Wheeling Park District Family Learning Program
The Family Learning Program was conceived in 2003 by a group of concerned community leaders and educators searching for a way to reach out to a segment of the community who were not being served due to a language barrier. Buoyed by a grant from the National Network for Education Renewal and funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, the community leaders began the initiative by creating networks with local businesses, government agencies, non-profit groups, and members of the Spanish speaking community.
In its simplest terms, the Family Learning Program provides educational life skills to Spanish-speaking parents of students in School District #21 while their children enjoy activities offered by the Wheeling Park District. This program was designed to help break down the barrier between the English-speaking and Spanish-speaking communities in the district, thus, fostering a more tolerant, engaged community.
Each program session is six-weeks in length and meets in the evenings at a District 21 elementary school. Parents of children from that school are free to learn English or improve their computer or parenting skills or receive financial advice while their children participate in classes like karate and art classes provided by the Wheeling Park District.
The Wheeling Park District is committed to the success of this program and its partnership with School District 21. Through this meaningful initiative, the Park District is continuing to achieve its Mission to provide memorable experiences in parks and recreation that enrich our communities.
For more information about the School District #21 Family Learning Program, please contact Matt Wehby, Director of Parks and Recreation Services at (847) 465-2937.