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Bay Shore board hears recap of English‑learner family engagement showcase
Summary
At a Bay Shore Union Free School District work session, staff recapped a Jan. 29 English‑learner 'celebration of learning' that doubled attendance from the prior year, emphasized bilingual outreach and digital‑equity supports, and identified next steps to expand middle‑school engagement.
At a work session of the Bay Shore Union Free School District board, a district presenter outlined a recap of the English‑learner ("E and L") family engagement celebration held Jan. 29 and described efforts to increase family partnerships and support students toward four‑year graduation.
The presenter said the event was structured around three pillars—"understanding expectations, exploring pathways, and showcasing student success"—and that sessions were delivered in English and Spanish to reach primarily Spanish‑speaking families. "Our intention was to increase engagement with our families," the presenter said, adding that staff reviewed conduct and attendance expectations and emphasized digital citizenship in the district’s 1:1 technology environment.
Board members asked about turnout and language representation; the presenter confirmed attendance had doubled from the prior year and included mostly Spanish‑speaking families along with some Chinese, Polish and Russian families. The presenter noted that families could sign up for district systems that evening using embedded QR codes and that staff had introduced the Parent Faculty Association to encourage ongoing involvement.
Board members praised the student leadership role in the program. The presenter described a student‑led "day in the life of a newcomer" and a short video tour by the Hello Ambassadors club designed to help new families acclimate. "The Hello Ambassadors Club is in its second year of existence, and it's gaining momentum," the presenter said.
The presenter said staff plan to build on the middle‑school focus, extend the model to the high school and continue to prioritize digital equity and family access to resources such as iCampus and ParentSquare. The board encouraged the district to return with additional outreach plans and to consider music or other cultural elements to broaden engagement.
The board did not take formal action on the presentation; staff said they would continue to expand E and L outreach and report back at a future meeting.
