Breakout Sessions
Breakout Sessions
Embedded Files
Shanceler Terry
Alief ISD
Presenting at South Academy
Shanceler Terry has served in the field of education for 26 years as Teacher of the Year, Grant Writer, Afterschool Program Coordinator, and now, Director of Family and Community Engagement for Alief ISD. She has worked intimately with the Alief Community as an advocate for families and children. For several years she founded and led the non-profit organization – TX Beacon of Light Outreach, providing afterschool programming to underserved youth, nonprofit establishment and grant writing training, and services to start-up non-profits. Shanceler is a Tulsa University alum and received her Master’s in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. Mrs. Terry is a local and statewide trainer of trainers in several areas, growing and enhancing the skills of current and future leaders inside and outside of the arena of education. Shanceler’s love for the Houston community extends beyond the Alief area as a volunteer for over twenty years with Lakewood’s Youth Ministry. A wife and mother of three, Shanceler loves to inspire and push those around her toward discovering their WHY and excelling in their WHAT.
Reset & Reconnect: Re-engaging Texas Families through Practices not Programs
Reset & Reconnect: Re-engaging Texas Families through Practices not Programs
Session Description:
Do you remember growing up waving to your teachers in the neighborhood? Your family knowing the staff of your school, and the staff knowing your family? Communities and schools were ONE. How do we get back to building this strong bridge? What are the key pieces needed? Let's start with customer service. Many families are voting with their feet - leaving public education. It is time to reset and reconnect with families, our partners in education. Participants will take away an action plan and practical tools that can be implemented immediately centered around engaging the disengaged through customer service and culture. Topics included: Tips to Engage the Disengaged, Exploring Mindsets, Creating a CARE Culture, and Rebuilding Trust and Effective Communication. Key points from Dr. Steven Constantino's master class will also be shared. Opportunities to share ideas and learn from other colleagues will be included. Get ready for an interactive, engaging time together. Let's reset and reconnect with our most valuable commodity–students and families.
Marcela Andres
designEdengagement
Presenting at South Academy
Marcela is a business and education leader with nearly 20 years of demonstrable success in achieving measurable results. She is a goal-driven leader and recognized change agent in the field of education with a passion for changing how families and educators partner to improve student outcomes. Her experience in underwriting commercial risks, codifying policies and practices to support companies growth and scale, to program development, strategic planning, and leadership development with specialization in programs that support underrepresented students, families, and communities position her to effectively collaborate with colleagues to drive transformational impact.
Marcela holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Saint Edward’s University and a Master of Education with a focus in Organizational Leadership and Community Advocacy from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Additionally, Marcela is a Six Sigma Yellow Belt and holds a certification in project management from Saint Edward’s University PMP program.
SPRINT DESIGN WORKSHOP ON DEVELOPING A FAMILY-CENTERED PROGRAM
SPRINT DESIGN WORKSHOP ON DEVELOPING A FAMILY-CENTERED PROGRAM
Session Description:
Participants will engage in a sprint deep dive to outline the design of a Family-Centered Program. The session will focus on principles needed to co-create a family-centered program that draws from research-based program design principles and the Dual Capacity Framework. Attendees will have the opportunity to brainstorm an outline for crafting a program that honors their context and caters to the diverse needs of families.
Lydia Chavez-Garcia
Fort Bend ISD
Presenting at South Academy
Lydia Chavez-Garcia became the Director of Collaborative Communities with Fort Bend ISD in 2020. She has been in the education sector for more than 13 years in capacities that include higher education, financial aid, career counseling, grant development and administration, and workforce development. In her current role at FBISD, she leads the parent and family engagement efforts as well as the mentor programs. Recognized by the Department of Labor for best practices resulting in a site visit and presentation for the United States Secretary of Labor.
Loading Your Toolbox: Creating Systems for Documentation and Tracking
Loading Your Toolbox: Creating Systems for Documentation and Tracking
Parent & Family Engagement Data
Parent & Family Engagement Data
Session Description:
Participants will be provided with a wide array of strategies including planning, executing programs, and the review of processes for improvement in efforts to create an efficient system. This includes annual review, planning for guidebook development, course selections, and modalities of establishing documentation to provide robust data to district leaders, the community, and to share with internal teams to build cohesiveness in the application of family engagement opportunities district-wide.
Jamie Goodwin
ESC 20
Building Capacity Initiative
Presenting at Both South and North Academies
Jamie Goodwin works as the Project Manager for Title I, Part A Building Capacity Initiative funded by the Texas Education Agency and produced by Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio, TX. Jamie works to provide sustained support and works cooperatively with ESCs, LEAs, and charters across the state for Title I, Part A, Title I, Part D, Subpart 2, PNP, and ESSER.
