The Lastest and Greatest from Washington's Migrant Education Program State Advisory Committee

I was back in Sunnyside, Washington last weekend for the State Advisory Committee's Member's Training Session. Once again, I was so impressed with the quality and dedicated nature of the members present and the work being accomplished. Because I represent the Western region of Washington state, I'm going to indulge myself for a moment to brag about a couple of the SAC members from our region: Cecelia Rodriguez of Hoquiam and Miguel Alaniz from Mount Vernon.

While this was my first time meeting Miguel, I have had the good fortune to get to know Cecelia a bit over the last few months and have been completely taken with her poise, her dedication to migrant families and students and her willingness to speak up about the issues that she feels are important. At this last meeting though, I also learned that she is capable of much more than critical thinking and talk. I learned that, when there is real work to be done, she's ready to get her hands dirty with that work until it's accomplished.

Miguel is a Mount Vernon High School Student and, I am so happy to say, is wise, brave and insightful far beyond his years. He shared many original ideas about what schools could do to better support students and improve academic achievement, with the sincerity and ease of someone with extensive experience in this setting. I am so excited to be working with him to bring these ideas to fruition and help our schools become more supportive of students like Miguel. I expect great things from this young man, and I know that I'm not alone in that.

Our next State Advisory Committee meeting is Saturday, November 6th in Wenatchee, Washington. These meetings are open to the public with opportunities for comments from the audience. If you want to see these superstars in action, join us! For more information, you can contact Elizabeth Ramos of Migrant Students Data and Recruitment at 800-274-6084.

Home Visitors in Skagit and Whatcom United for Families

This week, I had the wonderful experience of working with a group of enthusiastic, fun and no-nonsense Home Visitors and Parent Liaisons from Skagit County. We were united in a common purpose- to help create a conference for and by migrant families in which parents will create stronger connections with other parents and connect with meaningful resources, support and services that will empower them to use their voices, understand their rights and responsibilities and support their own education for their families to succeed.

With such a group of bright, experienced professionals who both understand and genuinely care about migrant families and students, I am very enthusiastic about what the product of our work will be.

Please feel free to share any ideas, experiences or advice that will help us in this project. And save the date!!! Saturday, April 30th at Burlington High School. We'd love to have your help!