NEWS RELEASE
    September 28, 2007
    For more information:
    Mary Waggoner, 425-385-4049
    Schools host parent meetings for non-English speaking families
    Everett School District parents use Web-based tools to stay informed about student school performance. Depending upon
    student grade levels, parents find different information through the
    Parent Access Center
    online. Middle and high school
    parents see attendance, discipline records, progress reports and classes students are taking. "
    Parent Access Center
    is a vital
    communications link that enables parents to have the information they need to fully support what students are learning in
    school," says Superintendent Carol Whitehead.
    However, non-English speaking families need help learning how to use the system. Two years ago North Middle School and
    Everett High School partnered to help these parents. This year CascadeHigh Schoolwill join the partnership to host parent
    trainings on how to use the
    Parent Access Center
    in three different languages.
    "IMS is an excellent resource for families to have information about their student's progress, attendance and assessments. We
    are offering the training to families whose first language is other than English so that they can learn the system and support
    their children's education," says Kelly Shepherd, principal of North Middle. "When we did this training two years ago the
    response from families was very positive."
    Parents who attend will learn about graduation requirements and the U.S.grading system- both of which can be very different
    from what parents might have experienced in another country. The sessions, to be held in Spanish, Russian and Arabic are
    scheduled for:
    When:
    October 10, 2007, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Spanish Speakers
    October 18, 2007, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Russian Speakers
    November 1, 2007, 7 - 8:30 p.m. - Arabic Speakers
    Where: Everett High School (main building, in the library), 2416 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201
    "We have a wonderful online system through which parents can partner with schools by monitoring student attendance,
    grades, transcripts, assessment scores and discipline," says Catherine Matthews, principal of EverettHigh School. "Our
    evening programs are focused on helping parents who speak languages other than English to access this system so that they
    can support students in their families. We are very excited to have this opportunity and we are looking forward to a good turn-
    out!"
    Matthews and Shepherd will join the principal of Cascade High School, Ms. Cathy Woods, to teach attendees how to use the
    computer to view student information. "All parents, whether English speaking or not, who want to learn more about
    Parent
    Access Center
    are encouraged to come to a session," said Matthews.
    More information is available by calling North Middle School at (425) 385 -4800, Cascade High School at (425) 385-6000 and
    Everett High School at (425) 384-4400.
    everett
    Page 1 of 1
    http://www.everett.k12.wa.us/everett/10-2-07
    5/18/2009

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