Back Row (L to R): Ellie Ittner, Diana Cissne (Principal), Carol King, Mary Davis, Carmelita Salinas.
Front Row (L to R): Margarita Montano (Co-Chair), Blanca Torres-Muse (Co-Chair), Lydia Sanchez.
Meet the Challenge to Involve More Families: Dia de los Niños/Children’s Day
The ATP at Longfellow Elementary School – a school with over 70% Latino families – reported that its parents are strong supporters and highly involved. The school conducts many activities to create a welcoming environment and to increase students’ skills and scores, including an annual welcome back picnic and literacy and math nights throughout the year. In 08-09, the ATP wanted to increase the involvement of Spanish-speaking parents even more. During a six-week series of parenting classes, one parent suggested holding a Dia de los Niños—or Children’s Day—celebration, which carried great cultural significance for many families. Instead of just asking parents to attend, the ATP involved them at every stage of the process, from the initial planning meetings to the staffing and clean-up of the event. In addition, Longfellow partnered with a neighboring elementary school for this celebration.
More families attended Dia de los Niños than any prior event. They enjoyed delicious food, with some provided by a community partner. Parents and children participated in a tug-o-war, sack races, cupcake walks, bingo, and other activities. A DJ from a popular radio station played music throughout the afternoon and emceed various performances—including traditional Mexican dances by students. Future celebrations will alternate between Longfellow and the neighboring school to increase attendance and connections among families who are pleased to be more than spectators.
Reach Results for Student Success in School: Improve Students’ Writing and Speaking
Young Authors’ Night—Spotlight on You provided a new way to focus on students’ writing and speaking skills in grades 1-5. Instead of the kind of Family Reading Night that had been conducted in the past, the new design featured students’ writing and presentation of a family story that was meaningful to the students. A grant from the local Retired Teachers Association funded awards for student authors. A local dance troop performed folk dances that linked to students’ backgrounds and some interested students were able to start lessons with the group.
Over 120 parents, other caregivers, and community members attended this celebration of student authors. The ATP evaluated the evening, and suggested that future evenings would limit the length of student presentations and may feature various literary genres, such as poetry, biography, etc. Many students feared using a microphone and speaking in front of an audience, but enabling students to present their own work helped them gain writing skills and confidence about public speaking.
Visit the school at http://www.psd1.org/longfellowes/site/default.asp.