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REGI ON 7 C OMMUNICATI ONS SERVIC E S The Region 7 Communications Team is committed to helping school districts and charters tackle the challenges of an ever evolving digital world. We are a group of creative thinkers and problem-solvers that can help bring your story to life.
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READ TO ME
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VAN ISD STEAM BUS
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BUBBLE TUBES FOR ALL
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REGION 7 HONORS
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HOME TO HEAD START
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HEADING TO SFA
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WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
Teachers and nurses pack bags of books for East Texas newborns
Van ISD STEAM bus is rolling through the streets of East Texas again
Whitehouse ISD develops sensory tubes for elementary students
Celebrating the Region 7 Boards, Superintendent, and Teachers of the Year
One woman’s journey from stay-at-home mom to Head Start teacher
Broaddus migrant student becomes first in family to graduate high school and head to college
Celebrating student achievements in Region 7
SEVEN magazine is published annually by Region 7 Education Service Center. For information about advertising or to suggest a story idea, please contact our communications team at communications@esc7.net. To learn about the programs and services or Region 7 ESC, visit www.esc7.net. Cover photo by Summer Stone
Changing the world one student, one teacher, one school at a time.
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arts4allkids.com
Moving Back to The Future... by Todd Schneider, Region 7 ESC Executive Director In September of 2020, I began working at Region 7 ESC, walking into an almost completely empty building (as most people were working remotely due to the pandemic). It was a bit anticlimactic starting as the new leader, introducing myself from my office to the staff through a Zoom meeting. This was just the beginning of the challenges we would all face over the next 15 months, but it was the beginning of finding new methods of supporting schools, as well as finding a non-typical pathway to a new culture. Since that beginning, we have steadied the path of working to get back to the “what” we do while using what we have learned to improve our support and services for the future. We’re “Moving Back to the Future”! In doing so, we are creating a strong culture within our building while focusing on how to support Region 7 schools through one of the most difficult times in our nation’s history. It is a challenging time and an awesome opportunity to be a part of public education in Texas. Our staff is committed to meeting the needs of our stakeholders and going the extra mile to do so. Here are some of the “Back to the Future” changes and improvements f rom 2021 that impact our districts, their staff, and, most importantly, the students’ learning experience. ■ Created over 50 online professional development classes for teachers and administrators to complete more conveniently within the scope of their job ■ Aligned Leadership expectations focusing on evaluating technology integration into classroom teaching and learning through alignment with TPESS ■ Implementation of Parent, Family and Community engagement with Bilingual/ESL programs throughout our communities and schools ■ Provided Career and Technology Education Catalogs to 45 districts and CTE Culture workshops to 30 districts ■ Significant Growth in our “Librarian of Record” program to better program 21st-century library
services which include digital learning support and media services that directly improve learning for students ■ Provided over $84,000 of materials to support special education students on local campuses ■ Redesign of the Region 7 website to ensure access to our programs and services are efficiently accessible to stakeholders In looking ahead, we are currently working on some new programs and services that we believe will meet the needs of our districts and diverse student populations. Here are some of those new programs: ■ Data analysis of every district that provides a marketing brochure highlighting each of these five areas: □ Historical Information □ Student Performance □ Financial Information □ Special Programs and Extracurricular □ Technology–Learning and Infrastructure ■ Leadership Summit for Campus Principals that will provide guided professional growth that is critical to student success ■ School Safety Support programs that include Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, and Crisis Response ■ Training and support for HB 4545 required Tutor Training and program development, including Summer School programs ■ Business Management Academy to support new Business Managers throughout the Region and to create a networking support group for all Business Managers In my short time as the Executive Director of Region 7 ESC, I have come to understand the common passion the staff has to support all of our schools and relish in the success of our students! ■
