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Parents Step Ahead Receives Community Recognition by Richardson ISD

On Monday, April 2, 2012 Richardson Independent School District (RISD) Board of Trustees recognized Parents Step Ahead for their support in increasing parental involvement at an event involving Lake Highlands High School and Lake Highlands Freshman Center. Parents Step Ahead received the Board’s Community Recognition presented by Celina Cárdenas, Richardson ISD Community Relations Coordinator, who spoke about the Parents Step Ahead mission and success. The principals of both schools also spoke about the impact Parents Step Ahead has had in their school community.

Click here for video of Principal Gallo

“We’re thankful for Parents Step Ahead’s work for what we feel turned out to be an exciting night. We were very fortunate to be able to have parents there who weren’t able to come one time or another. They were engaged in the proceedings of the night and had the opportunity to walk around the resource fair,” said William N. Gallo, Principal of Lake Highlands Freshman Center.” It was a great opportunity for parents to listen and learn not only from the teachers but also from the students.”

The event from Parents Step Ahead took place Tuesday, January 24, at Lake Highlands High School with exhibitors and speakers introducing parents to resources available through the school district and community.  Teacher “Ambassadors” at each campus made hundreds of personal calls to families encouraging them to attend the parent program.  The event began with presentations about the importance of parental involvement and using local resources to guide students onto their path toward graduation. Parents and families were then invited to visit a resource fair featuring exhibitors from HACER (McDonald’s scholarship program), Primercia, UT Dallas, Community Council of Greater Dallas, STARS Program (UT Southwestern), ETA Cuisenaire, El Hispano News and Texas Tuition Promise Fund (Texas Comptroller). The evening ended with a family winning a new computer given by Parents Step Ahead.

Click here for video of Principal Dillon

“It was a huge success! The event brought Lake Highlands Freshman Center and Lake Highlands High School together. We had faculty working together that had never really worked together before. We had more than 50 faculty members make over 700 personal phone calls to families,” said Peggy Dillon, Principal of Lake Highlands High School. “We had so many parents that came out who had never been in our building before, and that was so exciting to see. Now we’ve made a connection and it’s a connection we will continue to have with them. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of Parents Step Ahead.”

Increasing parent involvement in their children’s education is a key factor in improving students’ academic success. This lead to a partnership between RISD and Parents Step Ahead to focus on working with families in the Lake Highlands High School community to increase parental involvement, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. “We are honored to have been recognized by Richardson ISD and see their commitment to families and improving the quality of education for every student,” said Lupita Colmenero, Founder and Chair of Parents Step Ahead. “Parental involvement is a crucial part of education and we hope to continue recognizing, educating, enabling, and empowering parents in Richardson ISD and across the nation.”

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Parents Step Ahead Elects New Board Members from McDonalds and Deloitte

Parents Step Ahead announces the appointment of Veronica Ruano and Damaris “Dee” Shneider to its Board of Directors. Both will begin their two-year term on April 1, 2012. The Board of Directors consists of a diverse group of successful men and women that want to be involved in the community and help parents and their children succeed.

“These appointments reflect Parents Step Ahead’s continued commitment to working with the very best community and business leaders to lead and guide Parents Step Ahead,” said Lupita Colmenero, Founder and Chair of Parents Step Ahead. “Their knowledge, skill, and expertise will be invaluable to Parents Step Ahead as we grow and expand our mission of educating parents across the nation.”

Veronica Ruano

Veronica Ruano is the proud owner and operator of various McDonald’s restaurants in the Dallas-area. She was honored “Rookie of the Year” after acquiring her first McDonald’s restaurant. Within the same year she was recognized for having one of the “Top 100 McDonald’s Restaurants” in the nation and every year since then she has received numerous awards, including the “Outstanding Restaurant Award”.  Among her many accomplishments, she served four years on the National Leadership Committee of McDonald’s, where she displayed her unyielding spirit of absolute initiative. She continues to thrive, leading a life of example through her community service endeavors and as a youth teacher, where she encourages higher education and positive values.

Dee Schneider

Dee Shneider is the Operations and Talent Director for Deloitte’s Caribbean and Bermuda Cluster (CBC), comprising professional services practices of ten countries. In this role, she transitioned the Talent Strategy and Operations of ten disparate country practices into one uniform set of talent processes and practices. Shneider is a current member of the Deloitte global SAP Product Board, Deloitte Americas Talent Council, Deloitte National HNet (Hispanic Network) Advisory Council, and ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting). Outside Deloitte, Shneider balances career and family life with her husband and three children.

