JAMES G. BLAINE ELEMENTARY’S PTA NAMED ‘2013 PARENT GROUP OF THE YEAR’ FOR OUTSTANDING OUTREACH TO A MULTICULTURAL PARENTBASE
PTO Today Recognizes Blaine’s Noche Hispana Event for its
Collaboration among Parents, Teachers, Staff and Administration
CHICAGO - August 26, 2013 -- PTO Today recognized James G. Blaine Elementary School’s PTA for successfully and consistently engaging parents across a spectrum of cultures represented among the school’s 950 students in preschool through eighth grade. In collaboration with the school’s Bilingual Action Committee (BAC), Blaine PTA co-hosted Noche Hispana, an unprecedented celebration of Hispanic Heritage, which is represented among over a quarter of its student population. Blaine PTA was among 350 organizations in consideration for the honor. The September 2013 issue of PTO Today Magazine will feature an article about Blaine PTA’s outstanding outreach to its multicultural parent base.
Troy LaRaviere, Blaine’s principal noted, “Scores of volunteers planned and coordinated an extraordinary evening of arts, crafts, music, food, dance and celebration of community, transforming our humble cafeteria into a colorful and vibrant showcase extolling Hispanic arts and culture. The dedicated volunteers and the countless hours of preparation helped to make Noche Hispana one of Blaine School’s proudest evenings in its history.”
In weeks leading up to Noche Hispana, Blaine PTA held a series of after-school art workshops, when 125 students from first through eighth grade from varied cultural backgrounds participated in creating the event’s artwork.
Maria Guasso, an art teacher and Blaine parent, voluntarily planned and executed every workshop. She commented, “We didn’t just teach the kids how to make a pretty piece of art. The students were thoroughly engaged in a deeper understanding of the artwork’s broader cultural significance. We read stories, translated from Spanish, which complemented the artwork in relevant and purposeful ways. And we examined cultural artifacts and art historical examples that served as inspiration for their creations.”
The Bilingual Action Committee coordinated several dance troupes to showcase native Central and South American dances. They also coordinated with parents, teachers and staff who contributed to a homemade feast for the senses. According to Erin Moloney, Blaine’s ESL teacher, “From fresh ceviches to savory empanadas to the spread of sweet desserts… it was nothing short of phenomenal. We’re already in the planning stages for expanding last year’s event to Semana Hispana for a weeklong celebration of the many facets of Hispanic culture.”
ABOUT PTO TODAY
PTO Today is the #1 resource for PTO and PTA leaders offering free tools and expert advice to help yourparent group build involvement and run successful fundraisers and events. They offer downloadable kits for new leaders, treasurers, and School Family events, just to name a few. Their resources help leaders manage all aspects of a parent group. More information can be found at http://ptotoday.com.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF WORKSHOPS AND VIDEO LINK:
Art workshop descriptions: http://blainepta.weebly.com/hhart.html
Five-minute Noche Hispana recap video: https://vimeo.com/52817643
Collaboration among Parents, Teachers, Staff and Administration
CHICAGO - August 26, 2013 -- PTO Today recognized James G. Blaine Elementary School’s PTA for successfully and consistently engaging parents across a spectrum of cultures represented among the school’s 950 students in preschool through eighth grade. In collaboration with the school’s Bilingual Action Committee (BAC), Blaine PTA co-hosted Noche Hispana, an unprecedented celebration of Hispanic Heritage, which is represented among over a quarter of its student population. Blaine PTA was among 350 organizations in consideration for the honor. The September 2013 issue of PTO Today Magazine will feature an article about Blaine PTA’s outstanding outreach to its multicultural parent base.
Troy LaRaviere, Blaine’s principal noted, “Scores of volunteers planned and coordinated an extraordinary evening of arts, crafts, music, food, dance and celebration of community, transforming our humble cafeteria into a colorful and vibrant showcase extolling Hispanic arts and culture. The dedicated volunteers and the countless hours of preparation helped to make Noche Hispana one of Blaine School’s proudest evenings in its history.”
In weeks leading up to Noche Hispana, Blaine PTA held a series of after-school art workshops, when 125 students from first through eighth grade from varied cultural backgrounds participated in creating the event’s artwork.
Maria Guasso, an art teacher and Blaine parent, voluntarily planned and executed every workshop. She commented, “We didn’t just teach the kids how to make a pretty piece of art. The students were thoroughly engaged in a deeper understanding of the artwork’s broader cultural significance. We read stories, translated from Spanish, which complemented the artwork in relevant and purposeful ways. And we examined cultural artifacts and art historical examples that served as inspiration for their creations.”
The Bilingual Action Committee coordinated several dance troupes to showcase native Central and South American dances. They also coordinated with parents, teachers and staff who contributed to a homemade feast for the senses. According to Erin Moloney, Blaine’s ESL teacher, “From fresh ceviches to savory empanadas to the spread of sweet desserts… it was nothing short of phenomenal. We’re already in the planning stages for expanding last year’s event to Semana Hispana for a weeklong celebration of the many facets of Hispanic culture.”
ABOUT PTO TODAY
PTO Today is the #1 resource for PTO and PTA leaders offering free tools and expert advice to help yourparent group build involvement and run successful fundraisers and events. They offer downloadable kits for new leaders, treasurers, and School Family events, just to name a few. Their resources help leaders manage all aspects of a parent group. More information can be found at http://ptotoday.com.
MORE DETAILED DESCRIPTIONS OF WORKSHOPS AND VIDEO LINK:
Art workshop descriptions: http://blainepta.weebly.com/hhart.html
Five-minute Noche Hispana recap video: https://vimeo.com/52817643