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Front: Emily Pruitt, Carley Cook, Carolyn Pruitt, Ember Gates, and Katie Marshall; Back: Eva Orduna, Tyler Cook, Tami Carnes, Julie Pierson, Darrell Pruitt, Colleen Rushing, Mindy Baker, Lou Labay, Colton Pruitt, Freida Welch
Read to Me Literacy Program by Summer Stone, Region 7 ESC Communications Coordinator “The mere exposure to books can predict a child’s success in school – and growing up surrounded by books sets the tone for education and escape, encouraging them to research and to use their imagination,” Kristi L. Nelson, Health writer for the Knoxville News Sentinel. For Hallsville East Kindergarten teacher Carolyn Pruitt, this statement has proven to be true throughout her 35 years in education. Mrs. Pruitt has witnessed first-hand the impact made on young students who have been exposed to books from birth and the struggles of those who have not been surrounded by books. “As a kindergarten teacher, I can see pretty quickly which children have been read to and which children have not, and it makes a difference when it comes to their abilities to speak and comprehend information,” says Pruitt. One study estimated a 7,500-word difference 4
between first graders who got a lot of exposure to language as babies and toddlers compared to those who did not. These statistics, in addition to her observations in her classroom, are what inspired Pruitt to create the Read to Me Literacy Program for Kids. The Read to Me Literacy Program began in the spring of 2021, when Pruitt and a few coworkers, friends, and family members started assembling small bags with books and resources to deliver to the Christus Good Shepherd Labor and Delivery floor for new mothers in the area. “I’m a Registered Nurse at Christus Good Shepherd in Longview, and I am usually the person dropping off the book bags after we fill them,” says Pruitt’s daughter Carley Cook. “Each time I drop off a set of book bags, the nurses of the mother-baby floor are so appreciative and tell me that the moms love them so much.”
A team of around 15 people, including Pruitt’s daughter, son-in-law, five-year-old granddaughter, son, daughter-in-law, and husband, meet in Pruitt’s classroom to assemble bags for both English and Spanish-speaking families. Local sponsors donate books, and each bag usually has two or three small books, perfect for reading to a newborn. As of December 2021, the Read to Me Literacy Program has delivered around 1,000 books to new mothers that have their babies at Christus Good Shepherd. Pruitt hopes to expand the program to Longview Regional, as well. “My hope is to gift every baby born in both Longview hospitals with a backpack filled with information about the importance of reading to their children, as well as books and other resources to get them started on the right path,” says Pruitt. “I went with the nurses once to deliver a bag to a new family. We handed the new mother her bag, and she immediately started reading ‘On the Night You Were Born’ to her one-day-old daughter,” says Cook. “She began tearing up as she read the story, telling her daughter how much she loved her. When she was done reading, we all had tears in our eyes. The new mother looked at me and told me thank you for this program and for being such a blessing
to their new family.” If you would like to donate books, volunteer your time, or sponsor materials for this program, please visit https://campsite.bio/readtome to contact Carolyn or one of her team members. ■
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Van ISD STEAM Bus is Rolling Again by Lynsey Admire, Van ISD Director of Communications After a year of restricted use due to social distancing constraints and COVID protocols, the Van ISD STEAM Bus is rolling again! The 19-20 school year was the first year the innovative bus operated throughout the district, but that all came to an abrupt halt when COVID-19 shut down schools across the country last spring. It wasn’t until recently that Superintendent Don Dunn released the bus back into operation. Since the bus is a very popular learning space among students, it was booked quickly by schools inside and outside the district. The inaugural day of mobile learning for the 2020-2021 school year took place on April 6th at Van Junior High, where 8th-grade history classes learned about civil war ramif ications, specif ically the number of wartime injuries that required amputations. Students made connections between microscopic bacteria and the numerous infections that afflicted soldiers due to the “minie ball.” Students also replicated an amputation by sawing into cow bone tissue donated by the Mineola Meat Packing Company. The STEAM Bus also ventured out to Winnsboro ISD on April 16th, where 80 of their GT students in grades 1 through 12 experienced a day of interactive learning aboard the bus and learned all about the 8
structure and function of the human heart. Students took a virtual reality tour of the heart, viewed human tissue under the microscope, made clay models of the heart, and capped off their day with a heart dissection. Students were particularly fascinated with the Merge Cube, which allows participants to experience the heart in augmented reality. Traveling with the bus to help conduct the maker stations along with sponsor Amy Moffatt was the iTeam, a Van High School student-led technology leadership team. To learn more about the Van ISD STEAM Bus, visit https://www.vansteambus.org. ■
