Over
the
course
of
eight
weeks,
15
Yorkshire
Elementary
School
parents
took
part
in
virtual
classes
two
days
per
week,
with
more
than
half
completing
the
requirements
of
the
Prince
William
County
Public
Schools
English
for
speakers
of
other
languages
(ESOL),
Parents
as
Educational
Partners
(PEP)
Program.
The
PEP
program
is
designed
to
assist
parents
of
English
language
learners
in
overcoming
the
language
and
cultural
barriers
that
may
prevent
them
from
participating
fully
in
their
children's
educational
experience.The primary focus of PEP is providing parents with the knowledge to feel comfortable in using the English language to communicate with school personnel. This year's agenda covered topics on the U.S. school system, school personnel and procedures, parent-teacher conferences, report cards, curriculum, health, and how to build relationships within student's families.
"It took a lot of preparation and time to plan and prepare materials for the virtual setting, but the work definitely paid off. I wanted to make sure to hold classes that were both informative and engaging so I made sure to include games and online activities such as Nearpods to keep the classes interesting," said third grade teacher Winter Gannon.
Gannon introduced class participants to new units including the use of Canvas, Zoom, and ParentVUE, as well as health procedures and protocols designed to keep students and staff safe while inside the building. During one segment, school nurse Nicole Wilson summarized and demonstrated the use of face coverings, proper handwashing, and the importance of physical distancing.
Each class has an instructor and interpreter to accommodate a culturally diverse community. Yorkshire Elementary uses a two-level approach for the program. Level one students focus on the basic construction and usage of simple words and phrases in English that relate to the school environment. Level two builds from what parents learned during level one, allowing them to practice conversation and writing skills. As a result, parents are able to practice mock parent-teacher conferences, review example student report cards, and practice writing notes to the teacher and main office staff regarding excused and unexcused absences.
"Having parents attend classes two times a week helps them get familiar with the staff, the system, the English language, and many of the resources we offer. As a result, parents are better able to successfully implement concise communication with teachers and administrators, empowering them as advocates for their child's education," shared parent liaison and PEP interpreter Roxanna Chappell.