In an effort to help Hispanic parents, especially those new to the country, get involved in the school system, Elisa Montalvo, a Hispanic achievement specialist for Howard County schools, developed an academy for them.
"We have many parents who are newcomers to the country, and they don't necessarily know how to assist the children and be better partners with the schools," Montalvo said. "We invite parents at the elementary level because it's easier for parents to learn the strategies while the kids are small."
The academy "graduates" parents of elementary school children every year, and then follows up with them four times a year.
Montalvo, who has been with the school system for 3 1/2 years, also created a Hispanic Youth Symposium, which meets yearly to discuss education issues. For her work, she is being honored with the Horizon Foundation's Youth Development Award.