Parents Step Ahead Board of Directors

About Parents Step Ahead
Parents Step Ahead is a nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization partners with corporations and community organizations to offer a series of educational programs for parents. Programs include dinner, childcare, and the raffle a desktop computer. www.parentsstepahead.org….

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Contact:
Gypsy Gavia
Programs & Communications Coordinator
(214) 357-2186 ext. 204
Gypsy@parentsstepahead.org

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Parents Step Ahead and Ford Motor Company Kick-Off March as Month of the Family

On March 3, Parents Step Ahead partnered with Ford Motor Company to host an event to celebrate March as Month of the Family. More than 300 participated in a family day of community service at Paul Keyes Elementary, Crockett Middle School, and Irving High School in Irving, Texas.

With the assistance of Oasis Landscaping, the schools developed special landscaping plans to enhance the appearance of their campus. These projects included school clean-ups, greenery additions and the planting of more than 100 bushes. Wal-Mart also provided supplies for the school projects.

The day began with a kick-off rally. McDonald’s provided breakfast and remarks were given by city officials: City Manager Tommy Gonzalez, Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Gerald Farris, and Councilman Mike Gallaway.

“Ford is proud to support Parents Step Ahead and their initiatives to generate awareness about the importance of education and parenting in the Hispanic community,” said Alvaro Cabal, Multicultural Communications Manager for Ford Motor Company.  “Our work with organizations, such as Parents Step Ahead, creates opportunities for our company to make a contribution for a better world for all.”

Parents Step Ahead encourages families to celebrate Month of the Family by devoting one day a week to quality family time. “A great way to celebrate family values is to give back to the schools our children attend and promote a sense of community. We are thrilled Ford was able to make this event a reality and give families an opportunity to celebrate March as Month of the Family,” said Lupita Colmenero, Founder of Parents Step Ahead.

About Parents Step Ahead
Parents Step Ahead is a nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization partners with corporations and community organizations to offer a series of educational programs for parents. Programs include dinner, childcare, and the raffle a desktop computer. www.parentsstepahead.org.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information, please visit www.ford.com.

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Contact:
Gypsy Gavia
Programs & Communications Coordinator
(214) 357-2186 ext. 204
Gypsy@parentsstepahead.org

For questions or media information please contact Gypsy Gavia at gypsy@parentsstepahead.org or visit our 2012 Month of the Family Kick-Off Celebration page.

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Richardson ISD & Parents Step Ahead Host a Parent Involvement Event at Lake Highlands High School

Dallas, TX – January 17, 2012 –Richardson ISD is launching a new partnership with Parents Step Ahead (Padres Un Paso Adelante) with a workshop and community resource fair that will help to increase parent involvement in their children’s education. The event, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 24, at Lake Highlands High School (9449 Church Rd., Dallas) was used to help educate parents about engaging in their child’s education. In addition, exhibitors and speakers introduced parents to resources available through the school district and community that can support students on their path toward graduation. The night ended with a Lake Highlands family winning a new computer from Parents Step Ahead.

In spite of the bad weather, more than 200 parents, students, teachers and community leaders participated in the event. “I came tonight to be involved in my children’s life because I know that it will help them be more confident about school and eventually going to college,” said Andrea Williams, winner of the computer and attendee of the event. “It feels great winning the computer because it will help my children further their education.”

RISD and Parents Step Ahead are partnering to focus on working with families in the Lake Highlands High School attendance zone, particularly those who are economically disadvantaged. “We are here to further the success of our children, which is why it is important that parents get involved and not be afraid to ask questions,” affirmed Peggy Dillion, Lake Highlands High School Principal.

Exhibitors included HACER (McDonald’s scholarship program), Primercia, UT Dallas, Community Council of Greater Dallas, STARS Program (UT Southwestern), ETA Cuisenaire, El Hispano News and Texas Tuition Promise Fund (Texas Comptroller).

Corporate sponsors of Parents Step Ahead and of the event included El Hispano News, McDonald’s, Wal-Mart, Educational Testing Service, LATINA Style Magazine and AT&T.

About Parents Step Ahead
Parents Step Ahead is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization works in partnership with corporations and community organizations to offer a series of programs for parents to demonstrate the importance of parental involvement. Programs are free and include dinner, childcare, and the raffle of prizes and culminate with the raffle of a desktop computer.

