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.

I think it’s safe to say that there’s little, if anything at all, that I won’t do for this school.

Yes, that’s me below… 14 seconds… it is worth the investment

Both pre and post dunking I had a great time perusing the Carnival hosted by the West Valley campus on Saturday. There was a water maze, an obstacle course, a train, extreme martial arts, a dance troupe, fantastic vendor booths and terrific performances by LILA students including 11th grader Daniella Rasho whose talents I’ve mentioned before; all made possible by the outstanding volunteers!

The raffle was a success and awarded impressive prizes including an iPad2 (donated by our generous board of trustees) and a vacation in Mexico!

What a great event! Our parent and staff volunteers, led by Crystal Hines, deserve a huge thank you for putting together what we hope will become an annual tradition for the campus!