context of the annual  professional development series for regular classroom teachers, parents discuss and advise teachers in cultural awareness and much more. 

This cross-cultural communication is very valuable for the teachers and for the participant parents as well.

More initiatives of this nature will be developed in the future.

beca - Bilingual Education CENTER FOR ADULTS

In 2010, the Horseshoe Foundation provided specific funding for our family literacy program "Families Read, Kids Succeed." Books are being distributed to families attending school sessions.

The center is directed by Dr. Gioconda Guerra, Project Socio-Cultural & Parent Liaison. It is located at the Education Support Center, 2801 Grant Line Road in New Albany.

BECA brochures are regularly distributed to schools and community.

The center offers individual guidance for parents on topics ranging from family matters to special education.

BECA also offers sessions on parenting issues and skills, tips to navigate the school system, strategies to develop literacy at home, and more, according to the parents' needs.

Starting in  2010, parent meetings at the Network Schools have been offered with great success. Dozens of parents are attending meetings addressing several issues relevant to families and children.