CMS Engagement In Action

Inside, you'll find valuable resources, strategies, and updates on upcoming events to support families, schools, and our community. This edition is packed with tools to help you stay informed and engaged in your child’s education and well-being.

Congratulations to Ms. Christopher, parent of a student at Knights View Elementary, who is our lucky winner of the $100 gift card for March!

Thank you to everyone who submitted feedback after each Family Academy session. Your input is incredibly valuable and we appreciate your ongoing support. Family Academy thrives becauseof your engagement, your voice truly makes a difference!

April is the perfect time to strengthen family engagement in your child's education! The Family Engagement Department is dedicated to providing families with the tools, resources, and guidance needed to actively support their child’s learning journey. By collaborating with school staff and utilizing available resources, families can foster a positive and supportive environment that promotes student success both at home and in the classroom. Together, we can ensure every child has the support they need to thrive!

Family Academy offers expert guidance on key topics, along with a variety of tools, resources, and workshops designed to empower families in their child’s education. This month, we’re hosting engaging sessions focused on enhancing family engagement in academics, health, and overall well-being. Join us for our Lunch & Learns, Coffee & Conversations, and Family Academy on the Go! to gain valuable insights that will help set your child up for success—both in and out of the classroom.

Learn how students can access school-based virtual care through the Atrium program. If your school participates, an Atrium medical assistant will connect students with healthcare providers via video, allowing for quick assessment and diagnosis of minor illnesses. This helps students return to class as soon as they’re feeling better.

Click Here to Join:https://bit.ly/facms403

April 10: Financial Literacy for Strong Futures

Families will gain valuable insights and resources to help make informed financial decisions, build stronger financial foundations, and plan for a brighter future.

Click Here to Join: https://bit.ly/cmsfa410

April 24: Exploring Social Emotional Learning for Families

This session will explore ways families can support their child’s social and emotional development at home. Learn practical strategies for building empathy, self-regulation, and resilience while creating a positive environment for growth.

Click Here to Join: https://bit.ly/cmsfa424

April 10: Understanding Your Child’s Assessment Scores (DIBELS, MVPA, and iReady)

Join us from 9 - 10:30 am to connect with CMS Departments to learn more about the tests your students take. Families will review parent reports and identify next steps to support learning at home from the following assessments: DIBELS, MVPA, and iReady.

Click Here to Join: https://bit.ly/aprilcmsfa

Families will have the opportunity to engage and gain valuable insights on how to support their child's learning at home, effectively interpret student reports, and access educational resources to prevent summer slide.

When: Thursday, April 3 (5:30 - 6:30 pm)

Where: Ada Jenkins Center, 212 Gamble St. Davidson, NC 28036

Don't miss out! Enjoy light refreshments, connect with CMS departments and community organizations, and be entered into a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card.

Your voice matters! Join us for a Family Engagement Feedback Session as we work together to enhance and strengthen our family engagement initiatives for the 25-26 school year.

In-Person Session:
📅 Tuesday, April 3, 2025
📍 Ada Jenkins Center (212 Gamble Street, Davidson, NC)
⏰ 5:30-6:30 PM

Virtual Sessions:
📅 Tuesday, April 8, 2025 | ⏰ 9:30-10:30 AM

Click here to join: https://bit.ly/cmsengage408

📅 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | ⏰ 1:00-2:00 PM

Click here to join: https://bit.ly/cmsengage430

Community and Language Specific Resources

Looking for resources in your home language?

Visit: CMS Learning and Language Acquisition Webpage

The Relatives

The Relatives is a vital resource in Charlotte, offering support and shelter to youth in crisis. Since 1974, they have been committed to helping young people find safety, stability, and a path forward through crisis intervention, housing assistance, and life skills programs. Their mission is to ensure every young person has access to the support they need to build a brighter future.

💡 Know someone who needs help?
📞 Call the Crisis Hotline: 704-377-0602
🏠 Visit the Youth Crisis Center: 1100 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC
🔗 Learn more: The Relatives

Please share this resource with anyone who may benefit from their services!

Teen Health Connection

Teen Health Connection is a trusted resource dedicated to empowering adolescents and supporting their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. They provide comprehensive healthcare services, counseling, education, and programs designed to help teens and their families navigate adolescence with confidence.

💡 Available Services Include:
✔️ Adolescent Primary Care & Preventive Health
✔️ Mental Health Counseling & Substance Use Support
✔️ Health Education & Wellness Programs
✔️ Parenting Support & Teen Advocacy

🔗 Learn more about their services and how they can support your family: Teen Health Connection

As parents and caregivers, it’s important to recognize when a child may be struggling with their mental health. Changes in behavior, mood, or academic performance can be signs that they need extra support. STOPit Solutions provides valuable insights on warning signs to look for and how to offer help.

💡 Key Signs to Watch For:
✔️ Sudden changes in mood or behavior
✔️ Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
✔️ Difficulty concentrating or declining grades
✔️ Withdrawal from friends and family
✔️ Increased feelings of anxiety or sadness

Early recognition and intervention can make a significant difference. Learn more about how to support your child here: Warning Signs That Your Student May Be Struggling

Ben & Jerry’s is hosting Free Cone Day on April 8, 2025, from 12 to 8 p.m. To find a location near you, click on the link here: find a scoop shop near you

Charlotte SHOUT! is an annual celebration of the city’s art, culture, and community. Built on the pillars of art, music, food, and ideas, Charlotte SHOUT! is an inclusive and inspirational sensory feast for all ages, with more than 200 events and attractions taking place over 17 days in Uptown, Charlotte. Engage with Charlotte SHOUT as a family by exploring the Family Adventure Itinerary

Each year on April 22, people around the world come together to support environmental protection and celebrate global sustainability efforts. The theme for Earth Day 2025 is OUR POWER, OUR PLANET, encouraging communities worldwide to unite in support of renewable energy.

The City of Charlotte offers several ways to get involved and make a positive impact:

✅ Recycle regularly
✅ Clean up your community
✅ Install solar panels at home
✅ Plant pollinator gardens & care for trees
✅ Enroll your business in green initiatives

Click here for more information on how you can help keep Charlotte beautiful: Keep Charlotte Beautiful.

Missed a newsletter? No problem! Stay up to date by browsing past editions using the link: https://bit.ly/FACEnewsletters

April 2: Early Release Day

April 11-21: Spring Break

CMS Academic Calendars

To register, use the link: bit.ly/CMS2025BTS

CMS Family and Community Engagement is excited to support and promote family engagement opportunities within the community. From hosting professional learning sessions, sharing resources, and engaging with your organization, we are here to support you! Please complete the form linked below to engage with our team related to your upcoming event. A member of our team will connect with the point of contact listed in the form.

https://bit.ly/CMSCommunityEngagementEvents

CMS Family and Community Engagement

Email: familyengagement@cms.k12.nc.us

Website: CMS Family and Community Engagement

Facebook: facebook.com/CMScpfe