“Recognizing and investing in family engagement policies and practices is key to closing the achievement gap and supporting the success of all students.” -Harvard Family Research Project, April 2010
LATEST ANNOUNCEMENTS:
WHAT IS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (F.A.C.E.)?
Supporting your child's education is the most important contribution as a parent you can make to his or her success in school and in life. Research shows that regardless of income or education level, parent and family members' attitudes and beliefs about education can greatly influence children's academic success. Family-school engagement is an ongoing collaboration that involves shared decision-making, open communication, mutual respect, the building of trust, and the welcoming of cultural differences and different perspectives. Family-school engagement, when it is working well, embraces community input and relationships, bringing in community groups, services, and businesses that are also invested in seeing the best experiences and outcomes for students.
See our Council F.A.C.E. flyer for more information!
WHAT IS CULTURAL DIVERSITY?
Diversity is nothing more than a difference from the majority. In any culture there is a majority and many minorities. Culture is a set of norms that set standards for a society of what is acceptable behavior.
Learn more about cultural diversity and its importance to our society in this article.
Recent study from the University of Washington shares the model of Family-School Engagement:
- Diana Martin, current Natural Leaders Consultant for Everett School District, attended our "Office Hour" session on April 1, 2021, to talk with PTA leaders about the Natural Leaders Program. Here is a recap of that session.
- Jennifer Boyington, current Director of the Hope Creek Foundation, attended our "Office Hour" session on March 11, 2021, to talk with PTA leaders about their Backpack Program and volunteer opportunities. Here is a recap of that session.
- This is the time of the year when we all start planning for electing a Nominating Committee to find volunteers that helps in running PTA business effectively; Follow this link to a resource for achieving diversity in your Board!
- Coloring makes everything better! Download this FREE coloring book, It has many of your child's favorite cartoon characters.
- Our F.A.C.E. Chairperson, Beenish Iqbal, has written a message for our local PTA leaders regarding barriers to F.A.C.E.
WHAT IS FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT (F.A.C.E.)?
Supporting your child's education is the most important contribution as a parent you can make to his or her success in school and in life. Research shows that regardless of income or education level, parent and family members' attitudes and beliefs about education can greatly influence children's academic success. Family-school engagement is an ongoing collaboration that involves shared decision-making, open communication, mutual respect, the building of trust, and the welcoming of cultural differences and different perspectives. Family-school engagement, when it is working well, embraces community input and relationships, bringing in community groups, services, and businesses that are also invested in seeing the best experiences and outcomes for students.
See our Council F.A.C.E. flyer for more information!
WHAT IS CULTURAL DIVERSITY?
Diversity is nothing more than a difference from the majority. In any culture there is a majority and many minorities. Culture is a set of norms that set standards for a society of what is acceptable behavior.
Learn more about cultural diversity and its importance to our society in this article.
Recent study from the University of Washington shares the model of Family-School Engagement:
Are you looking forward to hosting a FACE event? Or have you done one in the past? Are there creative ways you reach out to bilingual families, support them, and appreciate their differences?
E-mail FACE ideas and suggestions to Beenish Iqbal (she/her), FACE Chair: everettcouncilface@gmail.com
We would be keen on sharing examples of FACE ideas around our school district.
E-mail FACE ideas and suggestions to Beenish Iqbal (she/her), FACE Chair: everettcouncilface@gmail.com
We would be keen on sharing examples of FACE ideas around our school district.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY
Everett PTSA Council now offers grants up to $150 to support local Everett PTAs in outreach and collaboration with families and community members who are traditionally underrepresented in PTA. Grants are available for hosting a FACE event, where family & community engagement is a primary goal & outreach efforts to diverse school populations are being utilized.
Download our Everett PTSA Council FACE Grant Application Packet.
Everett PTSA Council now offers grants up to $150 to support local Everett PTAs in outreach and collaboration with families and community members who are traditionally underrepresented in PTA. Grants are available for hosting a FACE event, where family & community engagement is a primary goal & outreach efforts to diverse school populations are being utilized.
Download our Everett PTSA Council FACE Grant Application Packet.
COURSES AND TRAINING
PLTI – Parent Leadership Training Institute: Click this link to enroll in the upcoming session!
Check out the PLTI flyer (English) or Spanish version!
