CARROLLTON, GA — Carrollton Upper Elementary School hosted an impactful family engagement night led by the Aspiring Leaders program, a group of teachers who take on additional leadership development opportunities. The Hispanic heritage-themed event took place on Jan. 22 and was designed to provide a welcoming environment where families could discover more about the school, learn, and celebrate together.

This night was all about family engagement and providing Hispanic families with the opportunity to have fun with their children while learning more about how to academically support them at home through the translated activities and resources available. Native Spanish-speaking translators were available to support parents in discussions with teachers. The event opened with students welcoming their families and practicing their public speaking skills to begin the programming. 
The teachers who spearheaded this event were Whitney Meigs, Amy Cantrell, and Kayley Sanders. They were supported by Carrollton City Schools Bilingual Parent Liaison Marissa Ramos.

CUES Principal Tabitha Walker said, “Our goal is to include all families in our school, and this night was designed to make our Hispanic families feel seen and valued.” 

The evening was full of materials delivered in both English and Spanish. These learning activities included skills development in STEM, parent resources, language arts, and math. Families were able to work together on reading strategies, which included a “reading passport”. Families also visited a “math market” learning station to calculate purchasing goods within a budget. In the STEM lab, students from CHS helped teach about traditional teas and coffee from Latin America. The CHS IB students created recipes and demonstrated to families how to mix the drinks. Mr. Marti, Spanish teacher at CHS, provided families with an authentic Latin experience using ingredients and supplies that reflected Latin culture. Families enjoyed drinking these traditional teas and coffee alongside their children. 

CUES teacher Whitney Meigs is a part of the CCS Aspiring Leaders program which organized this event. She reflected on the night’s success.  

“Hispanic Heritage Night was a wonderful celebration of our students, families, and cultures,” said Meigs. “It was incredible to see so many families learning together, sharing their stories, and feeling proud of who they are.” 

Families shared that they enjoyed the night and left with ways to support their children at home. To conclude the event, parents provided feedback through a survey. Looking ahead, CUES will continue to find ways to engage all families within the school community. 
 

CUES students, pictured from left, Perla Rodriguez Jimenes, Dylan Martinez Arita, Monica Casco Valle, Ashly Barahona Cortes, and Marcos Lobos Rivera read during a presentation to demonstrate their public speaking skills.

 

CUES teachers Alexis Rey (left) and Amy Cantrell (right) are members of the Carrollton City Schools Aspiring Leaders program, who planned the themed family engagement event.

 

CHS junior Lissa Sajche assists with translating and working through a math assignment at the CUES family engagement night. 
 

Carrollton City Schools Bilingual Parent Liaison Marissa Ramos, CHS students Jose Rodriguez, Marco Rodriguez, Erik Garcia, Luis Marti Reyes, and IB instructor Luis Marti, stand at the family engagement night station where families could try authentic teas and coffee from Latin America.