Texas Border Business
PHARR- The Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD (PSJA ISD) School Board of Trustees recently approved a Memorandum of Understanding with South Texas College to continue offering GED and ESL courses to all parents of PSJA ISD students.
Through the nationally recognized PSJA Parental Engagement Program, each year over 6,000 PSJA ISD parents participate in free classes in any of the eight Parent/Community Education Centers throughout the tri-city area. The PSJA Parental Engagement Program is possible thanks to more than 30 community partnerships including South Texas College and Region One Education Service Center. Classes have continued being offered to parents virtually throughout the pandemic.
“At PSJA ISD we take pride in providing continuing education opportunities for parents because we know they are their child’s first teacher and are integral to their success,” said PSJA ISD Superintendent Dr. Jorge L. Arredondo. “We are appreciative of our continued partnership with South Texas College, providing us the ability to offer life-changing opportunities to our parents.”
Through the MOU, South Texas College will offer English and ESL classes. According to PSJA Parental Engagement Program Director Norma Garza, currently there are more than 370 parents of PSJA ISD students enrolled in classes.
“Through our programs, our parents can attend literacy courses to further their education. This will allow them to help their children at home with their schoolwork,” said Garza. “Thank you to our Superintendent and School Board for supporting our community. Our parents appreciate all you do for them and the children of PSJA.”
To participate in the free parent classes, individuals must be parents of PSJA ISD students and volunteer a minimum of 10 hours at their child’s campus each semester. Currently, volunteer hours are also collected by participating in virtual workshops and trainings.
The department continues serving parents during the pandemic closures by offering virtual classes ranging from cake decorating, sewing, and haircuts for parents. For more information, visit their Facebook page @PSJAParentalEngagement or www.psjaisd.us/parentclasses.
