Parents and Families Newsletter

May 2021

Si le gustaría leer este boletín en español, por favor haga clic en el 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.


Don’t forget to fill out a quick survey to share any information or suggestions you might have for the next newsletter. We value your input!

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Don’t forget to make plans to attend this year’s Virtual English Learner Family Engagement Event!

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To register, visit www.txel.org/Events/ and click on Parents and Families for more information.

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Here are the topics that will be covered at this year's conference:

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Understanding the different Bilingual Education programs available to your child

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The social and emotional wellness of your child – tips for school and home

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High Quality Instructional Materials - understanding how your child’s schoolwork helps them meet the standards

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How to authentically engage with your child's school – get a better understanding of how to partner with your child’s school and teachers.
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Access helpful educational websites to continue your child’s learning during the summer. The suggested links will strengthen your child’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

Supporting my Child page offers valuable information that can be viewed or printed in multiple languages.

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Are you looking for educational opportunities for yourself? Visit our Family Supports page to find community resources available near you. Resources range from adult English as a Second Language (ESL) classes to trainings on technology. Discover other great community resources opportunities on our Community Partners page.

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Check out the Student Resources page for links for your child to practice their language skills through activities and quizzes. This page provides great resources as your child explores next steps beyond high school.

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Technology

Check out these downloadable (FREE) apps that help with translation. Also, consider asking your child’s school about the use of these apps during parent conferences or for student learning!
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REMIND- is an app that translates messages and helps improve communication between parents, families, and school.
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iTranslate Voice- is an app that both students and parents can use to translate spoken words.
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Class Dojo- this app allows for school activities to be translated into the language of your choice.
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TalkingPoints- is an app that allows messages to be translated and for the recipient to reply in their native language.

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To support your child who has also been identified with a disability and served by special education, these are great resources to check out.

· Tips for Managing Behaviors for At-Home Learning English / Spanish

· ARD Meeting Essentials for Parents English / Spanish


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Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES)

Visit SSES.tea.texas.gov to learn more about Supplemental Special Education Services and how eligible families of students 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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Getting Ready for Summer

Explore these great ideas and links during the summer to keep your child learning and entertained. It is always great practice to find a balance during the summer of having fun and ongoing learning opportunities.
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Brain Breaks at Home

Help your child de-stress and get some extra movement. These activities can be done in under five minutes.


1. Use chalk on a sidewalk to create a sensory path that includes movement such as, “hop,” “spin around,” and “jump up and down.”

2. Invite your child to tell silly jokes.

3.Try some mindful coloring or drawing activities.

4. Have a dance party with your child’s favorite music.


For more brain breaks to use at home visit the Understood.org website.
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Self-Care Tips

Parents and families have shown great resilience throughout the past year, due to the school closures. Research has found that parents and families have implemented some of the following strategies to de-stress:


Parenting During Coronavirus: Surviving, Not Thriving

  • Find a self-care activity that works for you such as: exercising, painting, listening to music.

  • Consider creating a schedule so you can build healthy and consistent habits.

  • Set time apart for a family activity (pizza night, cooking together, playing board games).

Box Breathing Exercise

Watch this video, to practice a simple relaxation technique known as Box Breathing.


Try box breathing with this short animation
Social Emotional Learning Activities

Social Emotional Learning Activities

Check out these Growth Mindset Questions that can be used to help your child build resilience. English / Spanish

Social Emotional Learning Activities

Take Some Time for You and Your Family

Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. Learning about available resources and staying connected will help your child succeed academically. Also, remember to take time for yourself and find ways to engage in self-care for you and your family.
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Supporting English Learners in Texas

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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