Cumberland County Schools launches family engagement initiatives to boost student success

Cumberland County Schools is taking significant strides to enhance family engagement in education, a move that promises to improve student success across the district. During a recent meeting featuring Dr. Lindsay Whitley, Dr. Shanessa Fenner, and Robert Brickey, key initiatives were discussed that aim to bridge the gap between families and schools, ultimately fostering a more supportive learning environment for students.

One of the standout programs highlighted was the Cumberland Family Academy, designed to empower parents with the knowledge and resources they need to support their children's education. Launched during the pandemic, this initiative began with virtual sessions and has since expanded to include in-person workshops. Topics range from helping children with math to understanding literacy and internet safety. The academy emphasizes a community-driven approach, ensuring that the programs are tailored to the specific needs of families, as expressed through surveys and focus groups.

In addition to the Family Academy, the district is introducing a Family Engagement Bus, set to launch this fall. Funded by ESSER funds, this innovative initiative aims to bring educational resources directly to families in their neighborhoods. The bus will be equipped with internet access and laptops, allowing parents to register their children for school or financial aid without the need to travel to a school building. This approach addresses the challenges many families face in attending traditional school events due to work commitments.

The meeting also introduced the Family Ambassador Program, which empowers parents to support one another in navigating the educational landscape. Family ambassadors will receive training and resources from the district and will share this information with other families, fostering a peer-to-peer support network.

Dr. Whitley emphasized the importance of family engagement, noting that students with involved parents tend to perform better academically and have lower absentee rates. The district's commitment to involving families in the educational process is evident in its strategic planning and the development of programs that cater to their needs.

As Cumberland County Schools continues to implement these initiatives, the focus remains on creating a collaborative environment where families feel supported and equipped to contribute to their children's education. The district's efforts reflect a broader understanding that engaged families are crucial to student success, setting a positive precedent for educational practices in the community.