Parents and Families Newsletter

August 2021

All content will be trans-adapted for a Spanish version of the newsletter.

Other languages are available through the S’more newsletter.

Users will also have access to a 508 compliant PDF if needed.


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Boletín informativo para Padres y Familias.

Dear Parents and Families,

Welcome to another great and helpful newsletter that connects you to educational resources and links to information that are intended to increase the language proficiency and academic success of your child.


First, please fill out a quick survey to share any information or suggestions you might have for the next newsletter. We value your input!

Video for the Process for Serving English Learners

The Process for Serving English Learners

Take a few minutes to watch this helpful video that will guide you through understanding the process for Serving English Learners.
Video for the Process for Serving English Learners
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Subscribe to the Site

Stay informed about the resources and support available by subscribing to the site by clicking on the Subscribe Today button.
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2021 English Learner Family Engagement Event
Thank you all so much for your participation in our first-ever English Learner Family Engagement Virtual Event! If you are interested in helping to plan next year's Parents & Families event, please email, titleiii.initiative@esc20.info.
2021 English Learner Family Engagement Event

Don’t Miss These Opportunities

Clipart of a school bus with school supplies.

What Parents Need to Know for Back to School

Parents and families can learn more information about preparing for back to school by visiting our TEA webpage that provides additional resources in English and Spanish.
Clipart of a school bus with school supplies.
Three children smiling.

2021-2022 Prekindergarten Registration Information

The State of Texas provides free prekindergarten for eligible students. Visit Prekindergarten Registration Information to see if your child is eligible and access information for the upcoming school year including registration schedules.
Three children smiling.
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There is Still Time to Apply for $1,500 to purchase special education resources and services

Visit SSES.tea.texas.gov to learn more about Supplemental Special Education Services and how eligible families of student with significant and complex disabilities can qualify for up to $1,500 per child to purchase special educational resources and services.
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Upcoming 2021 Fall Conference Opportunities

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2021 AMET Conference (In-Person) November 17-19, 2021

This year’s Association for Migrant Educators of Texas (AMET) state conference will be held at the San Marcos Embassy Suites Conference Center. Visit the AMET website for more information.

Engaging hot topics:

  • Math and Reading strategies

  • Helpful websites and community resources

  • Educational apps

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Virtual Statewide Parental Involvement Conference December 9-10, 2021

Logo for Parental Family Engagement

Attend this great event from the comfort of your home to learn about ways to support your child’s academic and mental health needs. Visit statewideparents.com to register.

Topics to be discussed:

  • Tips to help with homework

  • Managing their behavior with loving discipline

  • Bullying and cyberbullying

  • Internet and school safety

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Health Support Services
On the Community Partners page, you can access information about Health Support Services such as assistance with benefits, health care, and mental health resources.
Health Support Services
Image of flyer- Supporting your child and family during COVID
In addition, learn more about Supporting Your Child and Family During COVID-19 by visiting https://www.txel.org/mentalhealth/.
Image of flyer- Supporting your child and family during COVID
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Visit the Supporting My Child web page and select the appropriate brochure to learn more about when a child is identified as an English learner. The brochures provide information about when a child is placed in either a bilingual program or an ESL program.
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This site assists middle and high school students in developing their reading and writing skills. Access free online dictionaries and resources in over 100 languages! Check out the Omniglot web page to explore more.
Logo of Omniglot
Family of six smiling.
Learn as a family with this collection of online videos and games. The Family Learning Center website provides helpful tips for elementary and middle school students to help increase their listening, speaking, and reading skills.
Family of six smiling.
Laptop with FAFSA written on the screen.

As your child prepares for their high school years and beyond, you can assist them in applying for federal student aid for college or for a career school education for the 2021–22 award year. You can complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form between Oct. 1, 2020, and 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2022. Visit the FAFSA website at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa to learn more.

Laptop with FAFSA written on the screen.
Clipboard with Student Aid written.

Students that are classified as a Texas Resident who cannot apply for federal financial aid for college or for a career school education, are encouraged to complete the TASFA. Visit this Financial aid application webpage for more information about applying for FAFSA or TAFSA.


Clipboard with Student Aid written.
Logo of Texas Health and Human Services
For more information about immunizations your child may need to go back to school, visit Texas Health and Human Services web page.
Logo of Texas Health and Human Services
Logo of TEA Graduation Toolkit

Graduation Toolkit

With the start of back to school, you may have learned about some of the following programs and services within your school and community. Feel free to reach out to your child’s school or the district to learn about some of these resources.
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Kids running with their backpacks on.

Information for Parents of School-Age Youth

Students who are experiencing homelessness have the right to attend school in their school of origin or in the school in the attendance area where the family or youth is currently residing.


Parents of school-age youth and school-age youth themselves, can access information to learn more about resources available for those experiencing homelessness by visiting the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth (TEHCY) web page.

Kids running with their backpacks on.
Adults and teacher talking.

Charter School Resources for Parents and Students

To learn about charter school admissions and enrollment, visit the TEA Charter School Resources for Parents and Students webpage for additional information.
Adults and teacher talking.
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Education Resources for Parents of K-12 Migratory

Families of migratory children, including out-of-school (OSY), can register to access the Education Resources K-12 portal. This portal offers literacy resources to use at home with your child from grades K-12. For more information, families can contact their Migrant Education Program staff.
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TEA logo- At-home learning

At-Home Learning by PBS

Turn screen time into a learning opportunity. Check out PBSLearningMedia.org for interactive lessons and educational videos for all ages.
TEA logo- At-home learning
Back to school written on chalkboard.
With the start of back to school, it is important to talk to your child to assist them with their transition back to school. These at-home activities from the PBS web page will help your child transition successfully back to school.
Back to school written on chalkboard.
Student filling in a calendar.

Create a Back-to-School Plan or Visual Calendar

Talk with your child about their return to school and what they can expect. Help your child build structure by creating a calendar so they can visually see what their school day may look like. Your child can also mark their calendars for future school events.
Student filling in a calendar.
Two children waving bye.

Create a Goodbye Mantra

You and your child can come up with a special goodbye hug or handshake in the mornings which may help your child ease their anxiety. Morning routine and rituals may help your child cope with any feelings of uncertainty.
Two children waving bye.
Students discussing an assignment.

Connect with Peers

Help your child feel reconnected with their friends and peers. Schedule time for them to meet up or encourage your child to video or call a friend. Feeling reconnected to peers who they see at school may help your child with the transition and provide the support they need.
Students discussing an assignment.

Consider setting goals for the upcoming school year. Celebrate the good things that you and your family accomplished last school year and share in fun summer memories. Remember to continue maintaining your family’s mental health and wellness. Here are some ideas from Child Mind.org.


  • Maintain social connections and stay in touch with other families and students.

  • Take breaks when needed and practice some breathing exercises.

  • Ask for assistance when needed and seek out community resources.

Take Some Time for You and Your Family

Remember, with the start of the new school year, your child may be experiencing many feelings. Reassure your child that they are prepared and discuss things they are looking forward to.

TXEL Logo

Supporting English Learners in Texas

TXEL Logo
TXEL.org is a web portal that provides information and resources that are relevant, accessible, and impactful to support educational leaders, teachers, parents and families, and community partners to ensure the academic success of the State’s English learners.


Contact us at :https://www.txel.org/contact/

EnglishLearnerSupport@tea.texas.gov 512-463-9414 tea.texas.gov