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Community U. Speaker Series

The Community U. Speaker Series offers presentations by local experts on topics related to the English learner experience. These presentations occur throughout the school year.

2025-2026 Meeting Resources

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12th 7:00-8:00 PM
"Health Equity Starts at Home: Advocating for Your Family's Health in Brookline"

Chris Chanyasulkit, PhD, MPH is a public health strategist, advocate, keynote speaker, and master connector who speaks both nationally and internationally about public health; literacy; civic engagement; and racial, gender, and health equity. She is a Past President of the American Public Health Association (APHA), a mom of three, a dog mom of two pups, and an avid reader.

Healthcare equity isn't just a policy issue—it's deeply personal. In this presentation, we'll explore the current state of healthcare and healthcare equity across the United States and in our own Brookline community, and what it means for your family's health and wellbeing. Through current data, real-world examples, and practical strategies, you'll learn how to access local resources, get involved in community health initiatives, and support your family and neighbors in accessing the care and resources they need.

Zoom link: https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/93156301798#success
The Public Schools of Brookline Community

TUESDAY, MARCH 24th 7:00-8:00 PM
“Who Holds Power in Education?”

Dr. Raul Fernandez is a public impact scholar. As a Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, he studies, writes, and teaches about inequities in education. As the Executive Director of Brookline for Racial Justice & Equity, he rallies his neighbors in the relentless pursuit of racial and economic justice. Raul also served as a member of Brookline Select Board – the first Latino elected to that position.

During a time when the federal and local governments are wrestling for control over schools, the question of power in education is urgent. Who should decide what students learn, how schools are run, and where resources go? Join Boston University's Dr. Raul Fernandez for a community conversation on power in education – who claims it, how it’s concentrated, and how we can shift it toward justice.

Zoom link: https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/96585735218
Audience: Families of English Learners in the Public Schools of Brookline, ELE staff

TUESDAY, JUNE 9th 7:00-8:00 PM
“Understanding your child’s ACCESS score report: What does this mean for your child?”

All English learners are required to take the ACCESS test during the school year to measure English language proficiency and progress in listening, reading, writing, and speaking. Families will receive their child’s score in late May / early June. Join Mindy Paulo to fully understand your child’s score report, district trends, and what the score means for your child.

Zoom link: https://psbma-org.zoom.us/j/93156301798
Audience: Families of English Learners in the Public Schools of Brookline, ELE staff

*Community U. = Community University
This is a series of one-hour presentations by local experts, sharing information about their work and teaching about a variety of topics of interest to Brookline English learner families. Families are encouraged to ask questions and fully engage with each presentation. Questions? Please reach out to Betsy Davis at betsy_davis@psbma.org.

*Interpretation for these meetings is available in Mandarin, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, Korean: If you would like to request interpretation for any of the presentations, please complete this short form at least 5 days before the date of the presentation.

*For Brookline staff / faculty only: PDP’s are available to Brookline staff / faculty who attend these presentations. If you would like to receive PDP’s, please complete this form no more than 5 days after the presentation.

2024-2025 Meeting Resources

  • April 3, 2025 - “Understanding Interpretation/Translation Services and Other Resources Available to Brookline’s International Families”
    Slides from this meeting are here
     
  • April 29, 2025 - “Leveraging Home Languages and Supporting Literacy Development at Home with Multilingual Learners”
    Slides from this meeting are here
  • May 21, 2025 - “Know your rights: Immigration Law and Safety for Non-Citizens"
    Slides from this meeting are here
  • June 4, 2025 - “Understanding your child’s ACCESS score report - What does this mean for your child?”
    Slides from this meeting are here