With 1 in 5 residents Hispanic, Beloit schools reimagine family engagement

BELOIT, Wis. (WTVO) — The Hispanic population in Beloit continues to grow, with one in five residents identifying as Hispanic, prompting the local school district to enhance its support for students and their families.

The Beloit School District has implemented a program where family advocates work to bridge the gap between Hispanic students, their families, and the schools. These advocates help with language barriers and other challenges, ensuring that families feel connected and supported.

“My title is family advocate,” said Crystal Silva, who works alongside Tulio Duran in the Beloit School District.

“Translating and also helping families when they come to enroll or register their student or other need. I’m available there,” explained Duran, a family advocate at the administration building.

Family advocates, previously known as bilingual home school liaisons, are present in every building in the district, splitting their time among all the elementary schools. The role was renamed last year to better reflect the comprehensive support they provide beyond translation.

Silva emphasized the importance of addressing barriers beyond language, noting, “We do more than just translate and interpret. We actually are able to navigate other barriers. Because language isn’t the only barrier. Some people aren’t tech savvy.”

The district’s efforts culminate in community events like the 4th Annual Hispanic Festival held at Riverside Park, celebrating Hispanic culture through food, family, and fun.

Duran shared, “Interacting with the families, I think this is the best part. Working with families, helping them find a solution to the problem. I think that’s the best part of the job.”

Silva added, “It’s just kind of easing them in. Making them feel that connection and that home in sense. So they can walk in and know you can come to me for anything.”

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WTVO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WTVO staff before being published.