GENTRY, AR — Gentry Public Schools welcomed families of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) students to campus Thursday evening for ESOL Family Night, an event designed to strengthen relationships between families and the school district while connecting families with resources available throughout the Gentry community.
The event provided families with information about a variety of community resources, including healthcare services, food assistance, adult English-language classes and free book programs.
While parents and guardians visited with school staff and community resource representatives, students participated in activities alongside Gentry teachers and paraprofessionals. The evening included soccer, baggo, bubbles, sidewalk chalk and other opportunities for students to simply have fun with their classmates and school staff.
“Our goal was to create a welcoming environment where families could get to know us, get to know one another and learn about resources that can support their families,” said Addison Payne, ESOL Coordinator for Gentry Public Schools. “Just as importantly, we wanted to listen to our families and learn how we can do a better job connecting them to our community. We had some really positive conversations, and we’re excited about the next steps that will come from those conversations.”
The event also helped Gentry Schools identify opportunities for continued collaboration and support. District staff are working to build additional connections between ESOL families and community resources while creating more opportunities for families to become connected to the Gentry community.
“Strong relationships are an important part of helping students succeed,” Payne said. “When families feel connected to their school and their community, it creates opportunities for everyone to grow.”
Gentry Public Schools’ mission is “Ensuring All Students Connect, Learn, and Succeed.” ESOL Family Night is one example of the district’s ongoing effort to connect students and families with the people, resources and opportunities that can help them thrive.