Growing Together
Multilingual Family Newsletter, December 2025 - Issue
Happy Holidays!
Dear CFBISD Families,
As we enter this joyful holiday season, our hearts are filled with appreciation for the beautiful diversity and strength of our community. December invites us to pause, celebrate, and reflect on the meaningful moments that have shaped our year—moments of learning, laughter, resilience, and growth.
In CFBISD, we are proud of the incredible progress our multilingual learners continue to make. Their curiosity, creativity, and determination inspire us every day. Whether they are developing new language skills, embracing challenging academic work, or sharing their cultural traditions, our students shine brightly—and we are honored to support their journey.
The holiday season also reminds us of the power of family. Your involvement, encouragement, and partnership play a key role in your child’s success. As you gather with loved ones to celebrate traditions—we wish you moments of peace, joy, and connection. May this season bring warmth to your home and hope for the new year ahead.
Thank you for being an essential part of our multilingual family. We look forward to welcoming our students back in January, refreshed and ready for a new year of learning and growth!
CFBISD Multilingual Programs Department
DECEMBER - 19
End of grading period
DECEMBER - 22 to JANUARY 2
Winter break
DECEMBER - 4
Student Holiday
JANUARY - 5
Student Holiday
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD welcomes all students and is committed to fostering an inclusive and safe learning environment. We prioritize educating and protecting all children, regardless of immigration status.
If you have questions about your rights under Texas Education Agency (TEA) guidelines, visit TEA Resources for Families.
CFB families needing assistance can call 972-968-6149 or email familysupport@cfbisd.edu.
A new and insightful video for parents and educators, “Benefits of Bilingualism,” is now available on the Parents and Families webpage of the TXEL portal! The video shows why learning more than one language is such a great skill for life. It encourages families to keep helping their children grow as bilingual learners. To reach more communities, the video is offered in English, Arabic, French, Mandarin, Spanish, and Vietnamese. Watch it to see how speaking two languages can build stronger communication and open more doors in the future.
A 2025 report from the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) explains that learning more than one language helps students do better in school and makes communities stronger!
TELPAS Testing Window Opens Soon February 16 - March 27, 2026
Shortly after students return from winter break, the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System (TELPAS) testing window will open. Emergent bilingual students are required to take the TELPAS every year, including students whose parents have declined bilingual or English as a Second Language program services.
TELPAS measures the progress students make in learning English from year to year. To help your student prepare, access the Texas Assessment Practice and Released Tests website. Here, your child can go through sample assessments by selecting “Practice Tests Login.” Practicing ahead of time can be especially helpful for students who are new to TELPAS or who feel anxious about testing. It also allows them to become familiar with tools used during the test, such as text-to-speech and other language supports.
COLLEGE AND CAREER PREP
Getting ready for college starts early. It’s not just about filling out applications, but also building a mindset. A “college-going culture” means helping students believe that college is possible and giving them support to get there. Families and schools can work together to build this mindset every day.
At School:
Parents can encourage their children to join school activities that build confidence and teamwork, like sports, service clubs, or academic groups. Families can also remind students to talk with school counselors, college advisors, or trusted teachers about their goals.
At Home:
Parents and caregivers can also build a college mindset at home. Talk with your child about what subjects they enjoy and what jobs they might like one day. A college visit is closer and easier than you think! You can explore local colleges online, visit campuses, or meet with college staff virtually.
Explore more:
The Texas College Access Network has great tools to help prepare you and your child for college. It includes guides for first-generation college students, resources to track readiness, and programs that connect schools and advisors. When families and schools work together, students gain the confidence and direction to plan for a bright future.
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