SMJUHSD Family Resource Center Brings Families Together

Family Resource Center

More than 50 families have taken advantage of a Santa Maria Joint Union High School District Family Resource Center invitation to create family books with renowned artist Simón Silva during the last few weeks.

The SMJUHSD collaborated with the Santa Maria-Bonita School District to offer the series of presentations/workshops. Additional sessions will be held September 9th at 6 p.m. and September 10th at 4 p.m. inside room 904 at the Lincoln Center (829 S. Lincoln Street).

Mr. Silva’s workshop focuses on the lives and efforts of Santa Maria’s parents including the history of each family. Parents and students are asked to bring photos of their families. Then, Mr. Silva teaches them how to draw and illustrate a book full of memories and facts based on their words.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to create a memory book for my family,’’ said SMJUHSD parent Cristina Merida. “I would not have done this on my own.”

“What a fun experience to work with families and see their history through art,’’ said SMJUHSD Manager of Family and Community Engagement Maribel Vargas-Meza. I encourage families to participate in parent engagement opportunities as they are offered.’’

Mr. Silva was born in Mexicali, Mexico and grew up in Imperial County. His artwork has appeared in many distinguished places around the world.

Honing your artistic talent provides society with an opportunity to move forward with better communication skills and problem-solving capabilities,’’ Silva said. Everyone is important, and each of us has a piece of the solution, and its our obligation to make a difference in the world.’’

SMJUHSD Media Contact: Public Information Officer Kenny Klein 805-709-1454 or kklein@smjuhsd.org