Communities In Schools of the Dallas Region’s Post

I often discuss the importance of listening to families, so I want to share some recent experiences of educators' deeply listening to families. Over the past month, I helped plan and facilitate Family Engagement Summits in Watsonville and San Diego, where school teams, including families and staff, gathered to discuss their school priorities and how family engagement can help achieve those goals. The most impactful moments of these summits were the Family Fishbowls. Families sat in a circle, sharing their stories about schooling and parenting, while educators listened from the outside. The questions I used allowed families to speak about their hopes, challenges, and share experiences from their own lives and as caregivers. There were many inspiring stories of positive interactions with educators, alongside honest reflections about when schools failed them or their children. What stood out to me was how quickly these conversations became deeply emotional and filled with truth-telling. Families are ready to share beyond the usual—exploring what they truly need from schools, what it means to be a parent, and how we can support each other across difference. Families want to work with educators, and I know educators want the same. Too often, though, we get stuck in transactional relationships. These fishbowls show us that when we create spaces for vulnerability and honesty, we can transform how we build community in schools. Check out this picture from our recent fishbowl in San Diego, and explore the questions we used to facilitate these conversations by clicking the link below. https://lnkd.in/dPMe-H79 #FamilyEngagement #Listening #SchoolCulture #CommunityBuilding #Empathy #SchoolImprovement

How has your school experience made a difference in your life? For our #SchoolSuccess Drive with Cornerstone Advocacy Services Christian, our Recruiter, shares how his education pushed him to achieve his goals. "My education has been pivotal in shaping who I am today. It provided structure, helped me establish a daily routine, and laid down important foundations. Transitioning from high school to college was a reality check that required effort, time, and encouragement to push towards achieving great things. Balancing academics, social life, and personal time was a significant life lesson that molded me into the person I am now. These experiences have been invaluable in my growth." Education is a powerful tool that shapes our future. It equips us with knowledge and skills, instills values, builds character, and opens doors to opportunities. That's why providing essential school supplies is crucial. As families and children start a new from experiencing violence, accessing essential resources can be challenging due to financial constraints. Providing school supplies gives them a positive start on their path to recovery. Support this cause at: https://buff.ly/4exEIEy #CommunitySupport #GivingBack #PositiveChange #AwardCares

As the school year wraps up, I want to highlight the importance of appreciating our children's teachers. While school fees cover many aspects of education, the value of a simple "thank you" is immeasurable. During the recent Parent-Teacher Conferences, many kind words lifted my spirits. However, some comments were less encouraging. Teachers pour their hearts into their work, often going above and beyond for their students. Acknowledgment, even through a few kind words, can make a significant difference. Appreciation doesn’t have to be about gifts; it can be as simple as a heartfelt note or a few words recognizing a teacher’s hard work and positive influence. These gestures uplift teachers and create a positive school community. Let’s come together to show gratitude to the teachers who have been integral to our children’s growth this year. Your appreciation can make a world of difference. #Education #TeacherAppreciation #Gratitude #Parenting #SchoolCommunity Have a wonderful Summer Break! #Montessoriguide #Earlychildhoodeducation #Teachers

While scrolling through my feed, I came across an image that made me pause and reflect. It got me thinking deeply—why do we need to uplift others and how can we do this better? Then, I was reminded of a simple truth: A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle. In special education, this resonates so strongly. Every time we support, guide, and nurture a child, we're helping them shine brighter without diminishing our own light. The more we uplift each other—students, educators, and families—the brighter the whole community becomes. Let’s continue to light the way for those who need it most. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered future. #inclusive#specialeducator#thoughtful#teamwork#team

