South Whittier Elementary School District

South Whittier School District held its annual Title 1 Parent Conference on Saturday, September 13, at the Family Resource Center at Monte Vista.

 

The conference provided parents with an educationally rich experience, offering workshops designed to support both student learning and emotional wellness while also connecting families with community resources.

 

The event began with breakfast and a warm welcome from Superintendent Dr. Gary Gonzales, who shared the district’s commitment to student success. “Our goal as a district is to ensure that your kids learn every single day and that they’re safe while doing that. If we continue to work together, parents and the district, your children will be the true winners because they are the ones who benefit from these efforts. Thank you for being here this morning,” Dr. Gonzales said.

 

Following the opening remarks, families attended a variety of engaging workshops. Sessions included:

 

• Screenagers: Elementary School Edition
• Understanding the Multilingual Reclassification Process
• Cultural Responsiveness & Translanguaging in DLBE
• From Apps to AI: What Every Parent Needs to Know
• Navigating SWSD Student Data Platforms
• UFLI Foundations
• AVID Parent Involvement

 

Attendees also heard from Community School Director Karina Hartl, who highlighted key district initiatives. These included the recently awarded Community School grant, a year-long literacy campaign connecting families with resources and activities, significant progress in reducing chronic absenteeism, and expanded opportunities for students. Enrichment options now include high-dosage tutoring, social-emotional supports, STEM clubs, after-school sports, robotics, mariachi, art, field trips, and more.

 

In addition to workshops and presentations, families had the chance to meet with community partners and resource providers. The California Highway Patrol was on site offering free car seats, complete with professional installation, while also giving students a chance to explore patrol vehicles and collect badge stickers.

 

Feedback from families was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the variety and depth of the workshops, particularly those focused on ELA reclassification and emotional regulation. The district also gathered input from parents on future topics to ensure upcoming conferences remain responsive to community needs.

 

The event was well attended, with all South Whittier School District board members, administrators, principals, and community liaisons present in support of families.