Back to school for parents

Belkis Marrero stood in the cafeteria of IN-Tech Academy, MS/HS 368 and presented a cookbook to 15 women who had completed an adult technology class. 

Ms. Marrero, a high school technology teacher at IN-Tech, affectionately referred to a 73-year-old student as “mom” in Spanish and praised another student for practicing during open lab hours. 

The spiral-bound collection of recipes from across Latin America was the final project in a class where some students learned how to turn on computers, create e-mail accounts and brush up on the same skills their high-school-aged children had already mastered in Ms. Marrero's lab. 

All students left with a cookbook they collaborated to type, illustrate, format and print.

“I teach Microsoft Office. I start with Word. I teach them how to create an e-mail … I teach them how to search the Internet for what they need and I give warnings about how to secure their children from getting hurt on the Internet,” said Ms. Marrero, a high school technology teacher at IN-Tech.

Ms. Marrero and other instructors handed out certificates on June 1, congratulating parents and other local adults for completing English as a second language, technology or jewelry making classes at the school.  More than 50 parents gathered in the cafeteria to thank school staff, parent volunteers and PTA members for their contributions to the school.

Families heaped plates with chicken and rice and ate at tables blanketed in violet table clothes. Flower bouquets and balloons in the school’s colors — gold and purple — decorated the cafeteria.

Teachers, administrators and the induction of new PTA members were met with cheers from the audience but the applause grew loudest as adult students received certificates for completing classes.

IN-Tech principal Yvette Allen told parents they were setting a “magnificent” example for their children.

“I also want to commend the parents that took the time to come in after a long day of work. To come in for classes and continue learning and be a role model for your children, I want to commend you for that,” Ms. Allen said.

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