Click this link for FREE registration to Winter/Spring 2021 classes. Registration ends on February 15, 2021.
Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) helps parents to build leadership skills. The twenty-week program teaches parents how to become practiced change agents for the next generation to improve the lifelong health, safety, and learning of children. PLTI host their classes on the property of Everett Community College. Each session is pilot by a team of local, experienced facilitators. Participation is at no cost to the parent. PLTI team provides breakfast, lunch, snacks and parking, depending on the timings of the classes. They keep tabs on attendance and prepare handouts for each student. The program solely depends on its donors. This twenty-week course strengthens connections among people of different backgrounds; it helps in understanding politics, policies, and the role of media. The graduation requirement is a local community project, which helps parents to get more involved in the community and work for the betterment of the people around them. This program also offers 5 college credits and a certificate of completion.
A leadership training program for participants' children, the Children's Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) is offered concurrently with the PLTI program. In this program, children learn about their responsibilities of being a community member. It sows the seed of community engagement from an early age. The grant will help the team in expanding their horizon.
PLTI – Parent Leadership Training Institute: Click this link to enroll in the upcoming session!
Check out the PLTI flyer (English) or Spanish version!
Click this link for FREE registration to Winter/Spring 2021 classes. Registration ends on February 15, 2021.
Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) helps parents to build leadership skills. The twenty-week program teaches parents how to become practiced change agents for the next generation to improve the lifelong health, safety, and learning of children. PLTI host their classes on the property of Everett Community College. Each session is pilot by a team of local, experienced facilitators. Participation is at no cost to the parent. PLTI team provides breakfast, lunch, snacks and parking, depending on the timings of the classes. They keep tabs on attendance and prepare handouts for each student. The program solely depends on its donors. This twenty-week course strengthens connections among people of different backgrounds; it helps in understanding politics, policies, and the role of media. The graduation requirement is a local community project, which helps parents to get more involved in the community and work for the betterment of the people around them. This program also offers 5 college credits and a certificate of completion.
A leadership training program for participants' children, the Children's Leadership Training Institute (CLTI) is offered concurrently with the PLTI program. In this program, children learn about their responsibilities of being a community member. It sows the seed of community engagement from an early age. The grant will help the team in expanding their horizon.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Hope Creek Foundation is currently experiencing volunteer shortages - especially with the addition of online order pickups - and they need your help! Any HEALTHY person over the age of 13 is encouraged to follow this link to sign up. Bonus- it might be a good opportunity to spend a day in the community service.
https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13571d703a3cdeec17-hopecharitable
Hope Creek Foundation is currently experiencing volunteer shortages - especially with the addition of online order pickups - and they need your help! Any HEALTHY person over the age of 13 is encouraged to follow this link to sign up. Bonus- it might be a good opportunity to spend a day in the community service.
https://www.signupgenius.com/tabs/13571d703a3cdeec17-hopecharitable
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS VIRTUAL PLAY AND LEARN
Have you heard about Everett Public Schools Virtual Play & Learn? Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can enjoy a story, sing along with fun songs, and more! Pick up a monthly activity kit at your local library! Watch new weekly videos (in either English or Spanish) on your own schedule!
https://www.everettsd.org/Page/26351
EVERETT PUBLIC SCHOOLS VIRTUAL PLAY AND LEARN
Have you heard about Everett Public Schools Virtual Play & Learn? Children ages 0-5 and their caregivers can enjoy a story, sing along with fun songs, and more! Pick up a monthly activity kit at your local library! Watch new weekly videos (in either English or Spanish) on your own schedule!
https://www.everettsd.org/Page/26351
MULTILINGUAL FAMILY SUPPORT
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:
September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.
Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
We encourage PTA leaders to watch this video about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
En español:
El 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre se celebra en todo el país como el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. Tradicionalmente honra las culturas y contribuciones de hispanos y latinoamericanos mientras celebramos la herencia arraigada en todos los países latinoamericanos. Durante este mes y durante todo el año, nosotros y nuestros socios compartimos la historia, la herencia y los logros de los hispanos y latinoamericanos del pasado y del presente.
Hispano se refiere a una persona que es de, o un descendiente de alguien que es de un país de habla hispana.
Latino / a o Latinx se refiere a una persona que es de, o un descendiente de alguien que es de, un país de América Latina.
