The night was planned and organized by Andrea Burns, the ESL Teacher at Stuart School, and the theme was “Your Passport to Success.” The ESL students performed songs for their parents under the direction of Ruth James, music teacher at Stuart School, at the start of the evening.
Child care was then provided as parents traveled to four learning sessions, getting their “passport” stamped at each stop. They were given information on adult English classes offered in the community, technology tips concerning school learning, suggestions on helping children succeed in school and opportunities available at the school and public library.
Sessions were facilitated by Stephen Duncan – ESL teacher at Blythe-Bower Elementary School, Christy Duncan – ESL teacher at Mayfield Elementary School, Tamara Humphres – coordinator of After-School Programs for Cleveland City Schools, Miranda Whittington – School and Family coordinator at Cleveland Middle School, Dr. Christopher Blake – English and modern foreign languages professor from Lee University, Anna Torres McAllister – ESL director from Westwood Baptist Church, and Keisha Parks – Children’s librarian from the Cleveland Public Library.
Student artwork and various class projects were also on display throughout the halls of the school. Translation Services were provided by Lisandro J. Bojórquez and Maressa Crisóstomo.
The evening concluded with light refreshments, organized by Joanne Swafford – parent coordinator for Stuart School, and a drawing for prizes including a gift card to Walmart. Many families participated and organizers said the evening was quite a success for the parents, students and school staff.
