Kimberly Isles-Towry, Lithia Springs High School work-based learning and youth apprenticeship coordinator, said, "The event was simply amazing! Students were appreciative of the opportunity and felt a great sense of responsibility. A few students even expressed interest in watching the debate later in the evening now that they were registered to vote."

"The plan is in accord with our Learning by Design document, which designates a hybrid learning model as long as the community spread of COVID-19 remains in the high range," said Superintendent North. "Right now, we are doing well with the model we have in place in terms of COVID cases in our schools. Toward the end of the first semester, COVID data and other factors will be analyzed in making plans for the second semester, which begins January 6."

Several factors were considered when making the decision for students to continue learning from home on Fridays, including: learning models being used in Metro RESA districts and surrounding counties; the contact tracing process and the benefits of having students at home one day a week to reduce the spread and limit direct contacts; feedback from principals and teachers regarding the challenges of providing in-person and online instruction simultaneously; and the challenges of deep cleaning buildings with a custodian fill rate of 91%.

When School Social Worker Tony Lopez began working in the Douglas County School System in 2018, he immediately noticed the need of connecting the Hispanic parents to the school system. “I observed our schools making great efforts to engage the Spanish-speaking community, and I saw the community wanting to be connected, but a unique link was missing.”

Motivated by research showing a high dropout rate among Latino students in Georgia, Mr. Lopez was determined to make a difference. He surmised that increasing opportunities for parental involvement among Hispanic families was the missing link that would help parents and students value education and thereby increase their graduation rate.

Mr. Lopez held the first Hispanic Parent Meeting in October 2018 with parents from Mason Creek Middle School, Mason Creek Elementary and Bright Star Elementary. The success of the meetings has been so significant that Hispanic parents across all grade levels in the district are now invited to the monthly meetings.

Meetings are conducted entirely in Spanish and provide a safe forum for parents to express their concerns and receive resources and answers to questions. Topics have included coronavirus and school; School-Based Digital Learning and Traditional Learning options; parent training for Google Classroom; school transportation; ESOL services; attendance policies; Infinite Campus Parent Portal; conversations with school principals; community mental health services; and many more. Mr. Sean Roach from the student services department, Mason Creek Middle School Principal Dr. Tiffany Boyle and Winston Elementary School Principal Chelsie Goodman attend the meetings to provide support and answer administrative questions. Aracely Hurley, ESOL teacher at Alexander High School, has also provided support this year.

“Because most people in Spanish-speaking countries regard educators as figures of wisdom and knowledge, the Hispanic parents appreciate the opportunity to connect and feel a sense of belonging in the school community,” said Lopez. “It’s so important to inspire our Hispanic community to value education, which will provide a legacy for future generations.”

The feedback from the monthly meetings has been tremendous. “Our Hispanic families are receiving accurate and beneficial information in their own language about what the school system does for our students and community,” said Mr. Lopez. “Participating parents have shown a sense of belonging and feel their voice is being heard and valued. This feedback has been echoed by administrators and educators, as they have expressed how much more engaged their Hispanic students have been since their parents began attending the meetings.”

Mr. Lopez grew up in a Spanish-speaking household in Puerto Rico. With a mother who taught English, he had plenty of practice with the English language as well. Mr. Lopez is a Licensed Master Social Worker and has been working with schools, students and families for over 14 years. He also has a private practice as a psychotherapist. He says the best part of his job is seeing the relief on the faces of the students and families he is able to support.

Due to the pandemic, this school year the meetings have been held virtually through Google Meet. The November meeting will be held November 12 at 1:00. The link to join is http://meet.google.com/vpi-kiak-rgv.

Ready in 45-55 minutes

Serves 12 (1/2 cup serving size)

Ingredients

Preparation

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