Welcome to the June edition of our Family Engagement Network newsletter!

This month marks the end of the school year and the beginning of a new chapter for many of our students as they graduate and move on to new adventures. Graduations are a time to honor the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our students, but they also serve as a reminder of the collective effort it takes to support a student’s educational journey.

Family engagement has been at the heart of our student's success this year. It truly takes a village to raise a child, and the unwavering support from parents, families, and community members has been instrumental in fostering an environment where students can thrive. From volunteering in classrooms to supporting homework and attending school events, parent engagement has made a significant impact.

As we celebrate our graduates and reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, we also look forward to continuing our partnership with families. Together, we can ensure that every student receives the support and encouragement they need to reach their full potential.

Thank you for being an integral part of our village and for your continued commitment to our students’ success.

Warm regards,

Sonia Rezkalah

Family Engagement Administrator

• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month: Provide resources and information on early detection, care strategies, and community support services for your families.

• LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Provide resources and information on the history and significance of Pride Month to help educators and families create inclusive and supportive spaces for students.

• National Safety Month: Conduct a virtual workshop on creating safe school environments, covering topics such as emergency preparedness, bullying prevention, and digital safety.

• Juneteenth (June 19): Create a short video clip or social media post of historical presentations, cultural performances, and educational activities about the significance of Juneteenth.

Winchester Elementary School (Hemet Unified School District)

Winchester Elementary recently hosted a delightful Volunteer Appreciation event to honor the incredible contributions of their parent volunteers. The event was a beautiful testament to the school's gratitude and featured a charming theme centered around greenery, particularly eucalyptus, and a playful use of the word "thyme."

Parents were greeted with gifts filled with herbal tea and honey, labeled "Winchester Elementary Kids are Thankful for Your Thyme." These gifts symbolized the school's appreciation for their parents' time and efforts. Each volunteer also received personalized thank you messages and drawings from students, adding a heartfelt touch, as well as a certificate recognizing their dedication and contributions.

The celebration included a beautifully arranged table filled with delicious food, appetizers, and refreshing drinks. The attention to detail in both the decorations and the menu reflected the school's deep appreciation for its volunteers.

The Volunteer Appreciation event at Winchester Elementary was more than just a thank you; it was a joyous occasion that brought the school community closer together, celebrating the invaluable role of parent volunteers in enhancing the educational experience for all students.

Winchester Elementary's thoughtful and well-executed event serves as an inspiring example of how schools can engage and honor their parent volunteers, creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all.

Recognizing the hard work and dedication of parent volunteers not only shows appreciation but also strengthens the bonds within the school community, fostering a culture of support and collaboration.

The Riverside County Office of Education, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and Inland Area CUE have partnered together to introduce the Learning, Innovation, and Technology in Education (LITE) conference. Educational technology facilitates learning experiences that are targeted, relevant, actively engaging, socially connected, and growth-oriented. This two-day conference will support educators in developing technological and pedagogical knowledge in support of effective teaching and learning.

The Arts at RCOE is very pleased to present this amazing day of arts speakers, presentations, and workshops. This is our first ever arts conference, and we intend for it to be an annual event that enriches the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, Mono, and Inyo. Attendees will hear two incredible keynote speakers and have their choice of four different arts sessions. Sessions being offered include visual arts, music, theater, stage tech, dance, mindfulness, poetry, emotional liberation, arts leadership, and arts integration. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included. Awesome swag and an incredible raffle prize you won’t want to miss! Come spend the day with us, deeply involved in the joy and practice of the arts.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, our Resource Hub has something for everyone. Resources are strategically divided among the three regions of Riverside County – Central, Eastern, and South – ensuring that family engagement practitioners across the county have equitable access to valuable tools and materials.

Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez, challenges families with children birth - 5th grade to read 10 Million Words on Footsteps2Brilliance this summer, June 17 - August 2. The TOP 5 readers will win prizes!

Just follow the steps below to get started:

1. Register for FREE: www.myf2b.com/riverside
2. Go to: www.footsteps2brilliance.com/virtual-summer-school
3. Follow the daily lessons for your child's grade level.