First Gen Family Forum

Check out our monthly newsletter that is designed to assist in navigating our educational system and preparing students for postsecondary education, with an emphasis on First Generation families.

November 2024

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Bridges and Barriers

Transitioning from elementary to middle school and middle school to high school can often be challenging. This game is a great way to come face to face with challenges students may encounter during these transitional periods of their lives.  All you need to do is print off the game board of your choice, find some dice, and a couple of game pieces. Roll the dice and read the instructions on the space where you land.  Sometimes you are presented with positive scenarios and you move your game piece forward. But just like life, sometimes you may encounter a challenge and then you must move your game piece back. As you play the game and come across these different obstacles, discuss ways to prepare for them in the future and make strategies for students to succeed. The first person to reach the end of the game board wins, or you can set a time limit and whoever is furthest at the end of the time wins.

Rainier Scholars

Rainier Scholars is a long-term college readiness program for underrepresented students of color in the Tacoma community. They recruit in 4th grade, start working with students and families the summer before 5th grade, and walk alongside them through college completion with the goal of graduating with minimal debt. Rainier Scholars is currently looking for 7th graders to enter their program as well.
 

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