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

As we embrace the sunny days and warmer weather of April, families are eagerly participating in outdoor activities and becoming more engaged in various aspects of their lives. From enjoying quality time outdoors to attending events focused on wellness, families are seeking opportunities for fun and connection. This presents an excellent opportunity for you to engage in outdoor activities that strengthen connections with families.

Consider greeting families as they drop off their students, providing them with a resource flyer, or organizing a picnic-style meet and greet with all your parent committees to honor them for their valuable volunteer contributions to your schools. You could also arrange a tour of the school to foster trust and a sense of community. Whether it's through an engaging social media post, creating family-friendly activities, or hosting a larger event, every effort contributes to building relational trust between home and school.

Don't miss out on these opportunities to deepen engagement with your school community.

Warm Regards,

Sonia Rezkalah

Family Engagement Administrator

This April, let's raise awareness about vital causes but also empower and educate families through workshops, informative flyers, and social media posts tailored to each awareness theme.

• Autism Awareness Month: A social media post focused on fostering understanding and support for individuals on the autism spectrum is a great way to promote inclusivity and acceptance.
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month: Creating informative flyers to educate families about child safety and positive parenting is essential for creating safe environments for children.
• Earth Day (April 22nd): Engaging families in eco-friendly activities is an excellent way to honor our planet.
• National Volunteer Month: Recognizing and celebrating parent volunteers is important for emphasizing the value of parent engagement.
• Financial Literacy Month: Offering workshops on budgeting, saving, and investing aligns well with Dr. Edwin Gomez's Financial Literacy Initiative and empowers families with essential financial knowledge for long-term well-being.
• Stress Awareness Month: Hosting a workshop on stress management techniques and promoting mental health awareness is crucial for helping families prioritize self-care and balance.
• National Poetry Month: Celebrating language and expression through poetry presentations is a creative way to foster connection within families.

Lake Elsinore Unified School District (LEUSD)

Lake Elsinore Unified School District recently hosted a remarkable Family Engagement Summit that exemplified their commitment to fostering strong partnerships between families, schools, and the community. The Parent Summit was held on March 2, 2024, from 8:00am to 3:00pm at Ortega High School, and it was truly a beacon of empowerment for families.

The event provided a detailed schedule that offered families a wealth of enriching workshops covering vital topics such as Emotional Support, School Safety & Security Protocols, Academic Supports, and College and Career Opportunities. Families were provided with complimentary meals, childcare, and interpretation services which reinforced that every family felt embraced and valued, making the summit a truly inclusive and welcoming experience for all.

The success of LEUSD's Family Engagement Summit stands as a testament to the power of "Igniting Hope" within their community. It served as a beacon of inspiration, fostering meaningful connections and empowering families to play an active role in their children's education.

If you are interested in hosting a Family Engagement Summit, here are some key takeaways to consider:

Professional learning for Parents and Paraeducators of Pre-K to 12th grade English & Multicultural Learners. Biliteracy, Dual Language Immersion, Family and Community Engagement, DELAC & ELAC, English Learner Roadmap, Seal of Biliteracy, College Preparation and FAFSA, ELD, STEAM, and much more!

Register Today!

Registration Deadline: April 10, 2024

*Stay tuned for more details on the FEN Symposium in the coming weeks.

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.

The 5K Color Fun Run, a collaborative effort between the Perris Elementary School District and the City of Perris

Taking place on Saturday, April 20th at the City Hall Campus, this exciting event kicks off with the Tot Trot Race for participants aged 5 and under at 7:45 AM, followed by the 5K Race at 8 AM.

Don't miss out on the fun – register today! Secure your spot by visiting the Civic Rec portal at cityofperris.org to complete your registration online.