At McPolin Elementary, Café Con Amigos is more than just a morning meet-up over coffee; it’s a vital gathering where parents, educators, and community members come together to support students’ educational journeys. Held approximately every other month, these morning coffee meetings provide a welcoming space for Spanish-speaking families to join together to learn about school procedures, technology, attendance, and other topics crucial to their children’s success.
The sense of belonging that Café Con Amigos fosters is essential to a positive school environment. "The idea was to establish a safe, informal setting where families could connect with the school and each other," said Principal Angie Dufner.
Originally launched as a small initiative at McPolin, Café Con Amigos quickly became a crucial communication hub. These gatherings provide parents with tools and resources, offering insights into everything from navigating technology and understanding school policies to recognizing the importance of attendance. “When parents see themselves as part of the educational process, it makes a difference,” said FACE Director Eric Esquivel. “It’s about changing the culture to one where every voice is heard and every person belongs.”
Café Con Amigos began as a grassroots effort to address the need for clear communication and connection between Spanish-speaking families and the school. Topics covered at the meetings range from reading strategies at home and Title I resources to preschool information, winter clothing distribution, and updates on health trends like vaping. These sessions also include a wide range of topics such as introductions to school personnel, such as the School Resource Officer, the Summit County Director of Behavioral Health and Prevention, and guidance on parent-teacher conferences, PTO, and the Park City Education Foundation (PCEF) and end-of-year testing.
Parents have expressed that the meetings have been instrumental in helping them understand how the school system works and connect them with staff and community partners for services like flu shots, navigating paperwork, vision screenings, and even learning about the impacts of cell phones on the brain.
The success of Café Con Amigos has led to its expansion throughout the district. Variations like Tazas de Café and Latino Parent Night at Treasure Mountain Junior High, Ecker Hill Middle School, and Noche de Familia at Jeremy Ranch Elementary have branched out to meet families' needs in other schools. Additionally, McPolin’s Community Engagements have grown to accommodate parents who can’t attend morning meetings. “These evening sessions are just as critical,” Dufner explains. “They make it possible for more families to participate, regardless of work schedules."
These events have become a springboard for additional programs and resources, like WIDA (English language development standards) education campaigns and broader community events such as the Día de los Muertos celebration. “What started with Café Con Amigos has grown into so much more,” said Betsy Moscoso, outreach coordinator. “It’s about building real relationships that support family engagement across the district.”
While the gatherings began as grassroots efforts, they align perfectly with the district’s We All Belong campaign, which emphasizes inclusivity and support for every student and family. “When parents feel like they belong, that sense of security passes on to their children,” Esquivel notes. “It’s not just a program; it’s about creating equal opportunities for families to be involved in their children’s education."
The meetings are not just informative; they are a testament to the district’s commitment to fostering relationships and trust. As Moscoso adds, “When parents feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to engage and support their children’s success. It’s a ripple effect that begins with a simple conversation over coffee.”
