Multilingual Programs Newsletter
Spring 2026
Spring Greetings from Your Multilingual Program Team
Dear Parents and Families,
As spring arrives, families everywhere are adjusting to the season’s new energy and opportunities. This might include coordinating outdoor activities with warmer weather, keeping up with homework as schedules become busier, or preparing for upcoming school events and end-of-year celebrations. Schools, too, are continuing routines while helping students stay focused and motivated during this exciting time of year.
The spring months are a wonderful opportunity for families and teachers to strengthen connections. Many schools host events such as family nights, student showcases, field days, or end-of-year programs. Attending these events helps you build a stronger relationship with your child’s teacher and school community. If you cannot attend in person, a quick email or phone call is another great way to stay connected and share helpful insights about your child.
At the same time, we continue to celebrate the richness of our students’ languages and cultures. Supporting your child’s home language alongside English strengthens learning, identity, and family connections. Sharing stories, reading together, or using your home language in daily routines are meaningful ways to support your child’s growth.
As we approach the end of the school year, your partnership remains essential. When schools and families work together, students thrive academically, socially, and linguistically. We look forward to continuing our partnership with you and wish your family a joyful and successful spring season.
With appreciation,
Your Multilingual Program Team
Building Connection Through Playful Check-Ins
Creating strong connections with your child doesn’t always require deep or lengthy conversations. Often, the most meaningful moments happen during simple, everyday interactions. Turning those moments into light, game-like conversations can help children feel more comfortable opening up and sharing what’s on their mind.
Make it part of everyday moments
You can bring these playful check-ins into your routine in easy ways—during dinner, while driving, before bedtime, or during family time. These small, consistent moments show your child that you are present and interested in their thoughts.
Focus on listening, not fixing
The goal is to better understand your child, not to immediately solve problems. Give them time to think and respond in their own way. Avoid judging or correcting their answers, even if they are brief. What matters most is that they feel safe sharing with you.
Use simple, open-ended prompts
Instead of structured games, try asking thoughtful questions that invite your child to reflect. You might ask about their friendships, school experiences, or what they would do in certain situations. These types of questions encourage conversation without pressure, allowing your child to express themselves freely.
Create a safe and comfortable space
When children know there are no “right” or “wrong” answers, they are more likely to be honest. Listening carefully, asking gentle follow-up questions, and occasionally sharing your own thoughts can help build trust and strengthen your relationship over time.
By weaving these small, playful conversations into your daily life, you create opportunities for connection that feel natural and meaningful. Over time, these moments can help your child feel heard, supported, and confident in sharing with you.
Helping Your Child Grow Skills for the Future
Children prepare for college and careers in many ways, and it goes far beyond academics. The ability to communicate clearly, stay motivated during challenges, and adjust to new situations plays a big role in long-term success. These personal strengths, often known as soft skills, develop over time through everyday experiences—especially those that involve language.
The power of daily conversations
Simple conversations at home can have a lasting impact. When children talk about their ideas, plans, or experiences, they practice organizing their thoughts and expressing themselves. Whether it’s discussing a school project, sharing opinions, or telling stories, these moments help build confidence and independence.
Learning through language
As children read, write, speak, and listen, they strengthen more than just vocabulary. They learn how to understand different viewpoints, think through problems, and come up with new ideas. These language experiences naturally support skills like creativity, flexibility, and perseverance.
Building confidence for real-world situations
When students can clearly share their thoughts and work through challenges, they feel more prepared to handle new environments. These abilities support success not only in school, but also in college, future careers, and everyday life.
By encouraging open communication and giving your child opportunities to express themselves, you are helping them develop important skills that will serve them well in any path they choose.
Celebrating Our Spring Nominee: Thi Dang, Kempner High School Senior
Thi Dang is an exceptional Emergent Bilingual senior whose achievements reflect both academic excellence and remarkable resilience. A consistent Straight A Honor Roll student, she has challenged herself with rigorous coursework, including AP Biology and AP Calculus, while also excelling as a varsity swimmer, earning Academic All-District honors and recognition as a scholar-athlete.
Beyond her accomplishments, Thi’s journey is especially inspiring—arriving as a shy newcomer with limited English, she has transformed into a confident, articulate leader. She has balanced her academic and athletic success with significant family responsibilities, serving as a translator and support system for her family.
Her perseverance, discipline, and compassion, coupled with her goal of pursuing nursing, make her a truly outstanding student who represents the very best of our district’s Emergent Bilingual population.
Celebrating Our Spring Nominee: Yesenia Hernandez, Willowridge High School Senior
We are proud to recognize Yesenia Hernandez for her exceptional perseverance, growth, and commitment to academic excellence. Since beginning her educational journey in the bilingual program in 2012 and continuing her success today in the ESL program, Yesenia has consistently demonstrated resilience and determination in every step of her path.
Through her dedication and strong work ethic, Yesenia has earned her CCMR point by actively challenging herself with rigorous coursework, including AP, OnRamps, and Dual Credit classes. Her commitment to continuous improvement is also evident in the focused effort she has invested in preparing for the IOWA assessment.
Yesenia holds herself to a high standard and approaches every opportunity with purpose. She is a shining example of perseverance, ambition, and what is possible through hard work—serving as an inspiration to both her peers and our entire community.
Celebrating Our Spring Nominee: Emima Liju, Elkins High School Senior
We are proud to recognize Emima Liju for her outstanding character, dedication, and academic achievement. Since beginning her educational journey in 2013, Emima has consistently demonstrated a strong work ethic and a positive, uplifting personality that makes her a valued member of our school community.
An Honor Roll student and recipient of the prestigious Presidential Merit Scholarship, Emima has shown a deep commitment to excellence both inside and outside the classroom. Her passion for learning and helping others has inspired her future plans to major in Education and English at Houston Christian University.
Emima’s kindness, determination, and academic success make her a true role model for her peers. We are excited to see all that she will accomplish as she continues her journey beyond high school.
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
Joël Johnson
Interim World Language Coordinator
Cesar Moreira
Newcomer Student Support Coordinator
José Barrera
Bilingual Program Coordinator
Raquel Gonzales
Bilingual Program Coordinator
Carolina Álvarez
Immersion Coordinator
Lee Glaesemann
Elementary ESL Coordinator
Cassie Noble
Secondary ESL Coordinator
Georgina Castilleja
Sheltered Instruction Specialist
Priscilla Van
Sheltered Instruction Specialist
Curtis Waczko
Sheltered Instruction Specialist
Amal Shibley
Bilingual Program Specialist