Alentamos a los líderes de la PTA a ver este video sobre el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana.
STUDY SOUTH ASIAN LANGUAGES:
Language takes us beyond the world of apes and allows cultures to develop. Language frees us from the present, actually giving us a social past and a social future. That is, language gives us the capacity to share understandings about the past and to develop shared perceptions about the future. The language also allows us to establish underlying purposes for our activities. In short, language is the basis of culture. If you're willing to learn about the culture that inspires you, then begin by learning their language.
https://www.washington.edu/research/research-centers/south-asia-center/
https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/programs/south-asian-languages/
https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/people/nick-gottschall/
TRANSLATION SERVICES:
Information coming soon!
NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH:
September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. During this month and throughout the year, we, and our partners, share history, heritage, and accomplishments of Hispanic and Latino Americans of past and present.
Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.
We encourage PTA leaders to watch this video about National Hispanic Heritage Month.
En español:
El 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre se celebra en todo el país como el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana. Tradicionalmente honra las culturas y contribuciones de hispanos y latinoamericanos mientras celebramos la herencia arraigada en todos los países latinoamericanos. Durante este mes y durante todo el año, nosotros y nuestros socios compartimos la historia, la herencia y los logros de los hispanos y latinoamericanos del pasado y del presente.
Hispano se refiere a una persona que es de, o un descendiente de alguien que es de un país de habla hispana.
Latino / a o Latinx se refiere a una persona que es de, o un descendiente de alguien que es de, un país de América Latina.
Alentamos a los líderes de la PTA a ver este video sobre el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana.
STUDY SOUTH ASIAN LANGUAGES:
Language takes us beyond the world of apes and allows cultures to develop. Language frees us from the present, actually giving us a social past and a social future. That is, language gives us the capacity to share understandings about the past and to develop shared perceptions about the future. The language also allows us to establish underlying purposes for our activities. In short, language is the basis of culture. If you're willing to learn about the culture that inspires you, then begin by learning their language.
https://www.washington.edu/research/research-centers/south-asia-center/
https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/programs/south-asian-languages/
https://jsis.washington.edu/southasia/people/nick-gottschall/
TRANSLATION SERVICES:
Information coming soon!
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
Diversity is appreciating differences; this short guide shares the Do's & Don'ts of diversity-focused outreach. It contains best practices from PTAs around the country, and learn how you can empower your PTA and become inclusive. The document is available in English and Spanish.
Click this link to get to the .PDF version of this great resource tool that includes more details.
https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/diversity-outreach-2-pager_v3.pdf
For Spanish Version:
https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/diversity-outreach-2-pager_es7a9546f1aa3e63899f67ff00009b2bd9.pdf
Everett School District: https://www.everettsd.org/domain/4066
U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/parent-and-family-engagement
“Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” - United States Department of Education
COVID-19 Resources: Click this link for the COVID 19 resources available in the Washington state.
Community Resource Brochure: Click this link to get to the .PDF version of this great resource tool that includes emergency assistance, food banks, youth and adult programs and so much more.
Diversity is appreciating differences; this short guide shares the Do's & Don'ts of diversity-focused outreach. It contains best practices from PTAs around the country, and learn how you can empower your PTA and become inclusive. The document is available in English and Spanish.
Click this link to get to the .PDF version of this great resource tool that includes more details.
https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/diversity-outreach-2-pager_v3.pdf
For Spanish Version:
https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/diversity-outreach-2-pager_es7a9546f1aa3e63899f67ff00009b2bd9.pdf
Everett School District: https://www.everettsd.org/domain/4066
U.S. Department of Education: https://www.ed.gov/parent-and-family-engagement
“Our mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.” - United States Department of Education
COVID-19 Resources: Click this link for the COVID 19 resources available in the Washington state.
Community Resource Brochure: Click this link to get to the .PDF version of this great resource tool that includes emergency assistance, food banks, youth and adult programs and so much more.
Family and Community Engagement Contacts:
Everett PTSA Council FACE Chair: Beenish Iqbal - everettcouncilface@gmail.com
Region 7 FACE Chair: Vacant
WSPTA FACE Director: Kimberli Swenson - ptafacedir@wastatepta.org
Outreach Links:
WSPTA Family Engagement Webpage
National Diversity and Inclusion Page
National 2016 Diversity Toolkit
FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EXAMPLES
Does your school have a FACE example? Are there creative ways you reach out to school families to make them feel welcome and support them? Send it to Beenish Iqbal, FACE Chair, at everettcouncilface@gmail.com. We would love to share examples of FACE ideas around our school district.
