News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 7 - June 2, 2006
On May 10, fifteen Hmong refugee families proudly graduated from the Families and Schools Together (FAST) program at Lakeview Elementary School. A prevention and early intervention program, the main goal of FAST is to strengthen and empower families. Children's Service Society of Wisconsin, in collaboration with Madison Metropolitan School District, offers FAST programs at various elementary and middle schools throughout the district.
In response to the high numbers of new Hmong families to the Lakeview community, FAST was offered entirely in Hmong to meet the needs of the families. The success of Lakeview FAST was evident in the 100% graduation rate of families from the program. While other schools hosted very successful FAST programs this year, Lakeview FAST is unique in retaining all the families for the entire 8-week program.
"The FAST program has been able to respond to the families' needs while incorporating a culturally competent program to include a blending of both Hmong and American cultural values," said Paj Thao, FAST facilitator. "During the past seven weeks, many of the families got to meet and interact with their children's teachers for the very first time, learned more about the school's functions, talked to the school nurse about health concerns and met with a school board member to learn more about the school board as they got to express some of their concerns."
The FAST program is generously supported by the United Way of Dane County, Madison Metropolitan School District, Madison School and Community Recreation, The Evjue Foundation, Inc., the charitable arm of the Capital Times, and private donations.
Proud graduates of the Lakew View FAST program
Last Updated: Mon Jul 17 07:54:46 2006
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