By Isabella Chavez

SAN JOSE, CALIF.— Every Friday, once a month Silver Creek High School hosts an event called “Latino Parent Night” that brings the latino community of Silver Creek together. It is a new event that began last semester and happens on Friday’s monthly. 

              Photo Caption: Families and teachers discussing Latino Parent Night’s meeting in the K- Building.

Photo Credit:  Mondays Matter Newsletter

Latino Parent Night is a day where parents of Latino students come to campus to meet with teachers, administrators, and the principal to discuss how their child is doing academically as well mentally. There are meetings and they get to break bread with all different kinds of foods served for them to enjoy. At the meetings they speak about mental health, academic resources, and answer any questions participants have. 

It was started by teachers and a community of parents for English learners here on campus. This developed many leadership opportunities for students who are English learners. 

This event is important for the parents and administrators because it’s a space where they can connect together. 

Historically, latino families are a working class community and it makes it hard to attend school events for their children. Many students have had that experience where their parents can’t make it to their events or won’t understand english. This night can give them relief knowing their parents will make it and understand what’s going. Meeting once a month gives them the opportunity to see how their student is doing and what they can do as parents to assist them.

A teacher at Silver Creek Mr. Camacho who helped organize this event has shown his support of the event when asked why he believes it’s important. “ It’s important that latino parents become more involved in the parent coalition. Parents should become active participants in their children and their own education.”

It is hoped that this  new event will bring improvements, like increased communication from all participants involved. It will connect people on a deeper level and bring awareness to any issues that have been historically ignored. It is a great tool for bringing together parents, students, and administration.