At Timberline PK-8, parents are coming together to support their students’ education and strengthen the community through a parent book club led by Family Liaison Maria Aldaba. Launched in spring 2024, the club brings parents together Wednesday mornings after the school day begins to discuss books that focus on personal growth, parenting strategies, and education.
“We started the book club last February with a simple idea to read together and talk about it,” said Aldaba. “Our goal is to create a space where parents can connect, learn, and share experiences, all while encouraging a deeper understanding of how they can support their children’s learning.” The book club has quickly grown into a tight-knit group of 11 parents, all committed to engaging in discussions that benefit their families and the school community.
What makes the book club unique is its bilingual format. The group reads books in both Spanish and English. Parents from different backgrounds and languages are encouraged to participate, making the club accessible to all. Aldaba notes that parents often bring along friends or family members, turning each meeting into an open, welcoming event. The club has become a space for extended families to connect and share their experiences.
“The parents were eager to start the club again this year, even before the school year had officially begun,” said Aldaba. “They really look forward to these meetings, not just to read, but to support one another.”
The books the club reads are carefully selected to resonate with the group. Their current selection, Usted es el maestro más importante para su hijo: una guía para familias con niños pequeños (Being Your Child’s Most Important Teacher: A Guide for Families with Young Children), provides parenting tips and strategies for supporting children in their learning journey. According to Aldaba, the book has sparked meaningful conversations about how parents can engage with their children in new ways, from helping with homework to incorporating everyday learning opportunities.
The impact of the book club reaches beyond parents who attend. By learning new techniques and building confidence, the parents are applying what they’ve learned at home, creating positive changes in their relationships with their children. One parent shared how her middle-school-aged child, typically more reserved, began expressing himself more after she implemented lessons from the book at home.
Aldaba hopes to see the book club continue to grow and welcome even more families. “Our goal is to involve even more parents and to keep building this strong community of support,” she said. “We want every family to feel connected and confident in helping their children succeed.”