April UTSA Family Engagement Newsletter

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Family Members,


Happy April! Thank you to everyone who helped make our Day of Discovery a huge success! Your support and dedication are essential in strengthening family engagement, and we truly appreciate your commitment to fostering a strong partnership in your children's education. We recognize the invaluable role families play in shaping students' success.


At the bottom of each edition, you'll find helpful resources and community events designed to support and benefit the entire family.


  • UTSA Day at our Main campus on 1604
  • Wildlife Rescue at the San Antonio Zoo
  • Bella's Journey Event at the San Antonio Zoo
  • The Wittie Musuem is hosting two events: Saturday with a Scientist: Archaeologist in Action & STEAM Sunday: Texas Natives
  • The McNay Musumeis hosting: McNay Free Family Day: All Together & Viva Fiesta at Second Thursday!


Thank you for being part of our journey!


We hope the resources provide valuable opportunities for you and your family. Stay tuned for more updates!


Please feel free to contact me with any story ideas or if you have any questions or concerns.


I look forward to hearing from you!


Sincerely,

 

Maricela Luevano

Email: maricela.luevano@utsa.edu

Office Phone: (210) 458-2430


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Estimados Padres, Guardianes y Miembros de la Familia, ¡


Feliz Abril! ¡Gracias a todos los que ayudaron a hacer de nuestro Día del Descubrimiento un gran éxito! Su apoyo y dedicación son esenciales para fortalecer el compromiso familiar, y realmente apreciamos su compromiso de fomentar una asociación sólida en la educación de sus hijos. Reconocemos el papel invaluable que desempeñan las familias en la formación del éxito de los estudiantes.


En la parte inferior de cada edición, encontrará recursos útiles y eventos comunitarios diseñados para apoyar y beneficiar a toda la familia. Día de


  • UTSA en nuestro campus principal
  • En el Rescate de Vida Silvestre de el Zoológico de San Antonio y Evento del Viaje de Bella en el Zoológico de San Antonio
  • El Museo Wittie organiza dos eventos: Sábado con un científico: Arqueólogo en acción y Domingo STEAM: Nativos de Texas
  • El Museo McNay organiza: Día de la Familia Libre: Todos juntos y Fiesta Viva el Segundo Jueves!


¡Gracias por ser parte de nuestro viaje!


No dude en ponerse en contacto conmigo con cualquier idea de historia o si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud.


¡Espero tener noticias suyas!


Sinceramente,


Maricela Luevano

Email: maricela.luevano@utsa.edu

Phone #: (210) 458-2430


Your College Journey Starts at UTSA Day!

UTSA Day is our large open house event that begins with check-in at 10:30 am followed by all our scheduled events from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Participants can enjoy many activities like tours, presentations, workshops and more. Discover more about the program or college you’re interested in, hear from admissions staff and understand your financial aid options.


UTSA Day

San Antonio Zoo

CLIMB, PLAY, & EXPLORE THE WORLD OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION


Spring is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and explore the wonders of wildlife conservation at San Antonio Zoo!

For a limited time, Wildlife Rescue, Presented by Bank of Texas invites guests of all ages to embark on an interactive journey into the world of endangered species. Located in Kronkosky’s Tiny Tot Nature Spot, this immersive exhibit features 12 larger than life, climbable sculptures of endangered animals, offering a hands-on experience that’s both fun and educational.

 

From the powerful black rhino to the swift cheetah and the resilient Puerto Rican crested toad, each species has a unique story of survival and conservation efforts around the world. As you climb, play, and explore, you’ll discover the challenges these animals face and how we can all be part of protecting their future.

 

With beautiful spring weather and endless opportunities for adventure, there’s no better time to visit the zoo and inspire the next generation of wildlife protectors!


Wildlife Rescue Event@ San Antonio Zoo/

Join Us for an Author Reading with Victoria A. Farias

Location: Whataburger Theater

Reading Dates & Times:

April 5, April 6, April 26, April 27 – 11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM

About the Author:

Victoria A. Farias is a debut author with a passion for crafting imaginative and heartfelt stories for young readers. Her first book, Bella’s Journey, beautifully captures the lifecycle of a monarch butterfly while exploring themes of self-discovery, growth, and embracing one’s unique path.

