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

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and promoting strategies for maintaining emotional wellness. As we support families in their journey towards mental wellness, it's equally crucial for us to prioritize our own self-care practices. Just as we advocate for the well-being of others, it's essential to recognize the importance of taking time for ourselves to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate.

Incorporating activities that promote mental health and wellness for families can be enriching and fulfilling. Consider organizing wellness workshops, family yoga sessions, or nature walks that encourage your parent volunteers to connect with each other. These activities not only practice self-care but also provide opportunities to build trusting relationships with your families.

I'm excited to see most of you at our upcoming Family Engagement Symposium on May 7th. It's a valuable opportunity for networking, connecting, and engaging with fellow professionals. Let's use this time for professional development to support our personal growth.

Warm regards,

Sonia Rezkalah

Family Engagement Administrator

• National Family Month: Organize family events like movie nights or picnics, and host workshops on effective communication and parenting skills.

• National Mental Health Awareness Month: Host workshops on stress management and resilience-building for families. Provide resources and information on accessing mental health services in the community.

• Teacher Appreciation Week: Facilitate activities for families to express gratitude to teachers, such as writing thank-you notes. Encourage families to share stories of how teachers have positively impacted their children's lives.

• Global Accessibility Awareness Day: Organize workshops on accessible technology tools for families, ensuring inclusivity in educational activities. Collaborate with disability advocacy organizations to promote awareness of accessibility issues.

• Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month: Plan cultural celebrations, workshops, or presentations to highlight the diversity and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander families. Collaborate with cultural organizations for educational events promoting cross-cultural understanding.

Perris Union High School District (PUHSD)

As the school year draws to a close, Perris Union High School District is gearing up for a spectacular event that promises to highlight the remarkable achievements and contributions of parents, community partners, and leaders. The 3rd Annual Recognition Gala, set to take place on May 3, 2024, is a highly anticipated celebration that honors those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing family engagement, fostering community partnerships, and exemplifying outstanding leadership within their schools.

A key component to this event are the Parent Engagement Leadership Institute (PELI) Action Team for Partnership (ATP) teams from Perris High School, Heritage High School, Paloma Valley High School, Liberty High School, Pinacate Middle School, the California Military Institute, and Perris Lake High School. The ATP is comprised of parents, teachers, students, counselors, classified staff, and administrators. These teams meet monthly to develop goal-linked activities aimed at fostering parent engagement. During the gala, the ATP will showcase videos that highlight the invaluable role of family and community engagement at their respective schools.These videos serve as a powerful testament that family engagement is essential to the success of all students.

The highlight of the evening is the much-anticipated Awards Ceremony, where outstanding individuals will be recognized across various categories. From parent to community volunteers who embody exceptional leadership to those who go above and beyond in their service to the community. Additionally, the event will feature special recognitions for esteemed Business and Community Sponsors. These partners play a pivotal role in supporting PUHSD's initiatives and programs, and their contributions are instrumental in fostering a thriving school community.

The 3rd Annual Recognition Gala is more than just an event—it's a testament to the strength of a community, the power of collaboration, and the unwavering commitment of family engagement at Perris Union High School District.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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.

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.

CAREspace provides mental health and related services to students, families, schools, and the community of Riverside County.