Parents/Families-Migratory Students

September / October / November 2024

Welcome parents and families to the Texas Migrant Education Program quarterly newsletter! The Texas Migrant Education Program which publishes these newsletters offers a variety of free information and resources for parents and families of migratory students to support academic success.

As the new school year begins, this issue provides information on the national school lunch program, college assistance, and educational resources for children across the state. If you are new to the Migrant Education Program, join the TMEP Listserv and visit the site designed for Migratory families, TMEP.

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Student Resources

The National School Lunch Program

The 3 E’s of healthy living are Education, Exercise, and Eating Right. To support these, the Texas Department of Agriculture provides free or reduced-cost lunches to students in public and nonprofit private schools. Students enrolled in Head Start, homeless children, and those from migrant families are eligible. Additionally, students qualify if their families receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

Parents or guardians must fill out the application for the program every year to participate. Contact your child's school to apply. By participating in the National School Lunch Program, families can help support their children's well-being and academic success.

Registration Checklist

Below is a checklist that will help ensure you have everything you need to register your child for school. If you have any other questions, visit the TMEP Portal.

Photo ID (driver’s license or military ID, etc.) of person registering child
Proof of residence (utility bill, phone bill, or rental/lease agreement, etc.)
Child’s Birth Certificate or other proof of child’s identity and age
Child’s Social Security card, if available (preferred, but not required)
Child’s immunization record (up-to-date immunization record). For more information, go to the Texas Health and Human Services website.
Recent academic records if moving to a new school (report card, withdrawal form, transcript, etc.)

To find the school near you, use this school locator tool by entering your address.

Parent Resources

College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP)

Migratory students who have received a high school diploma or its equivalent may enroll in a higher education institution and may receive financial assistance to pay for part of their degree program through the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP).

Learn More:

A MEP counselor or staff member can arrange college visits to various universities, especially to the institutions of higher education that offer the CAMP.

Universities Offering CAMP

A list of universities offering the CAMP program each year can be found on the CAMP Projects page. Each CAMP offers different financial aid options and may have different requirements. Visit the website linked under each CAMP project for specific requirements, deadlines for application, and instructions.

School Routines

As school starts, here are a few tips to help prepare your child for success.

Create an evening routine - Help your child get back into a healthy bedtime schedule. Turn off electronic devices, go to bed at the same time each night, or read a story to help them settle down and get ready for the next day.
Plan your week - Look at your child’s schedule for the week and sit down with them to discuss how they’re going to accomplish their tasks and what you will do to help them.
Get District Supply lists early - Make sure your child has everything they need to begin classes successfully. Look on the district or school website to be up to date on what supplies are needed for your child on the first day or week of school.

Help your child develop good habits by establishing daily routines.

Texas family helpline phone number on a blue background. 1-888-984-6251

Education Resources

The TMEP Portal provides free education resources to support your child at the
Education Resources Web Portal. In addition to the reading and writing mini-lessons, tip sheets, and videos, check out the newly-added math resource for grades kindergarten through second grade. The math resources for grades K-2 are intended for you to use with your child and help support the development of math skills. Contact your local Migrant Recruiter if you need assistance acquiring any of the materials referenced within the mini-lessons or tip sheets.

Announcements

Parent & Family Engagement Statewide Conference

October 16-18, 2024

Houston, TX

pfetexas.net/conference

Association for Migrant Educators of Texas (AMET) Conference

November 20 - 22, 2024

Corpus Christi, TX

https://www.ametx.org/

Title III Parent & Family Engagement Presentation

September 26, 2024

12:30-2:00 pm

Parent Registration

Join and learn via Zoom or by attending a "Watch Party”.

Final Thoughts

Keep in Touch with your MEP Recruiter

Migrant Education Program recruiters can help ensure that your child's educational needs continue to be met. They can help ensure instructional services are provided as well as other support services such as school supplies, clothing, health visit, and working with school personnel.

For more information, please visit the Texas Migrant Education Program (TMEP) Portal.