Parents and Families Newsletter

All content will be trans-adapted for a Spanish version of the newsletter.

Other languages are available through the S’more newsletter.

Users will also have access to a 508 compliant PDF if needed.

Si le gustaría leer este boletín en español, por favor haga clic en el

Boletín informativo para Padres y Familias.

Welcome to another great and helpful newsletter that connects you to educational resources and links to information that are intended to increase the language proficiency and academic success of your child.

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

Take a few minutes to watch this updated helpful video that will guide you through all the new sections of the Parents and Families page.

Stay informed about the resources and support available by subscribing to the site by clicking on the Subscribe Today button.

This year’s Association for Migrant Educators of Texas (AMET) state conference will be held at the San Marcos Embassy Suites Conference Center. Visit the AMET website for more information.

Engaging hot topics:

• Math and Reading strategies

• Helpful websites and community resources

• Educational apps

Attend this great event from the comfort of your home to learn about ways to support your child’s academic and mental health needs. Visit statewideparents.com to register.

Topics to be discussed:

• Tips to help with homework

• Managing their behavior with loving discipline

• Bullying and cyberbullying

• Internet and school safety

Applications are being accepted until August 13, 2021, for families with children (up to age 21) who temporarily lost access to free or reduced-priced meals at school during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for P-EBT food benefits. To apply, go to yourtexasbenefits.com/Learn/PEBT (application link is case-sensitive).

Visit SSES.tea.texas.gov to learn more about Supplemental Special Education Services and how eligible families of student with significant and complex disabilities can qualify for up to $1,500 per child to purchase special educational resources and services.

The State of Texas provides free prekindergarten for eligible students. Visit Prekindergarten Registration Information to see if your child is eligible and access information for the upcoming school year including registration schedules.

On the Supporting my Child page, you can access technology tips and educational resources from the Tips for Families with English Learners.

In addition, we have listed a few educational websites from Helpful Websites for At-Home Learning to continue your child’s learning during the summer. The suggested links will strengthen your child’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Information available in Spanish

This site provides helpful tips in the Ideas for Families section to help increase children’s literacy and vocabulary skills.

For middle and high-school students, review a list of Greek and Latin morphemes, meanings, and sample words and definitions.

For all grade levels, children can learn empowering ways to express their ideas by creating comics in multiple languages.

We understand moving can be stressful for the entire family and cause anxiety of the unknown. To help, here are some tips and resources that can assist your family transition to a new community and school.

If you are looking for information around health support services, visit our Community Partners page for additional helpful resources.

Your current school can provide you with a folder or envelope of confidential student information for your child. Having this information will make it easier for the receiving school to enroll and place your child in the appropriate educational setting.

Here are a couple ways to assist you in finding out information on your new school community.

• Ask your current school if they can provide you with contact information for the new school you are moving to.

Visit TXSchools.gov and locate your new school by entering your new address. You will also be able to learn how your new school is performing in different areas.

Turn screen time into a learning opportunity. Check out PBSLearningMedia.org for interactive lessons and educational videos for all ages.

Every student who takes the STAAR test receives a STAAR Report Card that helps parents see where their child is doing well and where he or she may need extra help. Visit texasassessment.gov for great informational videos and resources for families. Spanish

Texas has several programs accessible to military connected students and their families located on and off military installations within their community. Visit our TEA Military Parent & Student Resources page for additional information.

Visit the Texas Migrant Education Program (TMEP) web portal designed to meet the unique needs of parents and families of migratory children, including out-of-school (OSY).

As summer is quickly passing by, it is important to continue to enjoy your summer time while looking ahead for the new school year. These fun at-home activities will help your child build their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Everyone has their favorite foods they like to eat on special days, and it all begins with a recipe. As a family activity, you can create a family cookbook with everyone’s favorite dishes. Have your child help you write down the recipes or read out loud ones in a cookbook or those saved on the computer. This family cookbook will be something that can be handed down from generation to generation.

Music is all around us and most likely, your child quickly catches on to the lyrics using their listening skills. Songs can be used as a learning tool and touches on all language skills. To get the brain working, ask the family to create a song about something they like to do. Each family member will write the lyrics down on paper for each family member to use when it is time to sing along. This activity creates a fun and creative experience that results a playlist of songs to be treasured.

Is your child an expert in texting and chatting with friends and family? A fun family activity is to place in a bowl names with mailing addresses of friends and family member to be randomly selected. Each family member will write a letter to be mailed to the name they selected. This would be also a great opportunity to talk about the US postal system or watch Systems at Work that explains the process.

Reflect on you and your child’s experience the previous year. Celebrate the good things that you and your family accomplished. Remember to continue maintaining your family’s mental health and wellness during the summer. Here are some ideas from DiscoveryMood.com.

• Go outside and enjoy the natural sunlight. Enjoy activities such as: gardening, bird watching, or hiking.

• Stay active daily by exercising for about 20-30 minutes.

• Plan a change in scenery to relax and reduce stress, maybe driving to the beach or visiting a family member.

Remember, as summer time winds down, your child may be experiencing many feelings as they prepare for in-person school in the fall. Reassure your child that they are prepared and discuss things they are looking forward to.

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: https://tea.texas.gov
Phone: 512-463-9414