Parents and Families Newsletter

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Boletín informativo para Padres y Familias.

Welcome to another edition of the Parent and Family Newsletter! We hope that this resource will connect you to information that helps increase the language proficiency and academic success of your child.

In this issue, you will find information on the following topics:

• The Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System

• Helpful Websites for At-Home Learning

• At-Home Activities

• Self-Care Tips

On the Community Partners page of the Texas EL Portal, families can access information about Adult Education, Career Readiness, College Preparation, Health Support Services, Housing, Safety, and even Legal Services. Visit this site to learn more about topics such as Adult ESL classes, scholarships, support programs, career opportunities, and other resources.

Stay informed about the resources and support available by subscribing to TEA’s English Learner portal . Click on the Subscribe Today button.

Please remember to fill out a quick survey to share any information or suggestions you might have for the next newsletter. We value your input!

Starting this month, Emergent Bilingual (EB) students throughout the state of Texas will be participating in the TELPAS test. Students are required to take the TELPAS to assess the progress they are making in learning the English language in four domains: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. You can help your child get ready for this important assessment by:

• Reading with your child and encouraging him/her to read out loud

• Telling stories or sharing memories to develop listening skills

• Encouraging your child to talk about their day or their dreams for the future

• Writing notes to friends and family

Additional ways to help your child be ready for the TELPAS can be found on this brochure. For more information on the TELPAS, please visit the English Learner Portal or go directly to this FAQ.

This virtual event will be held during the first week of May and will focus on sessions to discuss important topics, including:

• Understanding Bilingual Education programming

• Mental health and the social and emotional wellness of your child

• Resources for academic success

More information, along with registration links, will be coming soon, so bookmark the Parents and Families Event page to stay up-to-date.

As students enter the second half of the school year, it is important to provide them the opportunity to continue learning. The following are helpful websites for at-home learning located on the Supporting My Child page of the English Learner Portal:

Are you new to computers or interested in enhancing your technology skills? Digital Learn can help you tackle technology! It offers courses and tools on various topics, including navigating a website, intro to email, using a PC or Mac, and Microsoft Word. You can even learn about internet privacy, online scams, and passwords. To access the site, click here or go to the Family Supports page of the Texas EL Portal.

If you did not finish high school and are interested in earning a high school equivalency credential, then check out the Family Supports page of the Texas EL Portal. There you will find information on several ways to earn a GED. For example, you can go to the ETS site to learn about how to take a high school equivalency test or you can visit the GED Testing Service site to prepare for and earn a high school equivalency diploma.

The Student Resources page of the Texas EL Portal is a great tool for high school students and individuals pursuing postsecondary education or entering the workforce. Under the “Preparing for Next Steps” section, students can learn about how to apply for state and federal financial aid, scholarships, and workforce support services.

February is often referred to as the month of love. To emphasize the importance of love while keeping your child engaged and learning, consider these fun at-home activities, which also help promote listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Spread the love

Consider performing an act of kindness as a family. You can volunteer at a local food bank or contact a local community agency to see how you can help. Another simple way to show kindness is to write a kind note or make a Valentine card for a friend, family member, or school staff member. This is a great way to show others what they mean to you!

Whip up some treats

Valentine’s Day does not have to be all about the chocolate! Engage your entire family by making other sweet treats. Consider cooking up heart shaped pancakes for breakfast or pink strawberry smoothies as a snack. As you whip up these delicious treats, talk about how your family celebrates Valentine’s Day or about what love and kindness mean to you. You can also have your child write poems about love and kindness or jot down the recipes of your favorite sweet treats.

Finding their Passion

Asking teenagers what they want to do when they grow up can lead to many responses…or none at all! This month, try to hone in on possible career options by encouraging your teen to talk about what they love to do or what they have a passion for. You can also help your teen narrow down possible career choices by taking a career assessment. A career assessment is a guidance tool that helps identify career options based on interests and skills. While there are many career assessments available, start by checking out the one on Career One Stop. For additional options and information, check out the “Workforce Student Services” section on the Student Resources page of the Texas EL Portal.

February can also be a great time to focus on self-love, self-care, and fostering relationships with others. Below are some ideas to help you demonstrate and express love to yourself and others:

• Pencil it in. The stresses of work, school, and family can make it hard to carve out time for self-care. This month, be purposeful about adding “me” time to your calendar at least once a week. Use that time to do something you enjoy, like reading a book, watching a movie, or going for a walk. Remember that it’s okay to dedicate time to yourself!

• Feed your soul. Just like food is good for the body, affirmation is good for the soul. Positive affirmations help remind us that we are important and valued. Try saying one thing that you like about yourself every morning or write something motivational on a sticky note and place it where you’ll see it every day. This is a great way to show self-love.

• Make time for others. To foster healthy relationships, consider making one-on-one time with others a priority. Give undivided time to those you care about by inviting them to lunch or calling them to catch up on what has been happening in their lives. Doing simple things like these will show others how much you care about the relationship.

Savoring the journey

Last month, many of us made resolutions to adopt healthy habits or make positive changes. Others set goals for the year ahead. February is a great month to reflect on progress toward those resolutions and goals. However, it is also a time to focus on love, both toward ourselves and those around us. So, if you find that you have gotten a little off track on your goals and resolutions, remember to extend yourself a little grace, refocus, and keep moving forward. Remember that it’s the journey that counts!

TXEL.org is a web portal that provides information and resources that are relevant, accessible, and impactful to support educational leaders, teachers, parents and families, and community partners to ensure the academic success of the State's English learners.

Contact us at: https://www.txel.org/contact

Email: EnglishLearnerSupport@tea.texas.gov
Website: tea.texas.gov
Phone: 512-463-9414