South El Monte High School is hosting a new initiative called the Technology Workshop, a program designed to equip parents with digital skills to support their children’s education. Presented in Spanish, the sessions aim to bridge the gap between families and the growing use of technology in classrooms. The program is a collaboration between the school and the Parent Education Bridge for Student Achievement Foundation (PEBSAF), offering a structured curriculum focused on Google tools, email communication, and research skills.
Strengthening Parent-School Connections
The Technology Workshop series began on September 16, 2025, with “Introduction to Computers.” Each following week, parents meet at 9:00 a.m. to learn about practical online tools. Topics include navigating the internet, sending and receiving email, using Google Docs and Slides, and accessing the school’s parent portal. The sessions conclude with a graduation ceremony on December 2, recognizing parents who complete the sequence.
By tailoring the workshops in Spanish, South El Monte High ensures that Spanish-speaking parents—who make up a large part of the community—are not left behind in the digital shift. Understanding how to use email, track assignments online, or help with digital projects allows parents to play an active role in their children’s education, creating a stronger home-to-school connection.
Supporting Student Achievement Through Parent Learning
Research consistently shows that student success improves when parents are involved in education. The Technology Workshop provides parents with tools to guide their children through homework, essays, and research projects that often require online platforms. For example, one session teaches parents how to use Google Docs to write and format letters. Another explores creating presentations with Google Slides, a common requirement for class projects.
By learning the same tools students use daily, parents can offer hands-on support at home. This reduces frustration for students who might otherwise struggle alone and reassures parents that they can keep pace with new academic expectations. The workshop also covers the school’s online parent portal, giving families easier access to grades, attendance, and teacher communication. This transparency strengthens accountability and helps parents intervene early when challenges arise.
Building Community Capacity
Beyond individual families, the Technology Workshop supports the broader South El Monte community. Parents who gain computer literacy are better equipped for the workforce, civic participation, and community involvement. Skills such as navigating the internet, managing email, and creating documents are essential in nearly every profession.
Graduating parents not only walk away with knowledge that benefits their own households but also strengthen the community’s collective digital literacy. Parents can share their learning with neighbors, friends, or extended family, multiplying the workshop’s impact. As more families become comfortable with technology, schools, local organizations, and employers benefit from a community that is more informed and engaged.
Looking Ahead
The series concludes with a graduation ceremony in December, honoring parents for their participation and commitment. The celebration symbolizes more than just the completion of a course—it represents an investment in students’ futures and in community growth. When parents are confident using technology, they can support their children’s education more effectively, leading to higher achievement, better preparation for college or careers, and stronger ties between families and schools.
South El Monte High School’s Technology Workshop demonstrates how parent education can serve as a catalyst for student and community success. By investing in parents today, the school is building a foundation for stronger family engagement and a more digitally prepared community tomorrow.
For more details on programs and resources offered by South El Monte High School, visit the El Monte Union High School District website at www.emuhsd.org/semhs
