GEAR UP welcomed students and parents from grades K-12 and provided information about getting college and career ready to students and parents at Haywood Elementary School during ESL (English as a Second Language) Parent Night on April 9.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Jessica McCurdy, the K-3 ESL teacher, and Kelly Weise, the District ESL teacher. Parents enjoyed viewing student work and watching a video on Common Core State standards in Spanish and English. Jackie Whitten, Site Coordinator of Haywood County GEAR UP TN, and Abby Nichols, the REDI Coach, provided information on getting students college/trade school and career ready. Throughout the evening, two translators were available to translate the information and strategies to Spanish for the benefit of the parents. Also, GEAR UP provided school, college, and career information to parents and students in both Spanish and English.

Parents and students enjoyed light refreshments, and families who participated said the evening was informational for them and their children.