Cornerstone Update

We were pleased with the response to our first ever parenting class which was held on October 24. More than 50 people attended this special class for Spanish-speaking parents. Presented by the Summit Center for Child Development, this class was focused on speech and language development and dual language learning. Participants enjoyed a dinner together at 5:30, then learned strategies for working with children who live in households where more than one language is spoken.

This class was the first in a new parent education series hosted by the Cornerstone Program. We are so pleased to sponsor the series we are calling "Foundations For Parenting," and hope that by attending, parents can all build confidence for the parenting challenges we all face.

Beginning November 30, the parenting classes will focus on Love & Logic, a research-based philosophy backed with over 45 years of experience. Parent workbooks, dinner, and childcare (for children age 3 and older) are all provided FREE. Please reserve your space by November 9 by calling or texting 360-219-7267 or 360-219-3657. To learn more about this parenting series, including the dates for each class, visit the Cornerstone Program webpage.

The Love & Logic sessions include:

• Putting an End to Arguing, Back Talk, and Begging
• Teaching Responsibility Without Losing Their Love
• Setting Limits Without Waging War
• Avoiding Power Struggles
• Guiding Kids to Own and Solve Their Own problems
• Teaching Kids to Complete Chores Without Reminders and Without Pay

Families are welcome! Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:00 pm and childcare for ages 3 and older will be provided beginning at 6 pm for the one hour class. You are encouraged to register for the whole series, but it's okay if you want to pick the topics that best meet your needs and interest. However, we want to order the correct number of workbooks, so please let us know if your are interested by November 9 by calling 360-219-3657 or 360-219-7267.

El Programa Cornerstone tiene el gusto en presentar “Fundamentos para la Crianza de los Hijos”, una serie de educación para los padres diseñada para fortalecer confianza ante los desafíos de la crianza que todos enfrentamos.

¡Las familias son bienvenidas! La cena se servirá de 5:30 a 6:00 p.m. y se ofrecerá cuidado de niños para los niños de 3 años y más a partir de las 6 p.m. durante la clase de una hora. Por favor, confirme su asistencia antes del 9 de Noviembre (para que puedamos preparar suficiente comida) llame o mande un texto al 360-219-3657

The Cornerstone Program is part of the Chehalis School District's Student Achievement Initiative (SAI). The SAI aims to prepare students for opportunities after high school graduation. The primary goal is to increase the percentage of Chehalis students going on to earn college degrees and certifications.

Each year, a board of directors meets for an annual meeting to evaluate progress. Family Engagement Coordinator Cecilia Jiminez and Education Coordinator DeeDee Judd were special presenters at the annual meeting on October 5. It was great to share all about the new Cornerstone Program, and talk about some of the ways we help families and students prepare for the journey ahead.

Our program goal is to break down barriers for families. We want every family to know that they are an important part of the school district and the Chehalis community. Each day, we are trying to give families a sense of hope, and instill confidence as they support their children. We were able to report that through the Cornerstone Program, we have assisted in more than 20 links between parents and local pre-schools and awarded 11 pre-school scholarships since starting Cornerstone this past summer.

In addition, we have helped award six parent scholarships toward continuing career and education. We are so pleased to know these parents are returning to school to work towards post-secondary degrees - Associate's Degrees and Bachelor's Degrees.

We also love to help parents prepare for their General Educational Development (GED) Test which ensures a diploma. Completing this graduation requirement opens doors for parents, giving them greater ability to earn enough to support their family.

You can learn more about the GED program at Centralia College here: https://www.centralia.edu/pathways/transitional/ged-hs.aspx

We would love to help more people work towards furthering their career and higher education goals. If you know anyone looking into different career opportunities or getting a credential for other employment opportunities, please give us a call. You could also refer them to come visit with us. We love to meet people for drop-in conversations each weekday before noon. We also schedule appointments for the afternoon.

Below is a 3 minute video we shared with the SAI board of directors. It features two Chehalis parents - one of whom is working on her GED. Take some time to watch the video, and send this newsletter to anyone you think might be interested in doing the same thing for their career and for their family.

Please let us know if you have questions, or would like to refer a friend. We are excited to have an office located in the old Olympic Elementary building on Salsbury Avenue. Our doors open at 8 am and drop-ins are welcome through noon.

You can also make an appointment by contacting Cecilia or DeeDee. Give us a call:

• Cecilia Jimenez 360-219-3657
• DeeDee Judd 360-219-7267

Read our past newsletters, and learn more about the Cornerstone Program by visiting our website using the button below:

Notice of Non-discrimination

Anti-bullying Policy and Procedure

Cornerstone Program website