Parent Orientations Prepare Parents for Back to School

As school gets into full swing, the IRC in Seattle is helping equip newly arrived refugee parents with the information they need to make this year successful for both them and their children. Our Newcomer School Readiness Program helps prepare our incoming students for their first year in the US school system; however, in order to fill in the gaps, parent orientations aim to prepare refugee parents for what they can expect as their children start school.

This month, Summer Youth Program coordinator Ann Strandoo offered two parent orientations to familiarize parents with the public school system, as well as provide information about their responsibilities as parents of children in the Tukwila School District. General information such as how the grades are divided (Elementary, Middle, High schools) and basic rules of school were discussed as well as how the students will get there, and safety and school bus rules.  The presentation went on to explain the specific subjects the students will be taught, school dress code and other resources that may be helpful to both the parent and the child.

Navigating the school system can be difficult for newly arrived parents, and the IRC in Seattle and Tukwila School District work closely together to identify ways to inform and involve recently resettled parents in their child’s education.
 
 
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