Empowering Families to Support Student Success

SanJose_2We know that when families, schools and communities work together as partners, student achievement is boosted and children are better prepared to lead happy and productive lives. That’s why California State PTA partnered with National PTA and Univision (the nation’s leading media company serving our Spanish-speaking parents) to offer two “Academias para Padres” (Parent Academies); free Spanish-language parent engagement workshops in San Jose (6th District PTA) and Van Nuys (31st District PTA).

The events empowered Hispanic parents to help their children achieve their educational and career goals. Workshop topics included:

  • College and Career Readiness
  • Understanding the New Common Core State Standards
  • Speaking Up for Your Child

Weekday morning co-hosts Omar and Argelia from Univision’s acclaimed “El Show de Omar y Argelia” (The Omar and Argelia Show) and Kira Vilanova, co-host of Univision 14’s morning show “Al Despertar,” attended in San Jose and shared messages and testimonials on the impact education has had in their lives. In Van Nuys, attendees were greeted by Univision 34 KMEX-TV news anchors Gabriela Teissier and Antonio Valverde, who spoke to the audience about taking an active and engaged role in their children’s education.

As an added bonus, Omar and Argelia encouraged parents to join their local PTA – and even recorded a quick video to share!

PTA state and district leaders were the driving force behind these two successful events. We developed the program and workshop content, and provided or identified speakers and workshop presenters. PTA volunteers also worked with local school districts to secure event facilities, coordinated childcare and encouraged local businesses to provide raffle prizes. PTA leaders reached out to local schools to encourage attendance and participation in the events. Onsite, local PTA leaders welcomed participants at event registration and served as ushers and guides for each workshop. We also reached out to other state and local partners and sponsors, such as The Education Trust-West, Art in Action and Panda Express.

Fischerblog2Following the events, we compiled survey data to evaluate and assess the program. We also added contact information to our email system to ensure continued engagement and outreach. In total, we served more than 400 Spanish-speaking parents through the events. California State PTA was thrilled to partner with National PTA and Univision to boost family engagement in schools to support student success, and we look forward to our continued collaboration.

Take a look at the excitement from San Jose and Van Nuys on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CaliforniaPTA.

California State PTA is also pleased to provide samples of Spanish-language workshop materials and handouts:

FISCHERJustine Fischer is the California State PTA President-Elect. Special thanks to National PTA, Univision, The Education Trust-West, 6th District PTA, 31st District PTA, Washington Elementary School PTA, Birmingham Community Charter High School PTA, Washington United Youth Center, Panda Express, Art in Action, JFK University, the Santa Clara County Office of Education and the Los Angeles Unified School District Education Service Center North for helping to make these great events happen!

Comments

  1. Gaby Nolazco says:

    Thank you for this information. How can bring these workshops to our school? Our parents would greatly benefit from the valuable information.
    Thank you
    Gaby Nolazco
    Vice President at Palm Lane
    4th District

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