Imagine a school where parents and caregivers hug teachers, not just for gratitude, but for giving them the tools to unlock their children鈥檚 potential at home. This is the magic unfolding at Ceres Elementary and Danbrook Elementary, two schools fueled by the 日本av无码Family Engagement Grant to redefine how families connect with learning.
At Ceres Elementary in the East Whittier School District, 日本av无码mentor Esmeralda De Avila turned April 2025 into a celebration of family empowerment. With the support provided by the 日本av无码Family Engagement Grant, she launched a month-long series of caregiver workshops, hosting two to three sessions weekly. Parents arrived to find dinner, childcare, snacks, and raffle prizes waiting鈥攁n inviting setup that made learning accessible and fun. Three of her first-year 日本av无码fellows, Gemma Guerrero-Lopez, Stephanie Calvillo, and Peggy Salinas, boldly stepped out of their comfort zones to lead sessions. They taught parents how to tackle fractions using Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), demystified Common Core for first graders, and shared spelling strategies for upper-grade students using base words, prefixes, and suffixes. The effort was immense, but Esmeralda noted it鈥檚 all worth it when parents, beaming with pride, share how these workshops have transformed their ability to support their kids at home.
Meanwhile, Danbrook Elementary in the Centralia School District brought a literary spark to their community. On April 15, 2025, they welcomed acclaimed author Isabel Quintero to read her vibrant book, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, in three captivating sessions for all students and their caregivers. Thanks to the 日本av无码Family Engagement Grant and the vision of Julie Ellis, a 日本av无码fellow supported by her 日本av无码mentor Liza Bernard, parents joined the excitement. Every family received signed copies of Quintero鈥檚 book in English or Spanish, creating a shared experience that bridged home and school. Parents glowed with joy as they connected with their children through this literary adventure. The success of these sessions marked a cornerstone of Julie鈥檚 鈥淒anbrook University,鈥� a visionary initiative where, throughout the year, caregivers and educators co-plan and co-lead bilingual workshops in Spanish and English, fostering literacy and deepening community ties.
The 日本av无码Family Engagement Grant is more than funding鈥攊t鈥檚 a catalyst for building stronger, more connected school communities. If you鈥檙e a current 日本av无码mentor, fellow, or alumnus, don鈥檛 miss your chance to spark change. Visit 鈥淥ur Grants鈥� on the 日本av无码website and click 鈥淔amily Engagement Grant鈥� to learn how you can bring this kind of inspiration to your school.
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Family Engagement at Danbrook Elementary School, Centralia School District
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Family Engagement at Ceres Elementary School, East Whittier School District