More than 20 Alpine families are strengthening their connection to their children’s education through Involúcrate, a family engagement program at Frontier Middle School.
Held on the first Wednesday of each month throughout the school year, the program helps families who are new to the country learn how to navigate school systems, access community resources, and support student success. Families who complete the program earn a computer, giving them the tools to stay connected to their child’s education long after the classes end.
“The most important foundational skill we want families to gain is confidence in supporting their children’s education,” said Saady Palacios, Community Outreach Liaison. “When parents feel informed and empowered, they are better able to advocate for and guide their children toward success.”
Now in its third year, Involúcrate provides technology training, school resource navigation, English-learning opportunities, and workshops focused on attendance, academic progress, WIDA testing, district programs, scholarships, internet safety, and community resources. Supported by a $10,000 grant from Meta, the program has expanded access to technology and family engagement opportunities while helping parents develop the skills needed to support their children at home and at school.
“Involúcrate helps families become active participants by giving them the knowledge, tools, and relationships they need to engage with schools confidently,” Saady said. “Parents begin to see themselves as partners in their child’s education rather than just observers.”
Participants say the program has transformed the way they support their students. “As a parent, Involúcrate has helped me feel more connected and confident in supporting my child’s education,” said Soyilita Balleza. “The information we receive about attendance, testing, and student opportunities helps me better guide my child toward a successful future and feel more comfortable communicating with the school.”
For Erika Madrid, learning how to use school technology tools was one of the program’s most valuable benefits. “One of the most important skills I learned was how to navigate the school website [and] Skyward in checking attendance, grades, assignment missing and most important to email teachers and advocate for my student,” she said. “Learning about WIDA testing, attendance expectations, and academic opportunities has made me feel more confident and prepared to support my child’s education and future success.”
The program’s impact often reaches beyond the classroom. Guadalupe Vasquez said, “People should know that Involúcrate is more than just a parent program, it truly changes lives.” Through information shared in the program, she learned about educational opportunities such as MTECH, UVU concurrent enrollment, scholarships, and community resources.
“Because of those classes, [I] learned enough to help my students succeed, learned English at my kids’ school and earned my license.” Said Vasquez. She also shared that after learning about MTECH through the program, her daughter is graduating this year with an MTECH certification and a Dual Literacy certificate.
Parents consistently describe the classes as valuable and empowering. One survey participant wrote, “I learned many things and received a lot of information about education for my child.”
Another highlighted “the Social Worker support and the information about scholarships really helped us” while others praised the information about college opportunities, health insurance resources, and English-learning classes.
Class facilitator Lucia Morales sees the impact firsthand. “When parents and children learn to use digital tools together, it strengthens communication and teamwork within the family,” she said. One memorable moment came when a mother felt confident enough to meet independently with her student’s counselor. “She no longer felt like an outsider — she truly felt like she had a seat at the table and was an important part of her child’s educational journey.”
“Involúcrate is about building connections, trust, and opportunity for families,” said Saady. “By helping families feel valued, informed, and involved, we are creating stronger partnerships between home and school.” Through those partnerships, Frontier Middle School continues to demonstrate Alpine School District’s Culture of Excellence by ensuring families have the knowledge, resources, and confidence to help every student succeed.