Amid the whirlwind of our daily routines, the significance of small acts of kindness often goes unnoticed. Yet, the profound impact of giving, regardless of scale, has the potential to spark waves of positivity that sweep through communities, touching countless lives. With a legacy of supporting nearly 4,000 low-income students over the past two decades, Parents Challenge remains steadfast in its mission to broaden educational horizons for numerous students and parents in the Pikes Peak region. However, this journey is impossible without your support. We urge you to stand alongside us in driving change. Your generosity has allowed numerous students to get out of underperforming educational environments, leaving an enduring mark. Your participation can fuel lasting transformations. Through your contributions, Parents Challenge can extend its reach to more students and families, empowering them to excel academically and beyond. As we embrace the spirit of giving, let us unite in our collective dedication to reshaping lives through education. Together, we hold the power to cultivate a brighter tomorrow for our communities. Discover how you can make a difference. https://lnkd.in/gTG9kqFA #ParentsChallenge #MakingADifference #Education #GivingBack #SeasonOfGiving #Community

Check out this fantastic article by AnneElise Goetz on the many benefits of parent volunteerism!!!

Reducing the Rate of Children Out of School in My Community Every child deserves the opportunity to dream, learn, and grow. My vision for reducing the rate of children out of school in my community starts with inspiring young minds and creating an environment that motivates them to embrace education. By introducing initiatives like free after-school learning programs, mentorship opportunities, and community engagement projects, we can show these children that education is the key to unlocking a brighter future. Together, we can make education not just accessible but also exciting and inspiring for every child in our community. What’s one way you think we can motivate children to stay in school? Let’s share ideas and create a ripple effect of positive change. #EducationForAll #CommunityDevelopment #YouthEmpowerment #StayInSchool #FutureLeaders

"In many communities around the world, there have never been clear ways for parents and teachers to connect and genuinely partner to support students. A generation of mothers and fathers have made efforts to help kids learn, but not necessarily in partnership with teachers. Likewise, most teachers spend their careers with no roadmap for welcoming parents as collaborative partners. When the COVID pandemic made the already spotty and often ineffective communication between families and schools even more difficult, it was clear than communities needed to make progress on this key aspect of the learning landscape. That’s why Parents as Allies was born. This global, collaborative project — led by Kidsburgh.org, grounded in research by the Center for Universal Education (CUE) at The Brookings Institution and including valuable partnership with HundrEDorg and Learning Heroes (US)— was launched in 2021 to help school districts and the families they serve hack this challenge...." https://lnkd.in/eRgcNgBP #schools #families #teachers #parents #familyschoolpartners #familyschoolengagment

🔔 I have something truly special to share with you! 🔔 As a parent, educator, or someone dedicated to child development, you understand the unique joys and challenges that come with supporting high-potential kids. Click 'See more' to discover how you can join a community that’s making a meaningful difference. 🚀👇 🌟 Empowering Gifted Children to Achieve Their Best 🌟 As a specialist dedicated to the growth and development of high-potential kids, I’m delighted to share my latest flyer with our community. If you know parents, educators, or anyone else who might find this useful, feel free to share the flyer. Your support in spreading the word is much appreciated as we work together to ensure every gifted child has the opportunity to shine. ✨🚀 Thank you for being a part of this journey. Let’s make a positive impact on the lives of these exceptional children! 📩 Curious to learn more or looking for expert advice? Reach out, and I'll be happy to provide you with personalized insights and valuable resources to support your journey. 💬 Question for you: What's a burning question you have about nurturing gifted children? Share your thoughts below! Each question will be featured and explored in dedicated future posts. Let's delve into these together. #GiftedChildren #HighPotentialKids #ChildDevelopment #EducationalSupport #TalentNurturing #SpecialEducation #CommunitySupport

An Important Part of Raising Successful Children? Teaching Responsibility. As the saying goes, "The greatest gift you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence." As parents, we all want our children to grow into happy, successful adults. While there's no single formula, research highlights some common threads. Research shows that socially adept children who can cooperate, empathize, and resolve conflicts are more likely to attain higher education and stable employment as adults. One crucial factor is instilling a sense of responsibility from an early age. According to studies, involving kids in household chores and allowing them to take the lead on age-appropriate tasks helps build self-regulation, independence, and a strong work ethic. In summary, by fostering responsibility early on, we equip our kids with invaluable life skills for success. Photo courtesy David DuPuy Click and follow The Knickerbocker Greys today! #parenting #leadership #teaching #parenthood #parentingtips #cadets #cadet