SAISD Manos a La Obra Event Welcomed Families to Learn More about Bilingual Program and Community Resources 

Colorfully painted cheeks adorned with butterflies and paw prints coupled with giggles from the children wearing the art filled the cafeteria as parents listened intently to SAISD Director of Emergent Bilingual, Christy Diego, at the “Manos a La Obra” Event last Wednesday, November 2nd. San Angelo ISD welcomed families to Glenmore Elementary for the event to learn more about the Bilingual Program, the many benefits to learning through the program, and community resources available to families through a wide array of community partner resources in San Angelo. 

“We encourage parents to allow their child to learn in an environment that embraces their culture and language. The Bilingual Program at SAISD shares a commitment to our bilingual students as they transition into their second language in which we prepare students to be future ready. This will allow them to have short term and long term academic opportunities,” said SAISD Ms. Diego. 

Only the second time SAISD has hosted the event, we are proud to be growing our program offerings and expanding awareness of the Bilingual Program and resources available to assist our families. Glenmore Elementary is one of two SAISD Bilingual Program campuses, the other is Bradford Elementary. 

The Bilingual Program, now in its third year, utilizes the students' primary language of Spanish as a resource while acquiring full proficiency in English including listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Developing a child’s home language is critical for developing their English language skills. Research has shown that English Learners who receive bilingual instruction at an early age are more successful academically and have higher achievements in later grades. 

SAISD is also pleased to create a connection with community partners through the event, who bring valuable resources that benefit our students and families. 

"We have a great partnership with many community agencies already, and hope to continue to expand and reach out to more.  They have been instrumental in helping our families including at-risk students in the district and those facing other challenges. We are fortunate to have so many people in our community that are willing to assist anyway they can," said SAISD Director of Federal Programs and Homeless/Foster Care Liaison Raquel Taunton. 

SAISD extends our appreciation to our community partners and resources who joined us to create a fun and impactful event and provide our families with great resources, information and fun giveaways like children’s books in English and Spanish. Special thanks to our very own Lake View High School Ambassadors student group, School Board Trustee Lupita Arroyo, Rust Street Ministries, Children’s Advocacy Center, Region 15, La Esperanza Clinic, West Texas Rehab Center, YMCA, Howard College, Angelo State University, Adult Literacy Council, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of the Concho Valley, and the Food Bank of the Concho Valley, Autism Alliance Council of the Concho Valley, HEB and HEBuddy, West Texas Legal Aid, the JPW Learning Center. To stay up-to-date on San Angelo ISD, please visit the SAISD website at www.saisd.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and for more information on the Bilingual Program continue reading below.

More on the San Angelo ISD Bilingual Program - ¡Orgullo Bilingüe!
SAISD  is committed to all English Language Learner's (EL) language and academic needs. The SAISD Bilingual Program is designed to provide Spanish-speaking students the opportunity to be English Proficient by the 3rd grade. The program builds knowledge and learning of academic subjects in a child's first language and English while instilling self-assurance, confidence and cultural pride. Click here to learn more, and here for a glimpse into the program. For more information or questions, contact SAISD Director of Bilingual Emergent Christy Diego by phone at (325)947-3838 Ext. 798 or by email at christy.diego@saisd.org.