Multilingual Parent Night Connects Hispanic/Latino Community with Wenatchee Schools

Good food and music filled the Wenatchee High School New Commons on Wednesday as the Multilingual PAC Night. Spanish-speaking parents from across the district were welcomed to engage with informational presentations, district staff, community organizations, and the WHS Mariachi band. 

These are known to be lively events showcasing resources and information for Hispanic and Latino families, and Wednesday was no exception. Dinner was provided by Tacos Chava while Mariachi played their first set of the school year. Organizer and Director of Hispanic/Latino Relations Alfonso López led the event, stressing the importance of Hispanic/Latino students embracing their culture and the opportunities being bilingual can bring them. Parents listened to a discussion about ways to mitigate gang presence in Wenatchee schools and mingled with the tables of community members displaying Spanish-language resources. Representatives from each of the elementary, middle, and high schools were present to discuss school specific expectations and events. 

Fittingly, the event fell during Hispanic Heritage Month, a time that the Wenatchee School District strives to magnify and celebrate its Hispanic/Latino students, who make up a 54% majority of Wenatchee schools. Recognizing the unique needs of these families and fostering an environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued is crucial. Making resources accessible to all families helps our students flourish. 

This was the first of five Multilingual Parent Nights set to take place during the 2023-24 school year, with the next set to take place in January 2024. For more information, please contact Alfonso López at lopez.a@wenatcheeschools.org.