It is imperative to show our loved ones how much we love them on a daily basis and not just on Valentine's Day. It is important to build strong relationships with our children at an early age. Don't worry if your children are older, you can start any of these helpful tips at an age.

*Be a steady, supportive, and caring presence in your child's life.

*Really listen to your children express their feelings.

*Prioritize time with your children.

*Support them in their struggles. Life isn't always easy, but when children know they have your support, they can be successful.

*Take time to reconnect if you've been away during the day.

*Be positive. Your children will likely mimic you.

*Talk to your children in the way you want them to talk to others.

*Encourage your child to be a good friend and think of others.

*Mutual respect is important for your relationship with your child. Treating your child with dignity teaches her to do the same with you.

*Don't take it personally when your child gets upset. They are working through their emotions and need your support and patience to understand or express themselves.

*Focus on their strengths and inspire them.

*Stay available to your children by telling them things like "I'm getting dinner ready, but I'm here if you need me" or "I need to take your brother to practice, but you can call or text me if you need me."

*Tell your children why you value them being a part of the family.

Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, 2018

There are just a few seats left for our 16th Annual Family Engagement Training. Keynote speaker, Anne Grady, will teach us about The Resilience Revolution: It Starts with You! Life is messy, and our strength, courage, and resilience are tested more often than we would like. Courage and resilience are like muscles-the more you work them, the stronger they become.

Date: Friday, Feb. 9

Time: 9am-2pm

Location: Education Service Center-20, 1314 Hines 78208

English and Spanish plus translation for other languages

No childcare offered

Light Lunch provided

Free of charge

Free transportation from several NEISD campuses, call to find out details.

Limited seats available: RSVP at 210-407-0118 or email Mrs. Dominguez at adomin3@neisd.net

Montgomery Elementary is excited to offer, for the first time, a series of creative writing workshops for YOU, conducted by Gemini Ink, a non-profit organization. The Writers in Communities (WIC) program sends published, professional writers into schools, institutions, and other community settings to work alongside students of all ages and abilities. While in residence, the writers and their students create dynamic creative writing projects that challenge, celebrate, inspire and enlighten. Their innovative programs have been recognized by The New York Times and San Antonio Express-News, among others. “Gemini Ink believes in the vital role creative writing can play in an individual’s life and personal development. Our writing classes are open to everyone. Whether the last thing you wrote was a poem in high school or you are a published emerging author, we provide a warm supportive writing community and the opportunity to develop your skills.”

The workshops will be conducted by Carlos Ponce Melendez, a bilingual fiction writer and poet, and is limited to 15 parents that will commit to attend the 2½ hour workshop.

Montgomery Elementary, 7047 Montgomery Dr.

Monday, February 12, 2018

9:00am to 11:30am

Only 15 seats available: RSVP with Dr. Zavala at 210-407-5034 or gzaval@neisd.net

Join us for some fun, interactive, and easy ways to promote early literacy at home. These six-week series will enhance parental knowledge on early literacy skills for young children. Participants will get hands-on experience on how to create and teach literacy at home. Topics include Healthy Choices, Culture and Traditions, Storytelling, Learning is Fun, Hands on Store Adventure, Bringing it Together for my Family, and a course completion celebration. Participants who attend all six sessions will receive a $25 H-E-B gift card at the completion of the six-week series. (One gift card per participating family).

Limited to only 15 children per session. Please call the Family Specialist for more details and to reserve your spot.

*El Dorado Elementary

Wednesdays (Feb. 7-March 21) 11am-1pm

Please call Mr. Lopez at 210-407-3023 or email him at rlopez5@neisd.net

*Fox Run Elementary

Thursdays (Feb. 8-March 22) 4:30-6:30pm

Please call Ms. Arizpe at 210-758-9646 or email her at darizp@neisd.net

*Oak Grove Elementary

Tuesdays (Feb. 6-March 20) 10am-12pm

Please call Mrs. Lacey at 210-407-5632 or email her at mlacey@neisd.net

*Wetmore Elementary

Thursdays (Feb. 8-March 22) 9-11am

Please call Ms. Arizpe at 210-758-9646 or email her at darizp@neisd.net

In an effort to promote district wide family engagement, we will be offering free monthly workshops at NEISD Ferrari Center, 107 W. Rampart Drive 78216. See below for scheduled workshops. You must rsvp at 210-407-0118 to reserve your seat. Please feel free to email adomin3@neisd.net for any suggestions on future workshops.

Write notes as a family to each other, your friends, neighbors, etc. with loving words about why you appreciate them. If you want, add a thoughtful gift like a homemade treat, handmade craft, flower, etc. Make a daily effort to look your child in the eyes with a smile and hug, and say "good morning" or "good night".

Join us to learn easy ways to get on "The Energy Bus" and live with positivity! Jon Gordan explains easy to understand and implement methods of making our lives more positive so we can teach our children to do the same. Group discussions are in English and Spanish.

Dates: Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, and 27

Time: 8:45am

Location: Garner Middle School

4302 Harry Wurzbach

Free of charge

Spaces are Limited: RSVP at 210-356-3848 or email Mrs. Diaz at mdiaz8@neisd.net

Araceli G. Dominguez

Email: adomin3@neisd.net
Website: www.neisd.net/familyengagement
Location: 8961 Tesoro Drive, San Antonio, TX, United States
Phone: (210)407-0118
Twitter: @NEISDfam