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PARENTS STEP AHEAD Kicks Off 2012 Successfully!
Over 600 attend the program at J.O. Davis Elementary

Dallas, TX – January 17, 2012 –The parent education event, organized by Parents Step Ahead and Irving Independent School District, was held on January 12, 2012 at J.O. Davis in Irving, Texas. The focus of the program was teaching parents to understand bullying and the basics of family finances.

“Education is a triangle, one corner is our students, one corner is our school, and the third corner is our parents,” said John Ringhauser, principal at J.O. Davis Elementary. “Parent involvement is important because together we have to make that triangle strong.” The school had 68 teacher ambassadors, all of which actively pursued parents to attend the seminar by personally making phone calls, writing letters and assisting on the night of the event with child care and registration.

McDonald’s, an early supporter of Parents Step Ahead, served more than 600 meals to families who attended the program. “It is truly inspiring and motivating to see so many parents come together for the sole purpose of learning to help their children succeed,” said Lupita Colmenero, founder and chair of Parents Step Ahead. “Thanks to their commitment and dedication the event at J.O. Davis was a total success!”

Twenty community organizations such as the Boy Scouts, Irving YMCA, Dallas Baptist University, Parkland Hospital and Medicaid came to support the program as exhibitors for the parent resource fair. At the end of the event Soledad Maldonado, a parent at J.O. Davis Elementary, won a free desktop computer for her and her family.  Parents Step Ahead will be visiting six more schools during the spring semester in the districts of Richardson, Dallas, Garland, and Birdville. For parent program information and dates, visit www.parentsstepahead.org.

About Parents Step Ahead

Parents Step Ahead is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization works in partnership with corporations and community organizations to offer a series of programs for parents to demonstrate the importance of parental involvement. Programs are free and include dinner, childcare, and the raffle of prizes and culminate with the raffle of a desktop computer.

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Contact:
Gypsy Gavia
Programs & Communications Coordinator
(214) 357-2186 ext. 204
Gypsy@parentsstepahead.org

J.O. Davis Elementary
January 12, 2012 (5:00PM – 8:00PM)
310 Davis Drive
Irving, Texas 75061

There will be:
*FREE dinner provided by McDonald’s
*FREE childcare (potty-trained required)
*Seminars on Understanding Financial Literacy & Bullying
*Community Resource Fair
*Raffle Prizes such as a NEW COMPUTER

Just come the day of the event and register onsite.

Visit our 2012 Parent Programs page for more information on upcoming events!

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2009 CNN Hero Will Speak at the Parents Step Ahead 6^th Annual “Parent of the Year” Award Ceremony

Jorge Muñoz to speak on the importance of community involvement

DALLAS, Nov. 29, 2011— Jorge Muñoz, a New York City school bus driver and founder of the non-profit An Angel in Queens, will be giving special remarks at Parents Step Ahead’s (PSA) 6^th Annual “Parent of the Year” Gala. The event will be held this Friday, Dec. 2 at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center.

PSA’s annual “Parent of the Year” gala honors parents who are making a difference in their children’s educational and personal development. Parents are nominated based on PSA program participation and two essays: one written by the parent on his/her involvement in their child’s education and the second written by the child about why their parent should be named “Parent of the Year.”

Jorge Muñoz began his unorthodox meal program in 2004 and now feeds up to 140 day laborers every day. An Angel in Queens operates on little more than what Muñoz can spare from his weekly paycheck as a school bus driver, a few donations from local restaurants, and the help of his family. He was recognized in 2009 as a CNN Hero and in 2010 received the Presidential Citizens Medal, the second-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his exemplary deeds of service for his fellow citizens.

“It is a real honor to have a person so willing to give, without expecting anything in return, at our event,” said Lupita Colmenero, founder of PSA. “Jorge Muñoz is a great example of the change that a single citizen can bring about, and is an inspiration for us to improve our communities.”

For more information please visit www.parentsstepahead.org.

About Parents Step Ahead
Parents Step Ahead is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization works in partnership with school districts, corporations and community organizations to offer a series of school-based programs for parents of all backgrounds throughout the school calendar year to demonstrate the importance of parental involvement. Programs are free and include dinner, childcare, and the raffle of prizes and culminate with the raffle of a desktop computer.