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Community Connection:
Bubble Tubes for ALL! by Lannette Burlingame, Region 7 ESC Special Education Specialist
A group of special educators from Whitehouse ISD recently partnered with their high school engineering department to develop sensory bubble tubes for their district’s elementary sensory-motor labs. This idea was born when the group (which consisted of an Occupational Therapist, a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant, a Physical Therapist, a campus principal, and a teacher of students with visual impairments) developed a grant to fund a sensory-motor lab on an ECSE-5th grade campus in the district. The grant request to the Whitehouse Education Foundation was titled “What Does My Brain Need? Move and Groove Sensory Motor Lab”, and included a wish list of sensory items totaling $5,000. Because $5000 was the maximum amount allowed, one of the items was removed from the wish list on the grant request due to the high cost. The sensory bubble tube was one such piece and commonly retails for over $2,000, so the group could not justify spending such a large amount of the total budget on this one item. The team began brainstorming, and a call to the Whitehouse High School engineering teacher, Mr. Joe Farmer, resulted in 10
a collaborative partnership between Whitehouse Special Education and Whitehouse High School Engineering. Mr. Farmer indicated that he was looking for a senior project for his engineering students and that this project would be the perfect fit! Mr. Farmer had his engineering students first learn why this item would be helpful to students with disabilities. WISD Special Educators provided information to Mr. Farmer and his students regarding the special sensory needs of students with various disabilities. The students developed a parts list from the bubble tube “build instructions,” estimated cost per tube, and provided an anticipated delivery date. The plan was written up (by the students) in a formal proposal letter and sent to the special education department. Upon seeing the proposal, Special Programs Director, Jaclyn Zigtema, determined that because the WHS engineering team built the bubble tubes for approximately $400 per tube, all six campuses would receive bubble tubes due to the unbelievable cost difference. The engineering students then began the year-
long process of designing and building the tubes. The students created a prototype based on the original plans, and then the troubleshooting process began. The students improved the aspects of the original design and developed a final parts list. The students designed the tubes down to the fish and sea creatures. The creatures were 3-D printed and built to have the proper buoyancy to float and move inside the tubes. The engineering students also delivered and assembled the sensory tubes on the appropriate campuses as the final piece of the project. This project provided an incredible piece of sensory equipment for our students who utilize the sensory-motor lab. It also provided a real-world experience for the engineering students who participated in designing, purchasing, building, delivering, and assembling these unique bubble
tubes. Most importantly, the engineering students met and interacted with many students who would utilize these bubble tubes. Several engineering students commented that seeing the students interacting with the bubble tubes “made all of the hard work worth it!” Lannette Burlingame, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, commented on the project in the following way. “Bubble tubes are such a nice feature for our sensory-motor labs as they are developed as a way to provide a calming and soothing area for those who need that as a part of their school day. They are also great tools for our students who have low incidence disabilities such as visual impairment. In addition, they are just fun and inviting for our students! We are very blessed to have had the opportunity to partner with the WHS Engineering Program on this amazing project!” ■
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Region 7 Honors RICK ALBRITTON, GILMER ISD
REGION 7 SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR
“Mr. Albritton knows the importance of building strong relationships. Teacher retention in Gilmer ISD has increased from 28% in 2002 to 92% in 2020 due to the collaborative culture that is Mr. Albritton’s top priority.” Mark Skinner, Gilmer ISD Board of Trustees President
ASHLEY PHELPS, TYLER ISD
REGION 7 ELEMENTARY TEACHER THE YEAR
“We are very proud of Coach Phelps and her accomplishments. I’ve said this many times, but Tyler ISD has the best teachers and educators in East Texas. It is always fun to honor the best of the best in our profession, and we are certainly doing so this afternoon.” Dr. Marty Crawford, Tyler ISD Superintendent
AMY THOMPSON, LINDALE ISD
