Register today! The first reading club session of the 2025-2026 school year is on Monday, November 10.
Four years ago, Aldine ISD’s Family and Community University (FCU) — part of the district’s Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Department — introduced a simple yet powerful idea to its curriculum: an online reading club for English- and Spanish-speaking parents.
What began as a way to teach families reading strategies soon became something much deeper — a community of voices, laughter, learning, and healing.
From the very first day, two passionate facilitators brought the vision to life. Tara Rollins, an information literacy specialist at Kujawa Elementary School, led the English sessions. In contrast, Iván Tamayo, a FACE specialist, guided Spanish-speaking parents through stories that reflected their lives, cultures, and dreams. Together, they built more than a club — they built a warm and welcoming familia (family), where everyone is valued and included.
Each session is guided by the belief that parents are not just learners, but experts in their own right. In this space, their voices are heard, their experiences respected, and their insights celebrated. The club has become a living example of best practices in family engagement. In this place, literature bridges generations, languages, and hearts.
Over the years, parents have delved into a diverse range of 12 powerful titles, including Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech, I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai, Cajas de cartón by Francisco Jiménez, The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, Nacer bailando by Alma Flor Ada, and Crónica de una muerte anunciada by Gabriel García Márquez, among others.
Each book opens doors to reflection, connection, and personal growth. “Sometimes,” one parent shared, “these stories helped me heal parts of my own story.”
“That potential for personal growth or to see yourself or parts of you in a book is what we offer you through the reading club. This journey of self-discovery and empowerment is what makes the reading club a truly transformative experience,” shared Tamayo.
Two years ago, the parents decided to make the club truly theirs. The Spanish group named themselves Más Allá de las Letras (Beyond the Letters); the English readers proudly called their group The Virtual Reading Club With Parents. Since then, participation has grown to a loyal circle of 20 families — some even crossing language lines. A few parents who began in English as a second language (ESL) classes now attend the English sessions, using literature as both a bridge and a challenge.
Their impact has reached beyond Aldine ISD. Members created a video for a regional conference and later shared their story at the district’s annual Literacy Matters Conference.
But perhaps the most meaningful rewards come quietly. One parent said, “The reading club fills me; now I feel like part of a family.” Another added, “Everyone at home knows this is my time. It’s my reading club time.”
“We invite all parents to join us to experience belonging,” added Tamayo.
Now, as November 10 approaches, the club is preparing to dive into Caramelo by Sandra Cisneros — a story rich in heritage and heart, perfectly fitting for this community of learners who have turned reading into a journey of belonging.
Parents across the district are invited to join the next chapter of this special reading club’s story. Your presence and participation will only enrich our community.
Registration is open — a seat is waiting for you.