Date & Time: March 22, 2025 @ 11:30 AM - April 27, 2025 @ 1:30 PM

Address: 3903 N. St. Mary's Street

San Antonio, TX 78212-3199

(210)734-7184

information@sazoo.org

Bella's Journey Event
Witte Musuem

Saturday with a Scientist: Archaeologist in Action

Date: April 5, 2025

Time: 11:00am-1:00 pm



Have you ever wondered how archaeologists are able to tell the age of an artifact?

Join Dr. Karen Steelman, Science Director with Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center, to learn more about the ancient rock art paintings in the Lower Pecos. As an archaeological chemist, Dr. Steelman uses radiocarbon dating to determine the age of pictographs (paintings on rock surfaces). Discover how scientists study and preserve these ancient murals for the future. Kids of all ages will learn about archaeology and chemistry with hands-on activities!

Join the Witte Museum for Saturday with a Scientist: Archaeologist in Action on the Overlook of the 2nd Floor of the Susan Naylor Center.




STEAM Sunday: Texas Natives

Date: April 27, 2025

Time: 1:30 pm-2:30 pm



Add to your Witte experience with hands-on explorations of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math at STEAM Sunday. 

Celebrate Texas biodiversity by participating in a City Nature Challenge! Learn how to use the iNaturalist app to identify local wildlife and native plants contribute to citizen science efforts. Discover the beauty of nature right in your city.

Cost: $8 (non-member) / $6 (member) + Museum Admission

Important Information:

  • Advanced registration required. Participation in this event requires Witte Museum admission (sold separately), plus STEAM Sunday ticket for each participant.
  • Purchase includes all supplies needed for interactive workshop.
  • Non-participating family members are welcome (space permitting) and do not need to purchase a ticket.
  • Recommended for all ages over 5.
  • Program runs approximately 45-60 minutes.
  • STEAM Sunday ticket sales close one hour before the program begins.
Witte Museum Events
The McNay Musuem

Event Highlights:

McNay Free Family Day: All Together

Date: April 6, 2025

Time: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm

Live Music & Dance

  • Performance by award-winning Sotomayor High School Jazz Ensemble
  • DJ Sue Problema spinning vibrant beats
  • Dance movement session with Rosie Torres

Creative & Inclusive Activities

  • Recycled art activity inspired by sustainable sports equipment, facilitated by Spare Parts SA
  • Adaptive art supplies, a sensory escape room, and a mobile changing unit presented by disABILITYsa

Mascot Meet & Greet

Strike a pose with Jesse, the McNay’s MVP (Most Valuable Peacock)!

Plus, join lovable mascot friends from around town to help welcome Jesse to San Antonio:

  • Marina the Turtle (Go Rio Cruises)
  • H-E-Buddy
  • LeeRoy the Bengal Tiger (Trinity University)
  • Rowdy the Roadrunner (UTSA)
  • Running Toilet (SAWS)
  • Sweetie (Bill Miller)
  • Tori the Tower (Tower of the Americas)

Viva Fiesta at Second Thursday!

Get ready to celebrate Fiesta at the McNay! Experience a night of art, music, and vibrant traditions. Enjoy free general admission, live music, and festive activities that bring the spirit of Fiesta to the Museum.

Enjoy FREE general admission from 4 to 9 p.m., courtesy of H-E-B, and explore our main collection galleries. Bring your blanket and lawn chairs to relax on the grounds, enjoy live music, and take part in themed activities. Dogs on leashes are welcome outdoors.

Register online for a chance to win a 2025 McNay Fiesta Medal! The lucky winner will be announced at the event.


The McNay Museum Events/Eventos del Museo McNay

Region 20

Guiding Light: De-escalation and Co-regulation Strategies for Parents

Date: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am

Session # 101207

Virtual session # 103454

This session is designed to equip parents, caregivers, and educators with effective tools and compassionate approaches to help children navigate through challenging moments. Attendees will learn about the fundamentals of de-escalation, the importance of co-regulation in building emotional resilience, and practical strategies that can be implemented in real-time to restore calm and understanding. By focusing on communication, empathy, and connection, this session aims to strengthen the bond between parents and children, ensuring that families are prepared to face crises together with confidence and love.


