Jericho High School senior Pamela Seltzer recently created a workbook to help immigrant parents on Long Island better communicate in English with their children's teachers. The project was developed with the help of Literacy Nassau, a Hempstead-based nonprofit that trains volunteers to tutor adults in reading, writing and speaking English.
"For new English speakers, talking with teachers can be intimidating, and so they often avoid the encounters," said Seltzer, 17. "Communication between parents and educators is absolutely critical to the success of students."
The workbook consists of 25 dialogues in English and Spanish that would be typical of conversations a parent might experience with an educator. Seltzer and her family paid several hundred dollars to cover printing costs, and she arranged for 50 copies to be donated to Literacy Nassau for distribution to volunteers and adult learners.
"By practicing these dialogues, parents can feel confident enough to attend school conferences and open houses," said Literacy Nassau's executive director Tina Sanacore. "Pam took on every aspect of this huge project. We're very appreciative and very proud."
Seltzer was honored for her efforts last month by State Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) and Hempstead Town Councilman Ed Ambrosino.
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