Growing Together

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Dear CFBISD Families,

As 2026 begins, we are excited to continue this journey alongside our families and students. CFBISD is enriched by families representing 90 countries and 63 languages, creating a learning community shaped by diverse stories, traditions, and perspectives.

Across cultures, the start of a new year often carries a sense of possibility and reflection. In our schools, this energy is reflected in the many ways families support learning—through conversations at home, shared stories, and daily experiences in one or more languages. These moments strengthen children’s confidence, identity, and academic growth.

Throughout the year, the Multilingual Department will continue to highlight celebrations, literacy connections, and events that reflect the richness of our community. This newsletter serves as a space to share resources, recognize cultures, and stay connected with families across our district.

Thank you for the trust you place in our schools and for the vital role you play in your child’s education.

We look forward to a year filled with learning, connection, and celebration—together!

With appreciation,

CFBISD Multilingual Department

January 1-31

School Board Recognition Month

JANUARY - 5

Student Holiday

JANUARY - 6

Beginning of grading period

JANUARY - 8

Board Meeting

JANUARY - 9

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

JANUARY - 16

HS Dual Credit Information Webinar, 8:00 AM Virtual Meeting

JANUARY - 19

Martin Luther King Jr. Day, School/District Holiday

JANUARY - 22 to 24

Newman Smith: "Cinderella" Musical, 7:00 PM, Newman Smith Auditorium

RL Turner: "Once Upon a Mattress" Musical, 7:00 PM, RL Turner Auditorium

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.

Mark your calendars for January 28th! You are invited to join a special community event featuring presenters from across Texas.

This session will provide valuable information and resources to support emergent bilingual students and their families. Parents and families are encouraged to register. Visit the T3 Series website to learn more and register today!

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!

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.

January – Connection & Belonging, Checking In With Your Child

Short, everyday conversations help children feel supported and connected. These moments—during a car ride, mealtime, or before bed—can offer insight into how your child is feeling socially, emotionally, and academically. Asking specific, open-ended questions often invites more meaningful conversation than general ones.

Helpful Resources for Families:
• TEA: Family & Community Engagement Research
https://tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/family-engagement

• Colorín Colorado: Talking With Kids About School (available in multiple languages)
https://www.colorincolorado.org/family/engagement

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.

Help us improve and better support you by taking a moment to complete this quick survey! Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will reflect in the next newsletter.

Feedback form

For questions on Multilingual resources, contact Maria Teresa Bloomfield bloomfieldm@cfbisd.edu or Tuyet Huynh @huynht@cfbisd.edu

Learn more about the Multilingual Program Department by clicking the link:

https://www.cfbisd.edu/departments/teaching-and-learning/multilingual-programs