Dist. 87 parent program reflects changing population

In Glenbard High School District 87, minority populations continue to grow along with DuPage County's.

As they do, officials say it becomes increasingly important to offer programs that celebrate various cultures in order to reflect the district's ever-changing makeup.

On Saturday, the first such program of the semester will take place at Glenbard North High School.

A Mexican folk dance group and a gospel choir will perform as part of the district's Glenbard Parent Series, "Navigating Healthy Families." The performances will be followed by presentations by two minority student achievement consultants.

The free event begins at 10 a.m. at Glenbard North, 990 N. Kuhn Road in Carol Stream.

"It lets you know that they are cognizant of the fact that they have these people who are part of the school district," said the Rev. James E. Shannon, who will bring the People's Community Church choir to the event. Shannon serves on an African-American achievement committee within the district.

He said he appreciates the district's attempts to make people of other cultures and backgrounds more comfortable.

"Learning has to be done in a culture context," he said. "When students feel more comfortable, they'll be better achievers."

Along with the choir, Aurora-based Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl will perform. The group performs traditional Mexican dances complete with traditional costumes.

After the performances, the speakers will address educational issues that affect minorities today. It's part of a parenting speaker series that will have events at least once a month this year.

The district's school and community projects coordinator Gilda Ross said it's all part of trying to attract minority parents to its regular speaker series.

"We need to do a better job of reaching out to give them some academic strategies for their child's success," she said.