Chicago Heights School District 170 recently conducted another in a series of Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (BPAC) Spanish Literacy Nights recently at Washington-McKinley School.
The session brought together district staff and the parents of bilingual students and focused on activities that reinforced the importance of literacy skills while sharing learning techniques best suited to the home environment.
"Our district recognizes the importance of involving parents in their children's education process," said Shannon Vera, District 170's Bilingual Education Director.
"We sincerely believe that events that share teaching and learning strategies with families, and explore techniques for augmenting the students' classroom experiences will maximize the success of all of the bilingual students in our district."
The event saw District 170 staff welcome guests and present various aspects of teaching literacy in the bilingual classroom.
Staff included Elizabeth Briones, Kindergarten Dual Language teacher who welcomed visitors; Caleb Valentin, Grade 1 Dual Language teacher reviewed technological resources used by teachers including Everyday Math, Reading A – Z, and Class Dojo; and Carmen Hernandez, Grade 1 Dual Language teacher, Cristina Soto, Grade 2 Dual Language teacher, and Luz Maria Segovia, Dual Language Classroom Assistant, provided parents with reading materials and resources to help build literacy skills at home.
Karen King represented the district's Parent Academy and presented a brief overview of the initiative underway at Garfield, Lincoln-Gavin, and Kennedy Schools, while Juana Aldape offered guests an income tax service resource and bilingual t-shirts.
Others who participated in the event included the Chicago Heights Public Library, the Chicago Heights Park District, Prairie State College ESL Classes, Respond Now, CEDA, Cornerstone Church, Bloom Township's Counseling Services and Food Pantry, and Aldape Tax Services.
"The event was a resounding success," Vera said, "and we hope to continue presenting events such as this one that provides families with the resources and services needed to help our students boost their learning abilities."