Parent Teacher Magazine Cabarrus County Schools May/June 2019 | Page 8

English Language Learners Visit UNCC The Cabarrus County Schools ESL and Title III department partnered with the UNC Charlotte Dean of Students Office and Office of Identity, Equity, and Engagement to organize a college tour experience for 8th grade English Language Learners. Fifty students from seven different middle schools (C.C. Griffin, Concord, Harris Road, Northwest Cabarrus, Hickory Ridge, Mount Pleasant and Winkler) participated. The purpose of the trip was to encourage students to begin thinking about the possibilities that are theirs with a college education by experiencing what it’s like to be a student on campus. Students began their experience by learning about the various programs offered by the university. Two UNCC students then shared CCS Hispanic Family Night a Success Cabarrus County Schools’ Student Services and ESL Department hosted a successful Hispanic Family Resource Night on Thursday, April 4th. More than 100 people attended the event to learn about the community resources available in Cabarrus County. Fifteen community agencies sent bilingual representatives and set up a table with information on the services they provide. Volunteer teachers from various schools provided activities for children giving their parents an opportunity to visit with the agencies. Families were served food and refreshments donated by local restaurants and grocery stores. Thank you to the following restaurants, grocery stores, and agencies for supporting the event: La Unica Concord, La Unica Harrisburg, Tijuana Flats, El Amigo Mexican Restaurant, Fiesta Mexicana Grill, Food Lion, Charlotte Legal Advocacy, Cabarrus Partnership for Children, DHS Foster Care, Cabarrus Health Alliance, Cano Family Services, Finding Solutions Inc, Families First, RCCC, Concord Public Library, Angeles de Esperanza, El Puente Hispano, Patricia L. Botero-Premium Homes for Sale, Joell Pimentel – NFM Lending, and Comunidad Colectiva. 6 May/june 2019 • Parent Teacher Magazine their personal stories of why they decided to apply to college and their struggles and successes along the way. The next part of the experience involved students breaking into small groups assigned by the UNCC team. Each group was led by at least two UNCC student leaders. Students used this time with their student leaders to ask questions and discuss college life, successes, and challenges. Students were provided lunch in the Crown Commons dining hall. Following lunch, students experienced a walking tour of campus and learned about the university’s facilities, as well as student life, culture on campus, and academics. The experience ended at the Popp Martin Student Union where students received a small gift consisting of UNCC school spirit goodies to remember their visit.