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Contact:
Gypsy Gavia
Programs & Communications Coordinator
(214) 357-2186 ext. 204
Gypsy@parentsstepahead.org

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Parents Step Ahead Announces Special Guest Speaker for its 6th Annual “Parent of the Year” Award Ceremony

Richard Montañez to highlight his rise from janitor to PepsiCo executive

DALLAS, Nov. 7, 2011 — Richard P. Montañez, an executive for PepsiCo North America called the “Godfather of Hispanic Branding,” will be a special guest speaker at Parents Step Ahead’s 6th Annual “Parent of the Year” Gala. The event will be held on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center.

Montañez started his PepsiCo career at Frito-Lay in 1976 as a janitor and is now recognized as the creator of the Flamin’ Hot® product line, which influenced future ethnic products and the first Frito-Lay Hispanic marketing team. Montanez currently leads Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions across PepsiCo’s North American divisions, leveraging best practices internally and externally to develop community partnerships. He is known for his visionary leadership and ability to develop new systems and products.

“We are excited to have a renowned leader in the Hispanic and business community who will share his inspirational story with the guests at our Parents of the Year Ceremony,” said Lupita Colmenero, Chair and Founder of Parents Step Ahead. “Mr. Montanez is a wonderful example of how a person from humble beginnings can achieve success through hard work and dedication.”

Parents Step Ahead’s annual “Parent of the Year.” gala honors and celebrates parents who are making a difference in their children’s educational and personal development. Parents are nominated based on Parent Step Ahead program participation and two essays: one written by the parent on his/her involvement and the second written by the child about why their parent should be named “Parent of the Year.”

For more information regarding the “Parent of the Year” Award Ceremony, please visit www.parentsstepahead.org.

About Parents Step Ahead
Parents Step Ahead is a 501-C3 nonprofit organization with a mission “to recognize, educate, enable and empower parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children.” The organization works in partnership with school districts, corporations and community organizations to offer a series of school-based programs for parents of all backgrounds throughout the school calendar year to demonstrate the importance of parental involvement. Programs are free and include dinner, childcare, and the raffle of prizes and culminate with the raffle of a desktop computer.

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Contact:
Gypsy Gavia
Programs & Communications Coordinator
(214) 357-2186 ext. 204
Gypsy@parentsstepahead.org

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Parents Step Ahead Announces “Parent of the Year” Gala Co-Chairs

Dallas, TX–Oct. 28, 2011– Parents Step Ahead announces that two of its board members Susie García, from McDonald’s USA, and Fred Maldonado, from AT&T Texas, will be co-chairs for the organization’s annual “Parent of the Year” Gala to be held Friday, Dec. 2 at the Crowne Plaza Dallas Market Center.

Each year, the organization honors parents who have taken a proactive approach in their child’s educational and professional development. Parents are nominated based on Parent Step Ahead program participation and two essays; one written by the parent on his/her involvement and the second written by the child about why their parent should be named “Parent of the Year.”

“We are thrilled to have two such important community leaders serve as our event co-chairs,” said Lupita Colmenero, founder of Parents Step Ahead. “Susie and Fred recognize the importance of our mission and how crucial it is to help and empower parents to understand our educational system.”

Susie García has over 23 years of experience at McDonald’s, including restaurant management/operations, administrative regional roles, regional customer satisfaction, human resources, training, and field service. In addition, she has four years’ experience as a school teacher. For the past six years, she has been a Hispanic Career Development facilitator, teaching leadership, networking and mentoring skills to McDonald’s managers all over the US.

Fred Maldonado represents AT&T in city, county, and state governmental and community affairs. He is a member of the board of the Greater Dallas Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; the Richardson, Garland, and Farmers Branch Chambers of Commerce; and the Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Maldonado recently was appointed to co-chair the Corporate Partners for the Texas Association of Mexican-American Chamber of Commerce and serves as corporate advisor on the Texas LULAC State Board.

For information regarding the “Parent of the Year” Gala, visit www.parentsstepahead.org.

About Parents Step Ahead
Parents Step Ahead is dedicated to educating, enabling and empowering parents to take a proactive role in the educational and personal development of their children. The organization works in partnership with school districts, corporations and community organizations to offer a series of school-based programs for parents. Through its programs and initiatives, Parents Step Ahead has reached more than 20,000 parents at 45 schools in the North Texas area.

Contact:
Gypsy Gavia
Programs & Communications Coordinator
(214) 357-2186 ext. 204
Gypsy@parentsstepahead.org