New ‘Plaza Comunitaria de Plano’ Enrolls 450 Adult Students

October 3, 2008

The Mexican Consul of Communities visited Plano ISD’s Bird Education Center to attend a September 24 open house for the Plaza Comunitaria de Plano and adult education programs.

Roberto Nicolas V, Consul of Communities, Consulate General of Mexico in Dallas, addressed approximately 100 attendees from the Collin County Hispanic communities and answered questions about the partnership with Plano ISD and the National Institute for Adult Education of Mexico.

The Plaza Comunitaria de Plano is part of the new Family Education and Guidance Services group of the Plano ISD Student and Family Services Division, noted Lynda Shuttlesworth, executive coordinator of family education and guidance services.

Rosa Maria Crocker (left) and Dr. Juliette Echaniz coordinate literacy programs and Hispanic services, respectively, for Plano ISD's Family and Education Guidance Department.

The Plaza offers elementary, middle, high school and college classes to any Hispanic speaker who would like to learn in their native language. “This semester begins the third year of a unique partnership between our two countries,” noted Ms. Shuttlesworth. “Plano has enrolled approximately 450 students since it first began the Plaza.”

The program is conducted during weekday evenings, offering, through the University of Mexico, certifications similar to elementary, middle and high school credits and diplomas.