Does your school have a FACE example? Are there creative ways you reach out to school families to make them feel welcome and support them? Send it to Beenish Iqbal, FACE Chair, at everettcouncilface@gmail.com. We would love to share examples of FACE ideas around our school district.
2020-2021 F.A.C.E. ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Everett PTSA Council: Book Drive
In partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries, and in cooperation with multiple schools and PTAs within Everett School District, we distributed over 3000 books for children in our community at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
Everett PTSA Council: Book Drive
In partnership with Sno-Isle Libraries, and in cooperation with multiple schools and PTAs within Everett School District, we distributed over 3000 books for children in our community at the beginning of the 2020-2021 school year.
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F.A.C.E. ACCOMPLISHMENTS FROM PREVIOUS YEARS
Everett High School: Family and Community Engagement Evening
Everett High School staff, in collaboration with EHS PTA, hosted a Family and Community Engagement evening at the CRC to share school data, identify school needs, and brainstorm ideas from parents, students and community members on a variety of topics. Everett AVID students led small group discussions on ways that the school can make students and families feel welcome and strategies for partnering with community groups to create a strong, inclusive school community that supports student success.
Hats off to these AVID students for facilitating those discussions and sharing the ideas generated that night. What a terrific example of FACE in action within our schools.
James Monroe Elementary: Welcome Mat
Here is another great FACE example showing how schools welcome families from all different backgrounds and cultures. This welcome mat can be found as you enter James Monroe Elementary and includes the most common 20 languages spoken at their school. Working with staff and parents from the school, PTA Co-President, Jarucia Jaycox Nirula, used research from a Spring 2017 family literacy event to help design the welcome mat for roll out in August.
Jefferson Elementary School
A display was setup at Jefferson Elementary that says "Hello" in over 30 languages. Jefferson's Office Manager, Terry Tolpingrud, said "having this display hang in the entryway let's people know the different languages and diversity at our school."
James Monroe Elementary: Award Nomination Form
PTA Check out this Award Nomination Form at James Monroe Elementary PTA - in both English and Spanish! By providing materials in multiple languages you are reaching out to your families in the school community who may have English as a barrier to their participation. Need help in translating materials? Reach out to your school families to see if you might already have a PTA member who can help! Or if your school has a Natural Leaders program, those parents may also appreciate the opportunity to assist in this way to help connect your PTA with families from their home language.
Everett High School: Family and Community Engagement Evening
Everett High School staff, in collaboration with EHS PTA, hosted a Family and Community Engagement evening at the CRC to share school data, identify school needs, and brainstorm ideas from parents, students and community members on a variety of topics. Everett AVID students led small group discussions on ways that the school can make students and families feel welcome and strategies for partnering with community groups to create a strong, inclusive school community that supports student success.
Hats off to these AVID students for facilitating those discussions and sharing the ideas generated that night. What a terrific example of FACE in action within our schools.
James Monroe Elementary: Welcome Mat
Here is another great FACE example showing how schools welcome families from all different backgrounds and cultures. This welcome mat can be found as you enter James Monroe Elementary and includes the most common 20 languages spoken at their school. Working with staff and parents from the school, PTA Co-President, Jarucia Jaycox Nirula, used research from a Spring 2017 family literacy event to help design the welcome mat for roll out in August.
Jefferson Elementary School
A display was setup at Jefferson Elementary that says "Hello" in over 30 languages. Jefferson's Office Manager, Terry Tolpingrud, said "having this display hang in the entryway let's people know the different languages and diversity at our school."
James Monroe Elementary: Award Nomination Form
PTA Check out this Award Nomination Form at James Monroe Elementary PTA - in both English and Spanish! By providing materials in multiple languages you are reaching out to your families in the school community who may have English as a barrier to their participation. Need help in translating materials? Reach out to your school families to see if you might already have a PTA member who can help! Or if your school has a Natural Leaders program, those parents may also appreciate the opportunity to assist in this way to help connect your PTA with families from their home language.