Parker’s First Sesión Informativa en Español

On February 16, Parker’s Admission team hosted its first “Sesión Informativa en Español.” Each year, families from many different ZIP codes around the Chicago area, the country and the world apply to join Parker’s diverse and inclusive community. The Admission team created a brand-new event targeting the Latinx community and shared insight and information on Parker’s accessible and holistic admission application process, expansive financial assistance program and resources to guide families in their decision-making.

 

The purpose of this innovative event was to provide a culturally sensitive and linguistically appropriate accessible admission resource to prospective Spanish-speaking families and empower Latinx families in the process. Three members of the Admission team are bilingual; with the rest of the team, Karen Fisher, Yari Gallegos and Julia Martinez shared information in Spanish about Parker’s admission and financial aid processes. In addition, those in attendance heard from Spanish-speaking students, parents, faculty and staff who shared their perspectives about Parker and resources and opportunities available to Parker’s Latinx families.

 

To kick off the event, the Admission team welcomed families and provided a JK–12th grade information session exclusively in written and spoken Spanish. Then, in an engaging panel presentation, Spanish-speaking Parker parents, Upper School students, faculty and staff spoke about being members of the Parker community. The conversation covered many topics, including the transition to Parker; ways that Parker’s values align with those of its families; the school’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives; feelings of acceptance and bringing one’s whole identity to Parker; communication issues for Spanish-speaking parents; and opportunities for parents to get involved on campus. The event concluded with a short presentation on Parker’s comprehensive financial assistance program.

 

The first of its kind at Parker, the admission event was well-received by numerous prospective families.

“It was great to be able to see and hear from a mix of Parker staff, parents and students. It provided us yet another glimpse into the Parker community that we have come to love,” shared a Junior Kindergarten applicant family. An Upper School applicant said, “Thank you very much for the informational meeting yesterday, it informed me so much about the school, and it helped me to understand in more detail. Thank you for making me feel more confident!”

 

Parker will release admission decisions for primary entry points to the school on Friday March 5. Selecting a school is one of the most important decisions a family can make, and Parker respects the needs of families and values the time they spend in the school’s process. The Admission team looks forward to continuing to provide creative and inclusive ways to engage with prospective families and demonstrate Parker’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of the curriculum and community. The school is excited to welcome the new students and families that will join Parker next year and bring many diverse perspectives to enrich the community!