As a Family Specialist, Glendelia Zavala does it all for her Montgomery Elementary School families. She is a valuable support system for students and families who need help acquiring clothes, school supplies and food. She’s also a wealth of knowledge and resources helping parents, grandparents and guardians through the Family Engagement Leadership Academy.
“We’re always thinking about how we can help parents better help their own children be successful,” said Zavala. “They get a lot of training so they’re learning a lot of new skills, knowledge and ways they can help their children be more successful in school. Ultimately, we want to help parents become more engaged in their child’s education.”
The Family Engagement Leadership Academy is a free resource for people seeking empowerment and assistance through weekly workshops in the following areas:
- Parenting
- Life Skills and Essential Knowledge
- Academic Skills
- Health, Nutrition and Safety
- Leadership and Community Service
The Leadership Academy is open to any adult in the community, and registration can take place at any time during the school year. A minimum of 25 hours is required to graduate from the course in May – that includes 23 hours of workshops and two hours of volunteering.
Each campus facilitates the courses in a way that best meets the needs of their community. At Montgomery, classes are being offered online and in-person thanks to a collaboration with the other feeder schools in the Roosevelt High School area.
NEISD Family Specialists are there to connect with families and help meet the vast needs of each student’s emotional and economic needs. Zavala loves her job and is proud to play a crucial part in creating a positive environment where everyone can learn and grow.
“I’ve always enjoyed community service and I just love doing this,” said Zavalla. “As many hats as I’m wearing, it is very fulfilling for me personally. Developing those relationships, seeing our parents grow and helping the children gives me a lot of personal satisfaction.”
If you want to join the Leadership Academy, please reach out to the Family Specialist at your home campus. Click here to learn more about all the services available through NEISD Family Engagement.
