Ruth Jones

Hispanic Advocate for Sisters School District and Juntos Coordinator

Deschutes County

Kyle Yeager Photography

I first learned about Juntos last spring, and we started our first session in the fall. Before this, Sisters had no program to reach all these families. I worried in the beginning; I doubted if anyone would even come. By the end of the program’s first session, our group was consistent and every family that was invited participated.

I think the biggest factor is that it’s bilingual. Speaking their language means we’re meeting them at their level.  We’re saying, “I’m not better. I’m a parent too. I share your culture.” That engages families right away and builds trust.  This program is successful because we’re not trying to change who anyone is as a culture; we value the culture they came from. That trust and knowledge have increased the families’ overall involvement in the school – more conferences, sporting events, etc.  Everything is better.

https://create.osufoundation.org/juntos