Lynwood – Washington Elementary School fifth-grader Lizaey Hernandez feels a sense of calm whenever her mom attends her choir performances. Hearing her mother’s encouraging words and seeing her smile of approval in the audience allow her to sing freely without nervousness.

Hernandez and her classmates thanked their parents for their constant support on Nov. 15 when they performed a rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings” for parents and guardians as part of a District celebration of National Parent Involvement Day.

“I have five brothers and sisters, but my mom always makes sure she is there to help us all every day,” Hernandez said. “I am very thankful for her.”

Hundreds of Lynwood Unified parents were honored for their contributions to student success at events across the District:

  • Lincoln Elementary invited Adrian Landa, a representative of Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon’s office, to welcome parents at the school’s Parent Center.
  • Lugo Elementary held a Family and Career College Expo where students presented research on four-year universities.
  • Rosa Parks Elementary enjoyed reading and math workshops that shared curriculum and provided tips for inspiring children to learn.
  • Other schools offered curbside coffee and donuts, potlucks and movie nights.

“Parental Involvement Day is a great time for us to recognize the parents and guardians who make our District a special place,” LUSD Superintendent Gudiel R. Crosthwaite said. “We could not reach our goals without them continually working alongside our staff to get the best out of the students.”

Parent Wendy Andrade is the school site council president for Washington Elementary and spends much of her time working with administrators to improve school environment. Andrade, who attended LUSD schools, said the District’s tightknit community makes it easy to collaborate.

“My mom was also so involved in all of my schools, and I wanted to make sure that I developed that same kind of relationship with my daughter and her classrooms,” Andrade said. “The kids enjoy having their parents visible, and it sends a message to them that we’re all in this together.”

National Parental Involvement Day was initiated in 1994 by school advocacy organization Project Appleseed, encouraging school districts around the nation to honor parents by hosting campus events.

The hope is for parents to learn ways to continuously engage with their child’s education throughout the year.

“The parent involvement we enjoy in Lynwood Unified is something we want to continually celebrate,” LUSD Board of Education President Alfonso Morales said. “Our parents understand the importance of being engaged in the education of their children, and it’s one of the reasons our students enjoy success.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

112018_LUSD_PARENTINVOLVEMENT1: Lynwood Mayor José Luis Solache joins the Washington Elementary School choir on Nov. 15 as part of a District celebration of National Parent Involvement Day.

112018_LUSD_PARENTINVOLVEMENT2: Rosa Parks Elementary School parents discuss a math workshop designed to help inspire their children to learn on Nov. 15 during National Parent Involvement Day.