Parents/Families-Migratory Students
March /April/May 2025
Texas Assessment Practice Site and the STAAR released tests are great ways to calm your students’ test anxieties. Both of these resources will help students prepare for the day of their STAAR examination. The practice site will give students an idea of what to expect when they take the computer-administered test and practice using the tools available to them, such as text-to-speech, color settings, and contents and language supports. The STAAR released tests gives parents and educators a chance to print out complete tests and questions that were used in past administrations of the STAAR to give students an idea of the rigor of questions they will complete.
Texas Gateway provides free, on-demand instructional resources designed to support Texas educators in meeting their classroom and professional goals. Whether you need just-in-time lesson materials, sequenced binders for student assignments, or self-paced professional development courses for earning CPE credits, Texas Gateway has it all. Educators can easily search and organize content to match their instructional objectives, create differentiated learning paths for students, and access resources tailored to diverse needs, including RtI, PBL, and IEP goals. With tools to enhance instruction and deepen understanding of TEKS, ELPS, and effective strategies for various student populations, Texas Gateway equips educators to thrive both in the classroom and in their professional learning journey.
Texas Migrant Educational Program (TMEP) Web Portal
Be sure to check out the Parents and Families section of the TMEP/AIIMS portal. Recently this part of the portal has been given a new, streamlined look! The content has been simplified to help parents find information quickly.
Whether you're looking for family support services, academic assistance for K-12 students, college, career, and military readiness information, or support for out-of-school youth, our portal has it all.
Visit the portal today to explore:
Access to current and past editions of the MEP Quarterly Newsletters;
Simplified access to information for migratory parents and families; and
Educational resources that will help improve the educational experience of migratory students.
Parental Involvement
Parents can be one of their child’s most important advocates, so we want you to know about this section of the MEP portal.
This section of the portal can guide parents and families on general school activities, MEP opportunities, and using technology to stay involved. With today’s technological advances, it’s easier than ever to get Involved in your child’s education. Even if parents and families are unable to attend school events, they can keep in touch with teachers and counselors via email or text. A parent’s input goes a long way in ensuring student success!
Prepare for the Unexpected
Emergencies can strike without warning, and it’s essential to be ready. Unpredictable weather, natural disasters, social unrest, or unforeseen events like the COVID-19 pandemic can dramatically disrupt our lives. Taking simple, proactive steps now can make all the difference when facing the unexpected.
Here are some practical tips to prepare for emergencies:
1. Maintain a Paper Backup of Critical Information
Technology isn’t always reliable during emergencies, especially when power or internet access is unavailable. Families should create and keep a paper copy of essential information with each family member. This list should include:
Key contacts (family, friends, doctors, and emergency services)
Medical information (allergies, prescriptions, vaccination records)
Important documents (VIN numbers for vehicles, land or home titles, and insurance details)
2. Pack an Emergency Kit
Having a well-stocked emergency kit can save time and reduce stress when an urgent situation arises. Pack the following in an easy-to-carry backpack:
Bottled water (one gallon per person per day, if possible)
Non-perishable snacks like granola bars or canned food
Necessary medications and vitamins
Flashlights and extra batteries
Blankets or sleeping bags
Toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, etc.)
Extra clothing, including sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate items
Copies of critical documents in a waterproof folder
3. Stay Informed
Stay updated on weather alerts and emergency broadcasts through radio, TV, or mobile apps. Learning about local shelters, evacuation routes, and community resources ahead of time can also be invaluable.
4. Develop a Family Emergency Plan
Families should create a plan that includes:
Meeting points in case members are separated
A communication strategy (e.g., using a relative or friend outside the area as a contact point)
Familiarity with basic first aid and emergency response steps
Being prepared not only ensures safety but also provides peace of mind during uncertain times. By taking these steps now, families can face the unexpected with confidence and resilience.
Educational Resources
The school year is going by so fast that before you know it, STAAR tests will be administered to students. To prepare, there are free resources available to use not just with your students, but also to share with your parents. Here are some great suggestions:
We encourage you to visit the Education Resources for Parents of K-12 Migratory Children portal at txmigrantk12.net to support your student’s academic needs. This portal contains:
Mini-lessons,
Tip sheets,
Short videos,
Games and apps,
And interactive course modules
The portal supports students in grades K-12 in reading and writing as well as math for grades K-5, and also provides information and links to resources for out-of-school youth. All resources on this portal are available free of charge and can be downloaded or printed right at home. Creating an account is quick, simple, and allows immediate access to the resources.
Keep the TMEP portal at your fingertips. Follow these simple directions to add a TMEP icon link to the home screen on your phone. Share these directions with migratory families so they will always have easy access to the resources!
Scholarship Applications
Right now is a great time for many of your migratory students to apply for scholarships that will help them take the next step in their educational journey. Visit Scholarship Opportunities for Migratory Students on the TEMP portal to get more information. Clicking on the link of each scholarship will take you to a page with more information on that particular scholarship.
The HEP/CAMP Association Scholarship competitions have rolling application due dates three (3) times during the year:
- March 15 - May 15
- June 15 - August 15
- November 15 - January 15
