Multilingual Programs Newsletter

Dear Parents and Families,

Fall is here, and our school year is well underway! Students are continuing to build relationships, strengthen their skills, and grow in their learning. Thank you for the support and encouragement you provide as your child continues their educational journey.

As we move through the fall season, remember that learning happens both at school and at home. You can support your child by reading together, talking about their school day, practicing English, exploring your community, cooking together, and asking questions. Everyday activities create meaningful opportunities for learning and growth.

Fall is also a wonderful time to enjoy special moments with family, celebrate traditions, and create new memories together. Whether you enjoy seasonal activities, share family recipes, spend time outdoors, or celebrate cultural traditions, these experiences help children feel connected to their families and communities.

We encourage you to stay connected with your child’s school, communicate with teachers, and take advantage of opportunities to be involved in your child’s education. Families and schools are partners, and your involvement makes a difference in your child’s success.

We also celebrate the many languages, cultures, and traditions that make our school community special. Your home language and culture are valuable assets that help your child learn, grow, and succeed.

Thank you for being an important part of your child’s education. We look forward to continuing to partner with you throughout the fall and the rest of the school year!

With appreciation,
Your Multilingual Programs Team

Your Partnership is Essential!

Please consider partnering with the Fort Bend ISD Multilingual department to learn more about our bilingual and ESL programs. We want to assist you in ensuring that your child receives the appropriate support they deserve to thrive linguistically and academically in FBISD. Acquiring another language is an enriching experience that requires a strong team to be successful. You have a unique opportunity to collaborate with teachers and administrators from across the district to recommend decisions that impact thousands of FBISD students! Parents of emergent bilingual (EB) students are needed to serve on the Language Proficiency Assessment Committee (LPAC).

How can this opportunity help my family? By learning how the LPAC functions and develops its recommendations you will be better equipped to advocate for your child(ren) as they navigate through the Texas public education system.

What is the time commitment? We acknowledge that your time is precious, and everyone is asking for it. LPAC meetings generally last no more than 2 hours and you decide how much you can support.

What type of training is needed? The state of Texas has developed a FREE training that FBISD will review with you.

We look forward to partnering with your family as we support all emergent bilingual students in Fort Bend ISD!

Kind regards,

The FBISD Multilingual Team

If you are interested in serving as an LPAC member or you have other questions, please let us know by completing the Microsoft form below. You can direct any questions to curtis.waczko@fortbendisd.gov

Emergent Bilingual Parent Advisory Committee (EB PAC)

Are you a parent or guardian of an Emergent Bilingual (EB) student? We invite you to join the EB Parent Advisory Committee (EB PAC) and help strengthen programs and services for EB students and families.

EB PAC representatives will:

• Represent the voice of families at their school
• Share feedback, ideas, and family needs with the district
• Help improve programs and services for EB students
• Connect with other multilingual families and district leaders

Who can participate?
Parents or guardians of EB students are encouraged to participate. Each school will have the opportunity to have a parent representative.

Ready to make your voice count?
Nominate yourself or a parent from your school today!

In-person and virtual participation options will be available.

You can direct any questions to cesar.moreira@fortbendisd.gov

Children can learn two languages at the same time.
Children can develop two languages from an early age. Learning multiple languages does not automatically cause confusion.

Some languages use different writing systems.
Languages around the world use different writing systems, including alphabets, characters, and symbols.

Languages preserve knowledge across generations.
Languages carry cultural traditions, community histories, and knowledge passed down from one generation to the next.

Not all languages are equally represented online.
Thousands of languages are spoken around the world, but many have limited representation in digital spaces.

Knowing multiple languages can help people connect across cultures.
Speaking more than one language can help people communicate with different communities, build relationships, and better understand other perspectives.

Join adult ESL classes at convenient locations across Fort Bend ISD! Practice your skills in a supportive, welcoming environment.

Chinese Community Center

• Location: 9800 Town Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77036
• Programs Offered: Offers 6-week course
• Cost: $120
• Contact: English/Chinese 英/中文 thuang@ccchouston.org 713.271.6100, Extension 122 https://ccchouston.org/esl/

Fort Bend County Library – ESL Conversation Circle

• Location: 1003 Golfview Dr., Richmond, TX 77469
• Programs Offered: English-language learners of all levels are invited to practice conversation in a friendly, relaxed environment.
• Schedule: This group meets on the first and third Thursday of each month in Conference Room 2A
• Contact: Visit fortbendlibraries.gov to find the nearest participating location.

Fort Bend Care Center

• Location: 7707 Hwy 6, Missouri City, TX 77459

• Programs Offered: Weekly ESL classes, English Conversation, GED preparation, and U.S. Citizenship classes.

• Schedule: Monday–Wednesday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM.

• Cost: $30/year for ESL classes; $10/year for English Conversation; $10/class for Citizenship.