REGION 7 SECONDARY TEACHER THE YEAR “We are so excited that Amy Thompson has been selected as the Region 7 Secondary Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Thompson is one of our finest teachers in Lindale ISD, and Lindale ISD is loaded with phenomenal teachers. Mrs. Thompson does a great job building special relationships with students and parents. Students always talk about Mrs. Thompson being their favorite teacher.” Stan Surratt, Lindale ISD Superintendent
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FRUITVALE ISD,
REGION 7 SCHOOL BOARD OF THE YEAR (SMALL DISTRICT)
Fruitvale ISD’s board consists of President Heath Yates, Vice President Leann Wheeler, Secretary Bill Hunt, Jason Brown, Kim Pettiet, Dwayne Reynolds, and Michael Hale. “This is by far the most diverse, most giving, charitable group of board members in the state. They work and vote together, they support students and staff well. They follow the chain of command with issues, and they have the communities respect for what they do. I could not work for a better seven people, they are why the district is so successful and innovative.” Rebecca Bain, Fruitvale ISD Superintendent
LONGVIEW ISD,
REGION 7 SCHOOL BOARD OF THE YEAR (LARGE DISTRICT)
Longview ISD’s board consists of President Shan Bauer, Vice President Michael Tubb, Board Secretary Dr. Troy Simmons, Asst. Secretary Dr. Samir Germanwala, trustee Brett Miller, trustee Ginia Northcutt, and trustee Ted Beard. “Longview ISD is a destination district in our region thanks to the tireless advocacy and exemplary leadership of our Board of Trustees. This board has repeatedly demonstrated a commitment to excellence toward our staff and students. With the financial commitment for new, innovative programs that recognize staff and community members at our board meetings, the board is dedicated to the future of our community.” Dr. James Wilcox, Longview ISD Superintendent 13
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REGION 7 ELEMENTARY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR 1
Jennifer Acker, Bullard ISD
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Cara Hume, Hallsville ISD
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Brandi Patterson, Longview ISD
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Melissa Stovall, Jacksonville ISD
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Stephanie Beets, Kilgore ISD
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Jeanne Jackson, Palestine ISD
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Ashley Phelps, Tyler ISD
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Loree’ Tatum, White Oak ISD
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Kristi Carr, Tatum ISD
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Laurie Karling, Pine Tree ISD
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Jamie Prock, Marshall ISD
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Vicki Walker, Alba Golden ISD
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Sheri Evans, Waskom ISD
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Amber Morris, New Diana ISD
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Rhonda Proffer, Whitehouse ISD
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Nikki Groth, Lindale ISD
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Nathan Nance, Gilmer ISD
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Robyn Renick, Chapel Hill ISD
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Cassye Huff, Edgewood ISD
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Tina Omdahl, Gladewater ISD
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Susan Sowards, Lufkin ISD
TEACHER OF THE YEAR SPONSORS 14
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REGION 7 SECONDARY TEACHERS OF THE YEAR 1
Jamie Booth, Marshall ISD
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Tamara Greene, Rusk ISD
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Amy McKeethan, Bullard ISD
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Angela Russell, Jacksonville ISD
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Heather Calhoun, Palestine ISD
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Lisa Heath, Diboll ISD
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Dawn Moore, Longview ISD
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Trisha Sampson, New Diana ISD
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Jamie Cook, Gladewater ISD
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Staci Henderson, White Oak ISD
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Julie Patterson, Carthage ISD
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Darin Swift, Edgewood ISD
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Joe Farmer, Whitehouse ISD
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Jamie Hudman, Pine Tree ISD
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Suellen Pfeffer, Kilgore ISD
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Amy Thompson, Lindale ISD
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Kelly Graff , Hallsville ISD
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Ashley LaCroix, Tyler ISD
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Kathryn Potter, Gilmer ISD
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT 15
