Elkhart Schools kicks off school year with bilingual family event on September 8

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. - Elkhart Community Schools is kicking off the 2022-2023 school year with the first Bienvenidos: Somos Elkhart/Welcome: We are Elkhart family event on September 8.

The free event will be held at the Elkhart High School Freshman Division from 5 to 7 p.m.

Leaders in the school corporation created the event to meet the needs of their families, with a specific focus on Latino families who may be new to Elkhart and Elkhart Community Schools.

During the event, families can find information on athletic opportunities, Elkhart Area Career Center programs, registration information, and more.

Information will be available in both English and Spanish.

Interpreters will also be on hand to assist attendees.

Attendees can meet community partners with information on mental health, healthcare, literacy, and job training.

Free childcare for kids ages four through 12, refreshments, and door prizes will be available.

“Elkhart Community Schools’ promise to know every student by name is rooted in the foundation that all students have unique backgrounds and families,” said Elkhart Community Schools superintendent Steve Thalheimer. “As our population of Spanish-language students and families continues to trend upward, we want to be sure we’re fulfilling our promise to all students. We want our families to be comfortable and feel welcome in our buildings, have access to the tools available for their students’ success, and have clear guidance on where to get assistance in their preferred language.”

The school corporation currently serves 3,461 English Learner students, which is about 27.96% of the district's total population.

The Freshman Division is located at 1 Blazer Boulevard in Elkhart.