Every family has a story. Some stories begin across oceans, in different languages, and with traditions unfamiliar to most American classrooms. When families first arrive in the U.S., newcomer families, they’re often met with more than just a new address—they face a brand-new culture, education system, language, and way of life.

CoolSpeak Family Engagement Expert Ernesto Mejía has worked with countless schools across the country who are ready and willing to support newcomer families, but they often ask: Where do we begin? The answer is simpler than it seems: relationships, respect, and real effort. 

 Let’s back up and hear from Ernesto about the why before the how.

The 4 Biggest Challenges Newcomer Families Face

1. Cultural Adjustment

Imagine walking into a grocery store and not recognizing a single item. Or trying to engage with a school system that expects parent involvement to look a certain way—while back home, it was the father who handled education matters, not the mother. Cultural norms vary widely, and our systems often assume everyone knows how it all works. They don’t.

2. A New Education System

For many newcomer families, the U.S. school system is a maze. In some countries, students choose their career path by the tenth grade. Here, we tell them not to worry until they’re halfway through college. Add in magnet schools, IEPs, AP courses, after-school programs, and the college vs. career debate—it’s overwhelming.

We must explain—not just hand out—information. And that includes showing that college is not the only path. Technical schools, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship are valuable and respected options.

3. Language Barriers

This one’s obvious, but it’s not just about translating words. It’s about making an effort to connect. A simple “hello” in a family’s native language can go a long way. And yes, tech tools like live transcription, AI translators, and apps like WhatsApp help—but they don’t replace effort.

In some cases, the best interpreter is a student. We’ve met countless young people who grew up translating for parents at school, at doctors’ offices, even with lawyers. Let’s turn that into leadership training, not just a coping mechanism.

4. Social-Emotional Support

Many newcomer students are here without one or both parents. They’re homesick, lonely, and navigating a world where even the food feels foreign. And families? They often carry the weight of sacrifice in silence, afraid to ask for help. If we only focus on academic success, we’re missing the foundation: emotional well-being.

So, How Can Schools Support Newcomer Families? Start with the Basics.

At CoolSpeak, our Family Engagement Programs are designed to meet newcomer families where they are. Here’s what we build our programs on:

• Relationships First: Before talking about curriculum, talk about names. Learn how families pronounce them. Ask how they prefer to be addressed. It’s not “Joe”—it’s “José,” and the way you say it matters.

• Respect Is Personal: Eye contact, gestures, body language—what’s respectful in one culture may feel offensive in another. We help schools build cultural competence into their communication strategies.

• Support Is Action: Whether it’s using WhatsApp to stay in touch, or inviting students to co-facilitate events for their parents, our approach is practical. We don’t just say “get involved.” We show them how.

• Effort Is Everything: The programs that are doing it right? They’re putting in effort. Real time, real attention, and real care. It’s not about perfection—it’s about presence.

Want to Build a Program That Works? Bring in CoolSpeak.

We’ve facilitated events in rural Texas, led workshops in New York City, and helped districts from Arizona to Nebraska make their newcomer families feel seen. Our team of bilingual facilitators, family engagement experts, and youth facilitators knows what it takes because many of us have been there.

From professional development for your staff to bilingual events that engage newcomer families – both students and parents – CoolSpeak’s programs turn intention into impact.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about translating the words. It’s about transforming the experience.

This blog was created from Ernesto’s Facebook Live, exclusively for the CoolSpeak Family Engagement Hub – Request to join our Facebook Group today for more Family Engagement resources!