ESOL Parent Night to Include Haitian Flag Day Commemoration

Free Bi-lingual Books and Native Language Information Sessions Planned

Boynton Beach High School will be a hub of multicultural activity for the school year’s final English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Parent Night scheduled for Wednesday, May 2, from 5:50-8:30 p.m. The itinerary begins in the school’s cafeteria where families will gather for dinner and be treated to photographs of Haiti and authentic Haitian artifacts, as well as a performance of Haitian music by a live band.

Multicultural Education Department and Public Affairs staff will be on hand to speak about the importance of valuing native heritage and transmitting that pride to students who are now being educated in Palm Beach County public schools. District staff will speak briefly about their Haitian, Hispanic,  Guatemalan, and Brazilian  backgrounds and provide strategies for nurturing native heritage while becoming acculturated to education and culture in the United States. 

Director Margarita Pinkos said the family engagement sessions have played a vital role in building bridges between the District and diverse families and community members throughout the county.  “We hold several sessions like this each year to ensure that parents understand the academic opportunities available for their children and the resources available to assure student success,” she stated.  “Parents want to know how to help their children prepare for the future regardless of each family’s unique circumstances.”

Breakout session topics (which will be presented in native languages) include: Assisting Your Child at Home; Building Parent and School Partnerships; and Learning to Communicate Effectively with Your Child.  Childcare is provided by certified district teachers and student volunteers. Approximately 400 people are expected to attend. For details about ESOL Parent Night, contact Connie Berry, 561-434-7348 or email Connie.berry@palmbeachschools.org.