Previously, she served as a consultant on the School Support Team in the Administrative & Instructional Services Division providing support to district and campus staff in the areas of continuous school improvement, accountability, and the implementation of the Effective Schools Framework.
Jamie is well versed in supporting Title I, Part A services and requirements, including Comprehensive Needs Assessment, the continuous improvement process, and effective use of funds. As well, Jamie has expertise in effective culture and climate and evaluating special education instructional programs. She is a former special educator who has served as a classroom teacher, case manager, ARD/IEP facilitator, and district coordinator working with at-risk populations.
The Puzzle Pieces of Title I
The Puzzle Pieces of Title I
Session Description:
The purpose of Title I of ESSA is to provide all children a significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education, and to close educational achievement gaps. The puzzle of Title I, Part A has many pieces! You have the pieces for Parent and Family Engagement, and we invite you to join this session to learn more about the other pieces that are necessary to complete the puzzle for Title I, Part A.
Yolanda Chapman
Northside ISD
Presenting at Both South and North Academies
Yolanda Chapman has served as the Family Engagement Coordinator in Northside since 2017. In that time, she has expanded the program from 3 staff members to 26; all supporting different strands of Family Engagement. Ms. Chapman is one of the inaugural recipients of the Parent and Family Engagement Model School distinguishments recognizing her best practices in Linking to Learning in 2018-2019. She was also recognized by the Alamo Area Council of Governance for the exceptional programs she built to serve NISD families with the Community/Non-Profit Project of the Year in December 2019. Ms. Chapman has always served people and worked in education starting in migrant programs in New Mexico. She then moved to experience serving underprivileged youth in Manhattan, New York. From there, she moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she worked exclusively with children and families on Title 1 campuses. Wanting to be closer to her own family, Ms. Chapman moved to San Antonio where she has been serving the Northside community and empowering families. Ms. Chapman loves the work she does and being with her family and son.
Aligned Family Engagement: Connecting Family Engagement Data to
Aligned Family Engagement: Connecting Family Engagement Data to
District/Campus Improvement
District/Campus Improvement
Session Description:
Research shows that family engagement increases student scores, attendance, and school completion rates, but how does our data tell that story? At Northside, we were eager to find ways to tell the story of family engagement that went beyond counting names on sign-in sheets. Together we will explore the purpose of aligning family engagement initiatives to district and campus goals. We will share our journey and our templates to show how we are aligning our family engagement to better tell the story of campus improvement and removing barriers for student success. Attendees will have the opportunity to create their own data sheets that can be immediately implemented upon returning to campus.
Joy Diaz
Austin ISD
Presenting at South Academy
Joy Diaz is the Assistant Director for Community Engagement at Austin ISD. She is originally from Mexico City. She is a veteran communicator from the National Public Radio network. She grew up in a missionary family who worked with people living in extreme poverty. Diaz is the mother of two children who proudly attend Austin ISD schools.
Marisol Fray
Austin ISD
Marisol Fray currently serves as the Administrative Supervisor of Community Engagement at Austin ISD. She manages the district’s Parent Support Program across Title I campuses. Marisol has previously held several social work positions providing case management and other direct support services to families and students. Marisol is a licensed master level social worker with 8+ years of professional experience in education and hospital settings. Marisol is originally from the small town of Lyford, Texas and proud to call Austin her new home.
Level Hero: Ultimate Family Engagement
Level Hero: Ultimate Family Engagement
Session Description:
Austin ISD has a broad array of family engagement initiatives across the district. While the Austin ISD Family and Community Engagement office leads many of those initiatives, it is important to understand that district leaders and campus administrators set the tone and culture for ultimate family engagement. In this session, participants will learn how Austin ISD’s post-pandemic initiatives and strategies have taken family engagement efforts to the next level.
Alejandra Soulé
Round Rock ISD
Presenting at South Academy
Alejandra Soulé has been a parent liaison with Round Rock ISD since 2017. Her previous experience as a parent & community specialist and PTA member in RRISD helped her increase her passion for helping families through strong school-home connections to support student success. She moved to Austin, Texas in 1997 leaving her hometown of Mexico City. She lives in Round Rock and loves being with her husband, son, daughter, and Oreo, her cockapoo.
Daisy Guerrero
Round Rock ISD
Daisy Guerrero has been a parent liaison with Round Rock ISD since 2018. Previously, she lived in California, where she worked as a child support officer for the Department of Child Support Services. It’s through her previous work experience, where she initially developed a strong passion for helping families. She currently lives in Round Rock, Texas with her husband. She is the mother of three amazing sons.
