Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LATINO EDUCATION INSTITUTE

 LAUNCHES LITERACY CAMPAIGN

(Worcester – November 18, 2003) Responding to Governor Mitt Romney’s proclamation making November Massachusetts Family Literacy Month, the Latino Education Institute (LEI): Home of the Worcester Working Coalition for Latino Students at Worcester State College has launched the first of its kind "Education is the Salsa of Life/La Educación es la Salsa de la Vida” Literacy Campaign. The Institute has joined the Massachusetts Department of Education and the Children’s Trust fund in the promotion of literacy throughout the Commonwealth.

On November 10, 2003, Dr. Maria Del Rio, executive director of the LEI invited Mrs. Kathy Rodriguez, coordinator of the Massachusetts Family Literacy Consortium, Massachusetts Department of Education; to the Latino Family Resource Center to discuss strategies to launch the literacy campaign in Worcester. Among the activities taking place in the next several months as part of the literacy efforts are:

Latino Family Involvement Academy:  November 17, 18, 19, 2003 at Clark University (Tilton Hall). The purpose of the academy is to train 20-25 Latino parents  on  how to make the most of the provisions of the "No Child Left Behind Act" to help their children attain academic success. A segment of the training will focus on helping parents promote literacy in the home.

Latino Media Breakfast: December 4, 2003 at the office of Congressman James P. McGovern co-chair of the Worcester Working Coalition for Latino Students. Judge Luis Perez, the Congressman McGovern and Del Rio have invited the Spanish language television, radio and print media to unite and support the literacy campaign that will renovate education among Latino students and their families.

Language Arts Holiday Celebration: December 10, 2003 at Worcester State College (North-South Auditorium). Participants in the Institute’s programs will celebrate the development of their writing skills in poetry, essay writing and drama.

Third Annual Conference on Latino Family Involvement: Saturday, May 1, 2004 on the campus of Worcester State College. SAVE THE DATE!

For more information, contact: Latino Education Institute: Home of the Worcester working Coalition for Latino Students at Worcester State College, 508-798-6507 or visit us at: wwwfac.worcester.edu/lei

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