What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Why It Matters

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Time: 9:00 am-11:00 am

Session # 101208

Virtual session # 103455

This engaging workshop is tailored to parents and caregivers seeking to understand the pivotal role of social-emotional learning (SEL) in their children's lives. Delve into the core principles of SEL through insightful discussions and relatable examples, discovering its profound impact on your child's emotional intelligence and overall well-being. Learn practical strategies and activities to integrate SEL seamlessly into your home environment, empowering you to nurture resilience and empathy in your child's developmental journey. Engage in station activities designed to deepen understanding and leave you equipped with personalized 'make and take' resources to implement SEL practices effortlessly in your daily interactions with your child. Join us and unlock the keys to nurturing your child's emotional intelligence and resilience, laying a foundation for their lifelong success and well-being.


NetSmartz Internet Safety

Date: Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Time: 9:00 am-10:30 am

Session: 101211

Virtual session: 103458

Learn the latest statistics, online resources, and expert tips to educate, engage, and empower children to be safer online and offline. Participants will be provided with age appropriate tips, participate in thought-provoking discussions, as well as receive candid, practical advice. This session is presented by our community partner ChildSafe San Antonio. 

Region 20 Family Events/Eventos familiares de la Región 20

UTSA Westside Community Center (WSCC)

UTSA Westside Community Center provides resources to residents of San Antonio. Our goal is to work together with organizations, civic and business leaders to develop services that benefit the community.


UTSA Westside Community Center proporciona recursos a los residentes de San Antonio. Nuestro objetivo es trabajar junto con organizaciones, líderes cívicos y empresariales para desarrollar servicios que beneficien a la comunidad.

West Side Community Center

The Future Roadrunner Family Portal

Stay Involved! Sign up for our Future Roadrunner Family Portal Monthly Newsletter. Join us on The Future Roadrunner Family Portal for updates about financial aid and scholarships, info sessions, UTSA news, and more! Register now and stay connected as your Future Roadrunner starts their academic journey.


¡Manténgase involucrado! Regístrese para nuestro futuro Roadrunner Family Portal Boletín Mensual. ¡Únase a nosotros en el futuro Portal Familiar Roadrunner para obtener actualizaciones sobre ayuda financiera y becas, sesiones de información, noticias de UTSA y más! Regístrate ahora y mantente conectado mientras tu futuro Roadrunner comienza su viaje académico.

Future Roadrunner Family Portal

Café College

Effective Planning for College Success (VIRTUAL)

Date/Fecha: April 10, 2025

Time/Hora: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Location/Ubicación: Virtual

Register here


Building Successful Study Habits for College (VIRTUAL)

Date/Fecha: April 12, 2025

Time/Hora: 11:00 am - 11:30 am

Location/Ubicación: Virtual

Register here


Changing Majors (VIRTUAL)

Date/Fecha: April 22, 2025

Time/Hora: 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Location/Ubicación: Virtual

Register here


Effective Planning for College Success (VIRTUAL)

Date/Fecha: April 26, 2025

Time/Hora: 11:00 am - 11:30 am

Location/Ubicación: Virtual

Register here


College Success Skills (VIRTUAL)

Date/Fecha: April 29, 2025

Time/Hora: 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Location/Ubicación: Virtual

Register here

Cafe College

UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio)

Learn more about UTSA / Más información sobre UTSA

Community Outreach & Family Engagement

Visit our Familia website / Visite nuestro sitio web de Familia

Send us your family photo and receive a UTSA T-Shirt and swag bag. By submitting a photo you are granting UTSA's Family Engagement Program permission to use, reuse, alter, edit and publish your family photo.


Envíanos su foto de familia y recibe una camiseta de UTSA y una bolsa de regalo. Al enviar una foto, usted otorga al Programa de Participación Familiar de UTSA permiso para usar, reutilizar, alterar, editar y publicar su foto familiar.

Submit your photo here/Envía tu foto aquí

Please email if you have any comments or questions.

Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, por favor envía un correo electrónico.


I look forward to hearing from you. Espero tener noticias suyas.


maricela.luevano@utsa.edu

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