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

March is here — bringing a revitalizing energy that inspires us to appreciate every blooming flower and much anticipated longer days! It’s a time for renewal, growth, and the anticipation of vibrant days ahead.

Join us in sharing insights, resources, and experiences to enhance family engagement efforts. Together, let's make March a month of inspiration, empowerment, and meaningful connections as we continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our families and communities.

Warm Regards,

Sonia Rezkalah

Administrator of Family Engagement

We're excited to embark on a journey of deeper engagement and impactful initiatives as we celebrate raising awareness and support for meaningful causes in the month of March.

• National Reading Month: Let's continue championing literacy efforts across Riverside County in alignment with Superintendent Dr. Edwin Gomez' Initiative, Literacy by 5th Grade.
• Women’s History Month: Join us in recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of women throughout history, as we strive to foster an inclusive environment where every voice is heard and valued.
• Disability Awareness Month: This month serves as a reminder to embrace diversity and promote accessibility in all aspects of our work, ensuring equal opportunities for everyone to thrive.
• Environmental Awareness: Let's renew our commitment to sustainability on World Wildlife Day, Global Recycling Day, International Day of Forests, and World Water Day, exploring ways to educate and engage our communities in preserving our natural resources.

Riverside Unified School District (RUSD) - Family Resource Center

Imagine a place where parents come together, not just for coffee, but for connection, support, and empowerment. That's exactly what Cafecito at RUSD is all about. Recently honored with the prestigious 2023 Golden Bell Award, Cafecito has become a beacon of hope and community for over 400 weekly viewers since its inception in 2020.

Through Cafecito, the RUSD Family Resource Center has created a thriving online community, known as Amigos de RUSD Facebook Live. Here, parents find more than just information – they find a supportive network that helps them navigate the challenges of education and parenting.

The success of Cafecito is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Family Resource Center Team. They've not only created a vibrant online space but have also empowered parents to become leaders within their communities. Participants in Cafecito are not just viewers; they're advocates, sharing important updates and encouraging fellow parents to engage with their schools and the broader district.

Unlike traditional "Coffee with the Principal" meetings, which focus on providing information about school, districtwide events, and addressing general concerns, Cafecito is about building a community of parents supporting each other, sharing resources, and advocating for their children's education.

So, why not bring the spirit of Cafecito to your Family Engagement Centers? By hosting your own Cafecito, you can create a space where parents feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to play an active role in their student's education.

The Family Engagement Network (FEN) empowers family engagement practitioners to lead the development of welcoming, inclusive, and goal-oriented district and school family engagement programs, rooted in research-based best practices. Our offerings include emphasizing alignment with educational initiatives, cultural competence, networking and collaboration, professional development strategies, technical proficiency in 'how-to' skills and customized training/support for school districts. Through these comprehensive supports, FEN aims to enhance family engagement efforts and directly contribute to student success.

This conference promises to be a remarkable experience, filled with inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, and wellness activities. Connect with like-minded individuals and learn strategies that can significantly impact your well-being and the wellness of those you lead and serve. Register before April 19th, and you'll enjoy our early bird rate of only $75! Don't miss out on this chance to prioritize your wellness.

Access a wealth of resources designed to support and elevate your family engagement initiatives. 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 Community Engagement Initiative (CEI), a part of the California Statewide System of Support (SSOS), is dedicated to enhancing collaboration between communities and school districts. Focused on facilitating difficult conversations, fostering trust, improving student outcomes, CEI develops effective models of engagement. Through peer partnerships and statewide practices, it aims to improve community involvement and support continuous improvement efforts in education. Applications for Cohort V are now open through March 15. Visit the website for more information: https://californiaengage.org/joining-cei/