School Hispanic Parent Committee?
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Anonymous
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I received a monthly newsletter from our elementary school. On the calendar, there is listed a "Hispanic Parent Meeting." There is also a flyer, advertising this meeting as a 'New School Year Celebration with Music, Games, and Resources. Refreshments served. Free. ' "information on how you can support your child so that they are prepared for their future"
Do other schools have a parent group for specific groups? Our orientations and pta meetings have Spanish translators, so its not like the Spanish-speaking parents don't have access to the same things and would require their own meeting. What funding pays for this group? I know I could ask the principal, and I might eventually, but I didn't feel up for bugging them right now. We had a school-wide back to school carnival that cost over $12 per wristband. I kind of want to go to a free 'celebration,' but we're not of that ethnic group. If there are Title I funds paying for it, (I think the funds do cover a 'Parent Involvement Committee' which hasn't been announced or met yet) I think it should be available to all families. Is that crazy of me to scratch my head a little at this? |
Anonymous
| If you want to go, then go. Or do you think they'll kick you out if you're not Hispanic? |
Anonymous
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Seriously?
Last year our school would host Latin parent coffee groups. I do not remember how it was funded, nor do I care. I care that our school community cared about being inclusive and welcoming to some parents who MAY need an environment that speaks to them in their native tongue, not translating over some headsets, listens to their concerns, and and provides a comfort level if SOME of them may not socialize or know a lot of the other non- Spanish speaking parents. I am not Latin and this does not take anything away from me. It adds to my community as a whole. I have lived long enough to understand that I don't have to get exactly what the other man gets in order to feel all is right with the world. Justice and fairness don't always look the same. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I see what you mean. I suppose it just caught me off-guard to see differentiating among ethnic groups, especially since I'm trying to be involved and have fun things at our school- and this one can't include my family. No, I wouldn't just show up, because its called a Hispanic Parent Meeting, and I am not Hispanic, therefore, its not for me. I am glad that it can lead those who may not feel included to be more comfortable. Thanks for providing another point of view. |
Anonymous
Glad I could help. Sometimes it can be hard to see and/or understand that someone else may need something we don't or realize that we already have. |
Anonymous
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If you speak Spanish attend, if not, why bother?
The meeting is intended for Spanish speaking parents to give them a place to comfortably get information about their child's education. IN addition, they need to offer something for the parents who will need to attend with young kids in tow. |
Anonymous
I suspect many people there won't speak Spanish, and will be very open to meet English-speaking folks with an open mind and an interest in Latin cultures and meeting Hispanic people. I am not sure OP meets this basic criteria, though. |
Anonymous
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Right, go ahead and be pissed about this, OP, because clearly Latino parents have SO MANY advantages and special deals that you are cut out of.
Did you ever stop to thing that life is one big exclusive club meeting for you already and you don't need any special assistance to get a leg up? To complain about Title I funds being spent this way (not that I think they are) just boggles my mind. |
Anonymous
| OP here. I'm not 'pissed' about anything. The concept was just new to me, so I thought I'd ask for other points of view, which I received. I was not complaining, but inquiring. I do have an open mind and an interest in other cultures. I am new to MCPS, and new to being a parent of a student, which is why I thought this board would be an appropriate place to ask a question and get feedback to whether there were other parent groups such as this. I appreciated the positive information thus far. I posted to gather information. Clearly this isn't going in a positive direction, so I'll remember to ask questions elsewhere next time. Thanks for your opinions. |
Anonymous
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I teach at a school with a large Latino population. We have these sorts of meetings to meet the needs of Hispanic families in ways that having translators at a PTA meeting cannot. While it's true that they serve as a place for Hispanic parents to get comfortable and have questions answered in a lower stress environment, it's also very helpful to have school jargon explained. Many Hispanic parent speak English, but it is likely a second language, and not their dominant one. Additionally, they may have had their own education in their home country, and thus have little background on the American system. There is also a cultural element, in that some Spanish-speaking cultures tend to have different attitudes towards education for boys vs. girls. Events like the one you describe truly are an opportunity for parents to learn more about "supporting their child so they are prepared for the future." Put yourself in these parents' shoes. What if you moved to Spain and had to navigate the school system there? Even if you speak fluent Spanish, wouldn't having occasional "American Parent Meetings" help you help your child succeed in Spanish school?
Also, although it's not exactly PC to say, Hispanic parents are far more likely to be marginalized, work multiple or off-hours jobs, have childcare issues, and rely on public transportation, all factors that would generally make it more difficult to participate in events at school. Making it a "celebration" not only makes it clear that they can bring their children but also gives incentive to make the extra effort to come. Think of it this way, OP... we all strive to give our children what is fair, not necessarily what is equal. The school is making the effort to be fair and meet the needs of all parents. Having information and speech translated is a great first step, but doesn't guarantee complete access. I previously taught at a school with a larger Vietnamese population, and there were similar groups and events for those parents. And to answer your question about funding, much of it probably comes from the Division of ESOL and Bilingual Programs. They offer parent support to schools for ESOL populations from all languages, but obviously Spanish-speaking parents represent the largest group. |
Anonymous
Who cares where the funding comes from? Do you know how many illegal aliens go montgomery county schools on your taxes? We have more Asian families in our elementary school and they don't get parent meetings, translators and the like. It is still only Hispanics that get all the perks. Otherwise they cry that they are being excluded instead of adjusting and including themselves like every other foreign family does. Don't bother asking the principal. It won't make any difference. |
Anonymous
| 11:12 needs an attitude enema |
Anonymous
With all respect, but the only one crying here is... |
Anonymous
I would think English-speaking folks with an open mind and interest would be welcome too. |
Anonymous
Sure, I guess they would be welcome, but what would be the point of an English-speaking parent sitting in on an explanation, in Spanish, of how the American school system differs from those in their home countries, if that's what these gatherings are about according to pp's? |