The 2011 Joshua Tree Field Trip  was, for 3 days, a community of 201 persons. A community designed for children, parents, and teachers to integrate into all life and not the narrow bandwidth that we are focused on. When our relationship to the world has grown cold or lost, it is time to warm it up! Getting into community for the benefit of our children at Joshua Tree is a good response to that, to bring life back into our life,  no matter how many iPods, TVs or cell phones, or whatever else we have.

The beauty of the Joshua Tree desert and the attitude of each one of our parents made it precious and wonderful.  It was Pasadena’s eighth trip to Joshua Tree and, as always, this event creates a special bond between all the participants  and for a few days we all- students, teachers, friends and parents - shared many memorable experiences: the workshops, teaching, carrying, washing, cooking, building, the scenery, the amazing sky, the silence.  All the hard work invested into this trip resulted  into smiles and endless memories that will remain with these Pasadena families for the rest of their lives.

I was finally able to check in with BluePalm, the group responsible for the PARTICIPEZ! workshop we had a couple weeks back. They were excited how willing parents were to get involved and participate.... but again video speaks more than words... Bluepalm did a little montage... it is short but I must warn you... I watched and kind of felt like I missed the party. 

For those of you who were unable to attend, and/or maybe didn’t know about PARTICIPEZ!, the content of the sessions were based on meetings with all stakeholders including teachers reps, 2010-11 elected parents, and administrative staff. Since LILA parents participate on all levels, from the board of directors to occasional volunteers, during the workshop the group discussed elected parent roles: parent coordinator (elementary), parent rep (secondary), campus site council representatives (K, elementary, middle school, and high school) and PA officers (president, vice-president, treasurer, and secretary) as well as non-elected parent roles: PA member, parking volunteer, library volunteer, parent ‘buddy’ for parents needing language assistance, translator, career fair presenter, etc.

I really liked the idea behind the workshops - bilingualism is a family affair! The facilitators recommend that all parents attend informational meetings and PA meetings as well as seize any opportunities that come their way to increase their understanding of the other culture.

If you are interested in attending one of these enlightening workshops, there are several coming soon:  ME/MOI/LILA, I, II, and III, and 'what to expect at LILA' workshops for elementary, middle school, and high school… we’ll let you know as we receive scheduling details.

One of the many things I love about our community is that we rally.

It’s not so much about scratching each other’s backs as it is about supporting our community’s various efforts. 

Whether we are approached to host parent workshops, ask for volunteers and donations, or recommend each other’s talents and service, one thing we are really good at is banding together.

I’m sure you are all familiar with the “Je suis LILA” video on our website, well the creative force behind that little gem is Pedro Pablo Celedón. He also was the creative force behind a video to help promote our scholarship program (you may not have seen it yet so I am including it here). 

His latest endeavor Hand Made in Habana, is something I think is worth supporting. Have a look at the Kickstarter page and maybe you’ll feel inspired to rally!