SGE Family Engagement
Hello, ShadowGlen Families!
My name is Carissa Raney, and I am thrilled to serve as your Parent Liaison. With over 18 years of experience in education and 11 years as a Parent Engagement Specialist, I am passionate about supporting the needs and successes of our families. My role is to ensure you feel connected, supported, and empowered as partners in your child's educational journey. I look forward to working with you and building a strong, collaborative community together!
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or needs. Let's make this school year a great one!
What is Family Engagement?
Family engagement is a collaborative partnership between schools and families to support and strengthen the learning, development, and wellbeing of all children.
What does the partnership between educators and families look like?
Educators and families will create partnerships between home and school that support student achievement and school improvement by coming together and building capacity in each side to work in a deeper partnership. Educators and schools will be using the Dual Capacity-Framework for Family -School Partnerships.
The two key dimensions of the framework:
- Family capacity: knowledge, skills, and resources families need to support their children's learning.
- School capacity: structures, practices, and relationships that support family engagement.
Families engage in various ways that make a big difference in their children's learning:
- Establishing a routine for learning: Creating a consistent study schedule that promotes focus and productivity.
- Creating a supportive learning environment: Designating a quiet, organized space for homework and study.
- Maintaining open communication with teachers: Regularly discussing progress, challenges, and expectations with educators.
- Encouraging a love for reading: Reading together, discussing books, and promoting literacy as part of everyday life.
- Monitoring academic progress: Keeping track of assignments, tests, and schoolwork to help set achievable goals.
- Providing positive reinforcement: Celebrating achievements and offering praise to build confidence and motivation.
- Setting high expectations: Encouraging effort and resilience, with an emphasis on the value of education.
- Participating in school activities: Engaging in parent-teacher associations, attending school events, or volunteering.
Family Opportunities at SGE:
- Become a Mentor or Volunteer
- Participate in family workshops
- Help in a classroom, cafeteria, or the library
- Support with special projects and events
- Serve on an educational committee
- Assist with field trips
- And more!
Your SGE Parent Liaison can support families in various ways, including:
- Facilitating communication between families and schools to ensure clear, consistent information sharing.
- Providing resources and referrals to community services like healthcare, food assistance, and housing support.
- Organizing workshops and training sessions for parents on topics such as child development, academic success, and parenting skills.
- Supporting families with school-related challenges, such as navigating special education services or addressing behavioral concerns.
- Encouraging family involvement in school activities and decision-making processes, such as parent-teacher conferences and school committees.
- Helping parents advocate for their children's needs within the school system and ensuring their voices are heard.
- Promoting cultural awareness and inclusivity, helping schools recognize and respond to the diverse backgrounds of the families they serve.
- Building trust and relationships with families, fostering a supportive and welcoming school community.