Success at Black Elementary: Families and Technology Transform Bilingual Literacy
On September 26, 2024, Black Elementary School hosted a special community event celebrating the significant progress of the Bilingual E-Library from the University of Houston Downtown (UHD), in collaboration with Aldine ISD. The event brought together families, educators, and community leaders, all focused on promoting bilingual literacy and providing access to digital resources that are changing lives.
The Bilingual E-Library empowers families to embrace literacy and technology, giving them the tools to create brighter futures for themselves and their children.” — Dr. María Bhattacharjee
The Bilingual E-Library: A Transformative Project
Dr. María Bhattacharjee, Director of the UHD Bilingual E-Library and the event’s Master of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed the attendees and shared the vision of the project. She enthusiastically explained how this initiative has been a vital resource for Hispanic families in Houston, providing access to an extensive collection of e-books in both English and Spanish.
The project not only improves reading skills but also teaches technological competencies, preparing students and parents for a more connected future.
Inspiring Speeches
Dr. Diane M. Miller, representing UHD’s College of Public Service, delivered an inspiring speech about the impact of the program. She highlighted how the Bilingual E-Library has strengthened the sense of community and transformed bilingual learning, helping families feel more connected to their children’s education.
Although Dr. Poonam Gulati could not attend the event, she sent a heartfelt video message, praising the library’s incredible growth and its ability to open new educational opportunities.
Recognizing Families
During the event, special recognition was given to the 31 families that actively participated in the program. Sheyla Rodríguez, Reading Manager of the UHD Bilingual E-Library, shared an emotional story of how one mother used the library’s resources to teach her children to read in both languages. This example demonstrated the power of bilingual literacy in the home and how it is changing lives.
Connecting Through Technology
Aida Ulloa, Technology Manager of the UHD Bilingual E-Library, promoted the library’s YouTube channel, which offers live classes from Monday to Thursday. This channel provides families with continuous access to educational materials and learning opportunities from anywhere, encouraging ongoing participation.
A Bright Future
The event concluded with the exciting announcement that Chromebooks would be distributed to participating families, facilitating access to the Bilingual E-Library and reinforcing the commitment to digital inclusion. Attendees also enjoyed a showcase of stories created by students, reflecting the creativity and effort inspired by this project.
Finally, Dr. María Bhattacharjee invited more families to enroll in the Bilingual E-Library and take advantage of all the available resources. With their support and participation, the future of bilingual education in Houston remains promising.
English 
Español