Tyler ISD’s Teacher Announced as
Teacher of the Year State Finalist by Jennifer Hines, Tyler ISD Chief Communications Officer In August, Tyler ISD surprised physical education (PE) Teacher Ashley Phelps by announcing that she was one of six 2022 Texas Teacher of the Year Finalists. Phelps had recently been named the Region 7 Elementary Teacher of the Year. All six finalists were invited to partake in virtual interviews in October before a panel of judges composed of representatives of educational leadership associations, community and business leaders, a member of the State Board for Educator Certification, a member of the State Board of Education, and prior Texas Teachers of the Year. Coach Phelps is the PE teacher at Andy Woods Elementary School. She teaches her students how fitness positively impacts their physical and emotional well-being. Much like adults, children can also experience stress and anxiety at various times. Coach Phelps teaches them that daily physical activity helps them cope with these stressors better, ultimately improving their emotional health. Due to several postponements caused by COVID-19, the 2022 Texas Teacher of the Year luncheon and awards ceremony (typically held in early October) will be held on February 2 in Austin at the Bullock Texas State History Museum. The Texas Teacher of the Year program has honored excellence in classroom education since 1969. The program, facilitated by TASA since 2011, annually recognizes and rewards teachers who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and excellence in teaching. ■ 16
REGION 7 ESC
Upcoming AUG JUL JUL JUL JUN JUN JUN JUN
WORKSHOPS
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Resilience symposium Session #205434 social studies summit Session Number TBA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL Session #209433 CURRICULUM CELEBRATION Session #169781 Gifted & Talented Conference Session Number TBA ENGLISH LEARNER CONFERENCE Session #216491 CHILD NUTRITION CONFERENCE Session #216434 mental health & Safety conference Session #210720
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ALL UPCOMING SESSIONS: WWW.ESC7.NET 17
Kalisa Craven’s Journey from
Home to Head Start by Jackie Jones, Region 7 ESC Head Start Director
Being an 18-year-old mom comes with its difficulties. However, for Kalisa Craven, it would present her with a blessing that ultimately changed her life forever. In 2004, Kalisa was introduced to the Head Start program through a home visit that was conducted on behalf of her daughter’s teacher, Angie Everett, who was encouraging the involvement of parents to benefit the education of their children. As daunting as this initial interaction was, Angie assured the nerve-ridden Kalisa that this was a comfortable experience conducive to her daughter’s overall education and material comprehension. Kalisa watched as her home became an environment of learning for her daughter. The predetermined fear melted away as she witnessed firsthand the loving care that was showered not only on her daughter, but to her as well. While subbing for Mineola ISD, with the addition of a few years and a few children, Kalisa was posed with the opportunity to obtain a position
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at the school. The assistant job in Angie’s classroom had recently become available. Angie notified Kalisa of the opening and helped Kalisa prepare, and even provided her with a dress for the interview. She got the job! The seed that was planted years ago had now fully taken root. With the help of Head Start, Kalisa was able to pursue and receive an associates’s degree in 2012. It took hard work and continuous encouragement from the Family Service workers. Working a full-time job with three kids made for long days paired with late nights. Nevertheless, even after completing the associate’s degree, Kalisa transferred to Texas A&M Commerce, where she then completed her teaching degree and was hired in Mineola as a Head Start teacher. Kalisa now states, “Head Start is my heart. I tell my families you can do this, too! I was a nobody, poor, pregnant at fourteen. If I can do it, you can, too. When I talk to someone about Head Start, I tell them this is why I am who I am today”. ■
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Broaddus ISD Student
Headed to SFA! by Tara Evers, Region 7 ESC Migrant Specialist Broaddus ISD student Carlos Camacho, is the first one of his agricultural working family to graduate from high school and apply to college. Despite spending months in the hospital with COVID 19, he completed the requirements for graduation and was able to walk in the graduation ceremony with his high school class. The Region 7 MEP team, Tara Evers and Marisol Mancha, assisted Carlos in completing the FAFSA and college application. It was a whole family affair! While completing the college admissions work, his uncle, aunt, and cousins joined his mom and dad at the kitchen table to offer their support and encouragement as he completed them. His siblings and cousins sat watching and learning, realizing that they too could aspire to graduate f rom high school and attend college just like Carlos! ■ 20
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