Mothers also feel more engaged and in return, it has helped their children become more social and be part of other school activities.
Inspired by the opportunities in the PSJA Parental Engagement Program, 12 mothers united to form a folkloric group where they get to perform at school and community events.
The mothers meet weekly at the Parent Centers at Cesar Chavez Elementary and Ramirez Elementary in Pharr.
Most recently, the mothers performed at the Region One Education Service Center’s “Fiesta 2023 Family and Engagement Conference on April 5.
“Many young people don’t know their culture, and this is one way they can communicate with their community,” said Vanessa Lopez, a member of the Ramirez Elementary parental Folklorico group, “Every song and dress has a story behind it.”
Folklorico refers to numerous traditional dances from Mexico’s different regions and states. Parents at Cesar Chavez Elementary say this has been a life-changing experience for them. They even went as far as designing their own folkloric dresses.
“We have seen positive changes. For one, this is some form of exercise, and they say they feel healthier. Mothers also feel more engaged and in return, it has helped their children become more social and be part of other school activities,” said Claudia Cavazos, site manager at the Cesar Chavez Elementary Parent Center.
In addition to the parents getting the opportunity to practice folklorico, through the PSJA Fine Arts Program, students throughout the district can also participate.
“I am so proud of both parent centers in our district; parents are engaged in learning literacy and in activities. Both Cesar Chavez and Ramirez Parent Centers have come a long way. A way to showcase their amazing talent and their culture.”
Throughout the district’s Parental Engagement Program, each year thousands of PSJA ISD parents can participate in free classes in any of the district’s Parent/Community Education Centers.
Parents can earn college credit and certifications at these centers through partners like South Texas College and the Region One Education Service Center. Courses include ESL, GED, citizenship, nutrition, arts and crafts, welding, auto mechanics, and even safety guard certifications.
For more information visit www.psjaisd.us/parental.
