Hidden Treasures

I was privileged last night to be involved in two “hidden” programs that are representative of the great things that go on in this community and school district.  My first visit was to a celebration of the HOPE conference that was put together with the local efforts of:  Ofelia Valdez-Yeager, Esther Velez-Andrews, and Gabriela Plascencia (counselor at Central).  Through this program 20 young Latinas went to downtown LA for a daylong conference to be encouraged by those that have gone before them and been successful.  The Latinas represented the 4 HS of Arlington, North, Ramona, Norte Vista, and Lincoln.  They dressed professionally and gave a public account of themselves.  All good.  Additionally, there were another 4 from Ramona HS that had the privilege of engaging in a year-long program that culminates with a trip to Sacramento to speak to Legislators. 

The second engagement of the evening was the graduation of parents at JW North HS from the PIQE (Parent Institute for Quality Education) academy that lasts for 9 weeks.  It was Standing Room Only in the Multipurpose Room and attended by families, parents, and students.  82 parents graduated from a program that informed and encouraged university readiness and matriculation.  Other than great and committed parents the highlight of the evening was a speech by an AEL student, Tanya, who gave her speech in Spanish and English.  In a 21^st century culture, being bilingual is an ASSET not a liability.

Again, these programs are “quiet” and somewhat unnoticed – but oh so powerful.