• Contact: Sue Li at (832) 915-0255

Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) - Offers free virtual and in-person classes. http://www.hcde-texas.org (see Adult Education) For more information call 713.692.6216

Salma entered ninth grade with limited English proficiency while adjusting to a new country, an unfamiliar school system, and a new language. Over the past four years, she has demonstrated tremendous growth in her English proficiency while remaining hardworking, focused, and committed to her academic success.

Salma aspires to become a doctor, and her resilience, determination, and strong work ethic make her an outstanding representative of our Emergent Bilingual students.

Austin High School is proud to nominate Salma for this recognition.

As we celebrate the accomplishments of our Emergent Bilingual seniors, Sarahi Quinteros stands out as a shining example of excellence, leadership, and perseverance at Willowridge High School.

Throughout her four years in the band program, Sarahi has distinguished herself through her commitment, talent, and tireless work ethic. Her band director, Mr. Mosley, describes her as punctual and detail-oriented, qualities that have helped her thrive both academically and in extracurricular activities. A gifted flutist, Sarahi serves as a section leader, soloist, and the Woodwind Captain, demonstrating exceptional leadership while mentoring her fellow musicians. Her dedication to excellence was evident early on when she earned a First Division rating in a solo contest as a freshman, setting the stage for years of continued success.

Beyond her accomplishments in music, Sarahi is also a leader on the tennis court as the Tennis Captain, further reflecting her ability to balance multiple responsibilities while inspiring others through her example. As an Emergent Bilingual student, she has shown tremendous determination, resilience, and courage in pursuing her goals and overcoming challenges. Sarahi's journey is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and leadership, and her achievements have left a lasting impact on the Willowridge High School community.

We are incredibly proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to the bright future that awaits her.

We would love to celebrate YOUR CHILD in our Multilingual Newsletter! Share their achievements in areas such as academics, sports, the arts, and more.

📧 Contact cesar.moreira@fortbendisd.gov to nominate your child for a spotlight.

Rudra, 8th grader, Former EB student through the ESL program

Submitted by Ms. Smith, art teacher

Drabek ES students were recognized for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Their achievements reflect the effort they put into learning and striving for success.

Submitted by Melyssa Thompson of Drabek Elementary School

McAuliffe MS is proud to celebrate its Hawks of the Month! This special recognition honors students for their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments. Congratulations to these outstanding students on their well-deserved recognition!

Submitted by Jessica Washington and Breanna Castro of Christa McAuliffe School

We are excited to support our newcomer students and families through the Newcomer Backpack Initiative.

Middle school newcomer students received a backpack filled with helpful school supplies, learning resources, and family information. These resources are designed to help students feel ready for school, learn about their new school, and feel more comfortable in their new community.

Families also have the opportunity to join our Newcomer Parent Academy, where they can learn about the U.S. school system, ways to support their child, and resources available in Fort Bend ISD.

We are happy to welcome our newcomer families and look forward to supporting you and your student throughout the school year!

Newcomer families had the opportunity to participate in a free SAT Prep program for students entering 11th grade.

The program was provided at no cost to families and was designed to help students feel more prepared and confident when taking the SAT. Students received support with important skills, test strategies, and practice to help them prepare for this important college-readiness exam.

This opportunity helped newcomer students and families better understand the SAT and how strong preparation can support future college and career goals.

Newcomer parents and family members had the opportunity to participate in free Adult ESL (English as a Second Language) classes.

The 10-week program helped adults build their everyday English skills so they could feel more comfortable communicating at work, at school, and in the community. Classes provided a welcoming space for participants to practice English, ask questions, and build confidence.

This opportunity was provided at no cost to newcomer families and supported parents as they became more comfortable navigating life in their new community.

Space available...

Want to expand your business while supporting our community? We are inviting local businesses and organizations to become valued sponsors and join us in making a difference. As a sponsor, your organization will be prominently featured in a future edition of our newsletter, giving you an opportunity to showcase your support and connect with families across the district. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like more information, please reach out to cesar.moreira@fortbendisd.gov directly.

Tinou (Angela) Tran, Ed.D.

Director of Multilingual Programs

Joël Johnson

Assistant Director Multilingual Programs

Youngmee Hsu

Multilingual Compliance Officer

Maria Salgueiro-Alessio

District Translator

Francisco Barocio-Ramirez

World Language Coordinator

Cesar Moreira

Newcomer Student Support Coordinator

José Barrera

Bilingual Program Coordinator

Raquel Gonzales

Bilingual Program Coordinator

Carolina Álvarez

Immersion Coordinator

Amal Shibley, Ed.D.

Bilingual Program Specialist

Grissel Baylon

Bilingual Program Specialist

Lee Glaesemann

Elementary ESL Program Coordinator

Priscilla Van

Sheltered Instruction Specialist

Curtis Waczko

Sheltered Instruction Specialist

Georgina Castilleja, Ed.D.

Secondary ESL Program Coordinator

Stormie Alston

Sheltered Instruction Specialist

Ashlei Evans, Ed.D.

Sheltered Instruction Specialist