Communications and Family Engagement:

The Board of Education recognizes and values parents/families as children's first teachers/decision-makers in education. The Board believes that student learning is more likely to occur when there is an effective partnership between the school and the student's parents /family. Such a partnership between schools and the greater involvement of parents in the education of their children generally results in higher academic achievement, improved student behavior, and reduced absenteeism. In cultivating partnerships with families and communities, The District & Family Ambassadors commit to providing the following:

Dr. Sandy D Womack, Jr Area Superintendent

Engagement Opportunities - parent/family; volunteering/training/workshopsBuild Trusting Relationships - partnering with parents/staff/communityCollaborative Leadership - community networking Connect & Share - decision making and advocating; parents/staff/communityHome Schooling - learning at-home toolsCommunicate Effectively - promote two-way discussions

Columbus City School Directory

Role and Responsibilities :

Family Ambassadors follow the leadership and directions provided at the school (currently virtually) by the building administrator . Ambassadors work collaboratively with parents/caregivers, the building administrator, school counselor and other staff to develop the parent action for the school as part of the Ohio Improvement Plan. Family Ambassadors play a vital role in the school body, acting as a liaison between school, home, and community. Ambassadors assist in developing a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly plan of action in conjunction with the principal, guidance counselor, and other supportive staff to promote academic/student achievement.

Mrs. Lavina Meeks - Family Ambassador/Engagement Specialist

What Ambassadors do for CCS

The Columbus City Schools Family Engagement Framework includes key stakeholders that will collaborate to address important factors/barriers to the academic achievement of Columbus City School students. The action committees and district programs are created to support the needs of the families of Columbus City schools and to work to empower the parents/caregivers to contribute to the overall success of their students and to positively contribute to the school community. The Family Ambassador program supports parents/families in building skills that will encourage caregivers to be better Learners, Teachers, Advocate'rs, and Leaders of their community; Collaborative Leadership.

We have five core values which guide us in building meaningful relationships with families, communities, and partners:

Collaboration: We promote diverse engagement opportunities with internal and external stakeholders to create a culture of excellence.
Innovation: We foster an environment of discovery and exploration to advance teaching and learning, which in turn supports a welcoming workplace.
Excellence: We nurture lifelong learning to equip our students for success, adaptability, and leadership in a global society.
Stewardship: We exercise responsible oversight of human, fiscal, and material resources in the foundation of student achievement and financial stability.
Equity: We value equity, inclusion, and accountability for all.

Goals for parents/families of CCS students:

Parents as Teachers-provides a clear understanding of how children grow, learn, adapt, and acknowledge the learning approaches used in CCS.
Parents as Advocates- build capacity to advocate for children, understand the standards and expectations for learning, and support learning at home.
Parents as Leaders- helps parents/caregivers build the skills necessary to assume leadership roles, in schools/community.
Parents as Learners- provides parents with the opportunity to build upon their skills for personal and professional growth.

Parent's Guide To Student Success

Students Learning At Home

Many experts have found that helping with homework cultivates positive learning behaviors, reinforces class material and signals to children that their education is important. No one knows the student better than the parent. The Department of Education says that parents play an important role in their children's learning when they help with homework. Parental involvement with homework helps develop self-confidence and motivation in the classroom. Parents helping students with homework has a multitude of benefits including spending individual time with children, enlightening strengths and weaknesses, making learning more meaningful, and having higher aspirations.

Family Ambassadors can: Survey families to connect in ways that will improve learning experiences for students/ parents. Host a Zoom Meeting to discover opinions of families regarding school related matters ( click the underlined words for virtual tool tutorials).

Helping student's with homework can be challenging for parents. Listed below are Learning at Home Strategies that provide the freedom for parents/students to design their own schedule and time to adjust to Columbus City School learning approaches:

Have a dedicated space for learning
Create routines
Take brain breaks
Break down task into smaller pieces
Ask for help
Stay Connected
Join Lunch and Learn -Virtual Family Engagement Sessions; Click here for Topics" and Dates ( coming soon )

Multi-Tiered Approach to Family Engagement

Parent Two Way Conversations

Productive Communication

Two way parent/caregiver communication involves engaging families as partners in the process of school review and continuous improvement planning. Include families in the development of the district-wide parent involvement policy/plan. Listed below are great opportunities for family ambassadors to deliberate two way communications with school families.

Family Ambassador Engagement Activities:

Click the links below for parent engagement ideas!

"Simple Tool Kits " to start engaging families:

Tool Kit: "Meet Me On Monday's "
Tool Kit: "Facebook Live Sessions"

Family Ambassadors Communication Break Through's:

Ambassadors Checklist

As a Family Ambassador , have you done the following:

Check CCS emails daily?
Make a weekly/bi-weekly/monthly schedule of work activities performed?
Keep a record of hours worked; vendors registration site: budget fund of $19,000?
If you have set office/work hours, give a copy to principal/secretary /families?
Reviewed the F.A program handbook/guide?
Attend school staff meeting for introductions and updates?
Created a resource page, newsletter, and or website for parent/family information/updates?
Serves on a decision making committee (PBIS,BLT)?
Collaborate with school counselor, social worker, nurse, community supporters, etc?
Assisted in the collection of family/student/school compacts?
Created/Started to develop an Action Plan activity?
Implemented the activities in your Action Plan?
Attend regularly scheduled Family Ambassador Regional and Professional Development Meetings?
Utilized the resources and information given by other Family Ambassadors, Family Ambassador Coaches/ Coordinators?

As an Ambassador, knowing your school community, helps you better serve ; Build Relationships!

Utilize Virtual Technology Tools to Effectively Communicate with Families

Smore Tutorial Demo

Ideas on creating beautiful virtual newsletters

Google Sites Tutorial Video

Design your own web page

Google Voice Tutorial

A second free phone number to your preexisting phone line!

Community Members & Engagement Tools

Engagement Tools

IDEAS FOR ENGAGING FAMILIES:

What are some strategies on engaging parents in student's learning?

Try various ways to communication with family members. Acknowledge that most families are very busy.
Initiate communication with families for positive reasons.
Engage families in cultural relevant activities.
Empower families by giving them the opportunity to organize and lead an event or activity.

What are some family engagement activities that can support Columbus City Schools system ?

Keep website/newsletter updated.
Automated family messaging.
Host casual parent events (virtually).
Report card zoom conferences.
Create fun, informative family reading, math, and science nights (virtually).
Parent/Family Member Volunteers ; ask parents/families to be apart of activities that don't involve a lot of preparation. For example, have parent/family member take notes during a virtual meeting. (Create Volunteering/Engagement Opportunities)

How can Family Ambassadors engage families and the community to ensure student success ?

Relationship-building is the key to effective communication and community-building. Take time to know your parents, to better understand what resources are needs.
Don't expect parents to come to you, meet them in community centers, churches, and neighborhoods.
Partner new families with veteran families so they learn more about the school/community.
Community, Communication, and Collaboration - schools are responsible for building a welcoming culture and environment. Invite parents to enrich school programs by sharing their culture, occupations, and talents.
Keep striving to get parents and community members engaged in school activities; the connection is not automatic or immediate.