Navigating resources can be difficult, but differences in abilities, culture, and language can make it even more challenging. By bridging these differences, we aim to emphasize the connection to the necessary resources and support. We’re highlighting programs and sharing resources that address these challenges, fostering greater opportunities to utilize disability resources and creating stronger connections across abilities, cultures, and 8 languages.
Building Bridges Through Bilingual Learning: Empowering Minds for a Bright Back-to-School Start
by Jennifer Padron, Community Support, Tennessee Disability Pathfinder
Believe it or not, the start of the 25-26 school year is here!
We are excited to spotlight a public bilingual charter school. Located in Southeast Nashville, Aventura Community School.
Aventura offers a project-based learning approach, Bilingual Education, Purposeful Academics, Committed Community, and a focus on global competence.
Special Education
Aventuras’ special education teachers work with students with disabilities who have individualized support needs and contract service providers for speech, occupational, and other services as needed to serve students. ACS employs an inclusion model to provide students with appropriate educational services in the least restrictive environment, so most ACS students with an IEP or Individual Learning Plan (ILP) will receive services within the context of the general education classroom with targeted interventions by specialists. An inclusion model allows students to receive individualized and small group instruction within the general education classroom setting and provides significant academic and social benefits to both students with IEPs and their typically developing peers.
Most importantly, Aventuras leadership team, instructional, and support staff are bilingual. Throughout the school year, Aventura offers parents the opportunity to participate in various school projects, playdates, and cultural events.
Please visit the link below to learn more about Aventura Community School.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUq5pEPztyw (English)
https://www.youtube.com/live/SYiXVokqn2w?si=AaYiwg_drGd59sdj (Spanish)
MNPS Community Achieves: Connecting Students and Families to Resources
MNPS Community Achieves is a district-wide initiative that connects students and families with enrichment opportunities and vital community resources. Led by the Support Services Department, the program partners with parent groups, local businesses, nonprofits, and even the Tennessee Titans to provide meaningful support.
Through tailored needs lists, in-school resource centers, community events, and volunteer coordination, Community Achieves works to ensure every student has the tools to succeed. Current opportunities include mentoring, tutoring, and club leadership—especially for those supporting Hispanic students.
As the new school year begins, Community Achieves is hosting “Back to School Bashes” across all school clusters, with tabling opportunities available for community partners.
Learn more or get involved: MNPS Community Achieves