Partnership Program School Funds Sought

Nicolas Junior High will seek a $9,000 grant to fund a program that aims to forge a partnership between the school and Latino parents.

The program, called Literacy, Language and Validating Expectations, sends school staffers into homes to discuss test results and stress the importance of student attendance.

Nearly half of Nicolas’ students are children of Spanish-speaking parents, who might not participate in school activities such as parent conferences and open houses because of the language barrier.

The board of the Fullerton School District recently voted 4 to 1 to allow the school to seek the grant. The majority of board members said the program would break down barriers and, ultimately, benefit the students.

Trustee Kim Ann Guth, the lone opponent, called the program a form of social welfare with “an arrogant attitude.” She said educators should not be teaching parents to be better parents.