Parents as Partners in family engagement:
Parents as Partners in family engagement:
Discover Strategies to Build Your Capacity to Support Academic Success
Discover Strategies to Build Your Capacity to Support Academic Success
Session Description:
Participants will explore the importance of using a link to learning approach to strengthen the home-school connection, explore best practices in family engagement that support student success, and leave with strategies that can be implemented easily and effectively.
LaTashia Abrams
Aldine ISD
Presenting at South Academy
LaTashia Abrams, the Director of Family and Community Engagement (FACE) in Aldine ISD, is a seasoned educator. LaTashia began her career in education as a teacher in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System in Louisiana. Since relocating to Texas in 2001 and starting her career at Aldine ISD, she has served as a teacher, skills specialist, Title I Program Director, and Director of FACE. Currently, she coaches the FACE Liaisons at 83 campuses by providing them with strategies and resources to ignite partnerships with families to enhance student learning and build family capacity for advocacy and leadership. In addition, LaTashia delivers technical assistance to the FACE Liaisons to ensure Title I compliance at each campus in Aldine ISD. As a parent of a school-age child, LaTashia knows the importance and the impact of strong family-school partnerships. Following her passion for serving others, she has spent 23 years in education, cultivating relationships with families and the community. She also volunteers with her church's children's ministry and the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.
Nancy Gauthier
Aldine ISD
Nancy Gauthier is a Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Specialist at Aldine ISD. She finds joy in embracing her chosen career path. Before joining the Family and Community Engagement Department, Nancy was a teacher, instructional coordinator, skills specialist, and program director. She believes every role gave her the foundation to be an effective instructional leader. Through commitment and dedication, Nancy cultivates meaningful partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to bridge the connection between the school and the community. She firmly believes that when we bring the community into the schools and provide families with the resources they need, we can change the trajectory of the community and the next generation.
Empower, Engage, and Lead Stakeholders to Become Authentic Partners in Education
Empower, Engage, and Lead Stakeholders to Become Authentic Partners in Education
Session Description:
Participants will discover how the Aldine ISD Family and Community Engagement Department is strengthening partnerships with families and community partners by designing engagement opportunities that build collaborative relationships with families and the community to support student learning and the well-being of families. Participants will leave with strategies to create their playbook for shared responsibility, building capacity, advocacy, and remaining connected with internal and external stakeholders.
Monica Diaz
ESC 15
Presenting at Both South and North Academies
Monica Diaz has been at the Region 15 Education Service Center for over ten years. She has worked with the Migrant Education Program and Marketing Department and is currently the Parent and Family Engagement (PFE) Specialist. As the PFE Specialist, Monica works closely with parents, educators, school districts, TEA, and community members to develop strategies that promote parent and family engagement in education. She currently serves on the Parent and Family Engagement Statewide Council. Her goal is to empower parents to become active partners in their children's education, help districts engage their families, and create a supportive environment where students can thrive. Monica remains committed to her family and is a mother to three children (16, 11, and 8 years old). She is working on obtaining her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Policy through Texas Tech University. In her free time, she volunteers at her local church and mentors youth in her community. She believes every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and is committed to positively impacting the lives of those around her.
Alex Nieto
ESC 15
Alexandria Nieto has been with the Region 15 ESC for six years and is currently part of the McKinney-Vento team of 4. She leads the PAX Initiative at Region 15 for the state of Texas and assists with marketing at the ESC. She is a mother of 4 children, ages 8 to 19, and enjoys encouraging others and providing resources for overcoming life's challenges. Alexandria's passion for education and helping others has led her to pursue a degree in Psychology at Angelo State University. She is a hardworking and dedicated individual who is constantly seeking new ways to make a difference in her community, such as helping the food pantries in her free time. Whether through her work at the education service center or her community involvement, Alexandria always strives to make the world a better place.
Safe Spaces: Empowering McKinney-Vento Families through Collaboration
Safe Spaces: Empowering McKinney-Vento Families through Collaboration
Session Description:
In this workshop, we are going to share how our ESC partnered with a district to build relationships with their McKinney parents and families. We partnered with a rural district this summer to create a program for this year and these past 6 months have proven to be a testament to the need for connection and support on a more intimate scale for our parents and families. Our primary goal is to strengthen our families experiencing homelessness and find out what their barriers and needs are to be successful in a school environment. This will help districts create their PFE policies.
Diana Wood
Hempstead ISD
Presenting at South Academy
Diana Wood, M.Ed. is an accomplished professional with a robust background in grant writing,
program management, and educational administration. Currently serving as the Coordinator of
Advanced Academics and CTE at Hempstead Independent School District, Wood is a dedicated
advocate for implementing effective policies to enhance educational outcomes for all
stakeholders.
