One of MCS’ long-time interpreters, Roland Roebuck, conducted a series of parent and student educational workshops for Region 19 of the Migrant Education Program in El Paso, Texas in March 27, 2009. He addressed over one hundred parents of Mexican heritage working in the agricultural sector and with children in the local school system. Mr. Roebuck provided insightful expertise in the areas of parental school engagement, understanding school expectations, effective parental collaboration models and how to create a rich learning environment for their children.
Roebuck also addressed more than 200 High School students as the keynote speaker for the 18th Annual Migrant Student Leadership Conference/Career Day. He stressed the importance of developing leadership skills, understanding the college application process, finding funding for college, neutralizing negative peer pressure, management of intra-family relations, effective decision making, avoiding at-risk behavior and effective personal planning as tools to success.
“Interpreting for the DC Parent Information Resource Center in the DC School system and dealing directly with Latino parents, gives me in-depth understanding of the critical role parents hold in advancing their children’s academic responsibilities and achievements,” Roebuck stated. While Latino parents in the DC metropolitan area contend with inner city school problems, both parents in Texas and DC expressed interest in doing whatever it takes to provide their children with the best learning opportunities possible.
MCS is proud of the excellent work that graduates of it’s Interpreter Training are engaged in from various professional fields. Mr. Roebuck received certification from the Language Services Program in Spring of 2008.
