Forum Highlighted Hope, Education and Success for Students
More than 300 parents, students and community members came out to celebrate diversity in APS at the “Hope, Education and Success” forum. The event brought together Hispanic leaders and panelists to talk about their success stories and what makes APS a special place to foster success for students.
Keynote speakers Rodolfo José Cárdenas, Univision Senior News Anchor and Producer, and Dr. Bárbara Medina, Director of English Language Acquisition with the Colorado Department of Education, emphasized the importance of parents and community in student success.
Panelists discussed their own success stories and how school, family and community helped them achieve their goals. Panelists included:
- Ivan Durán, APS Director of Instructional Technology
- Belén Escalante, 2005 Aurora Central High School Graduate
- Clara Pérez Méndez, President, Puentes Culturales
- Armando Ramírez, University Professor and Radio Disc Jockey
- María Elena Thomas, Principal, Elkhart Elementary School
“Tonight’s speakers overcame many challenges to be where they are today. This forum gave students, parents and the Aurora community an opportunity to see what is possible.”
- Ivan Durán
APS Director of Instructional Technology
The event helped to strengthen collaboration with parents to increase learning for their children, and it showed how community involvement is important in fostering students’ hopes and goals.
Along with food and music, the clowns Pepé and Pepita provided magical fun and entertainment for both students and parents.
“I liked the clowns a lot. They were funny!”
- Eduardo P.
Paris Elementary student
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