The Migrant Education Program (MEP) offers additional support to migrant youth and their families.  Pender County has approximately 260 migrant youth ages 3-21, most of who are also learning English as their second language.  Youth who are eligible for MEP are those who have moved into the county within the last 36 months and have parents or guardians doing seasonal or temporary work in agricultural production.  Students who have moved during the school year and who are most at risk for not meeting state standards are given priority for services. 

Migrant students who are also Limited English Proficient (LEP) must receive services above and beyond ESL services that other LEP students receive.  If migrant students have exited LEP status, they still need services to “fill in the gaps” in their education.

Contacts:

Amanda Hobbs, Director of Accountability and Reporting, is responsible for the MEP in Pender County.
Amanda_hobbs@pender.k12.nc.us (910) 259-0131 ext. 710225

Laura Gutierrez, Migrant Program Specialist, manages migrant records and coordinates services to qualifying migrant families. 
Laura_gutierrez@pender.k12.nc.us (910) 663-3547

Denise Lopatka, Migrant Educator, travels to district schools to provide additional academic support and coordinate educational services for migrant students.  Denise_lopatka@pender.k12.nc.us

Michael Ivey Taylor, also known as "Miguel", Migrant Recruiter, identifies and serves migrant families in Pender County.  He also provides translations for school newsletters and meetings. Michael_taylor@pender.k12.nc.us 910-663-3552