Education:
Ed.D. in Educational Administration, Texas A&M University (May 2027)
M.Ed. in Teaching and Teacher Education, University of Arizona (May 2005)
BS in Plant Science, University of Arizona (May 2004)
Grant Writing Achievements:
Wood has an impressive track record of securing and managing competitive grants, including
the Stronger Connections Grant, Effective Advising Frameworks (EAF) Implementation Grant,
CTE Summer Program Grant, and Early College High School Planning Grant. Notably, she
spearheaded the overhaul of the Hempstead High School Welding Program through the Jobs
and Education for Texans (JET) Grant.
Program Management Expertise:
In her current role as the Coordinator of Advanced Academics and CTE at Hempstead ISD,
Wood has implemented transformative initiatives, including CTE Professional Learning
Communities (PLCs), dual credit program coordination, and an overhaul of the district course
catalog. She has significantly contributed to the improvement of College, Career, and Military
Readiness (CCMR) advising frameworks.
Teaching Experience:
Wood brings valuable teaching experience, having taught Biology, Integrated Physics and
Chemistry, and Forensic Science at Hearne High School, and Alta Vista High School, and
8th-grade science at Navasota Junior High School.
Professional Affiliations and Community Service:
Actively involved in professional associations such as the Gulf Coast CTE Leadership Group
and the Texas Association for the Gifted, Wood is equally dedicated to community service. She
has served as President of the College Station Association of Neighborhoods and as a
Committee Chairperson for the AMCHS Football Moms.
The Power of an Invitation
The Power of an Invitation
Session Description:
Participants will learn ways Hempstead ISD is engaging families and community partners in the design of academic and partnership opportunities that support academics and the community. Methods of universal screening and its impact on equity and program demographics will be discussed.
Vivian Smyrl
Texas Education Agency
Federal Program Compliance Division
Presenting at North Academy
LEA PFE Requirements
LEA PFE Requirements
Session Description:
In this session, participants will be provided with a high-level overview of the Title I, Part A parent and family engagement statutory requirements for local educational agencies (LEAs). All LEAs receiving Title I, Part A funds are required to annually self-report compliance on many of the parent and family engagement requirements. Come learn about the requirements to ensure that your LEA is in compliance with the requirements.
Carla Hempstead
Cleveland Municipal School District, Cleveland, OH
Presenting at Both South and North Academies
Carla Hempstead is currently the Director of Family and Community Engagement at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. As a Licensed Social Worker, Carla has worked as a Parent and Family advocate, coach, mentor, and professional trainer for over 23 years at programs such as the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services, Healthy Families HealthyStart, Catholic Charities, The Centers for Families and Children, Education Alternatives, and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Carla also has certifications in Executive Leadership from John Carroll University and Project Management from Kent State University. Carla is currently leading the charge to create and manage the Parent Ambassador program at Cleveland Metropolitan School District overseeing over 68 staff to support schools in the implementation of effective family engagement. Carla has three adult children. She has 7 grandchildren ranging in age from 6 years to 19 years old. Her children, extended children and grandchildren remain an important part of her passion and purpose along with helping parents/caregivers discover the value they bring as partners in their child’s education.
Rules of Engagement
(Creating a Strong Foundation for Successful Family Partnerships)
Session Description:
In this workshop, we will discuss a working definition of family engagement and review the elements of effective engagement and its challenges. Participants will be provided with information about processes to implement strategies using a tiered system of family engagement. We will look at how CMSD collects data to inform alignment with improvement plans, school and district goals, and to provide an array of supports to strengthen family-school partnerships.
Rufina "Ruby" Adams
Director of Federal and State Programs
San Felipe Del Rio CISD
Presenting at South Academy
Ms. Rufina "Ruby" Adams earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Applications and a Master's Degree in School Administration. She has served as a middle school and high school teacher, Assistant Principal and Principal at both elementary and secondary schools where she has been recognized as Teacher and Principal of the Year. She is currently the SFDR CISD Director of Federal and State Programs. Ms. Adams has devoted 30+ years to education serving students, families, and schools advocating positive teamwork partnerships to increase student achievement and create lifelong learners.
We Lift Each Other Up: Building a Strong PFE Program
We Lift Each Other Up: Building a Strong PFE Program
Session Description:
From our community to yours, participants will review promising practices that positively engage students, families and schools. With an increased number of students entering our schools in special programs including McKinney-Vento, Foster, Migrant, Bilingual and recent immigrants, the importance of collaboration between school and home is more important than ever. In this interactive session, participants will review both district and campus-wide strategies, activities, trainings and community partnerships that promote strong family and school relationships. With unity, all students and parents have the opportunity to succeed and become productive members of their community. Participants will leave energized and ready to implement all at their schools and districts. Working together, we are unstoppable.
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