To get non-English-speaking parents involved and feeling part of the school community, PTO leaders at the Howard C. Reiche Community School in Portland, Maine, hold an international potluck each fall. “Many of our immigrant families cannot volunteer due to limited English skills, but they definitely know how to cook and contribute some delicacies from their countries,” says community coordinator Sylvie Montello. School staff members serve the meals, and the PTO also plans some form of entertainment for the event.
