At the recent Student Safety and Well-Being Advisory Committee meeting in Calvert County, a significant focus emerged on enhancing family engagement in school and community activities. The discussion highlighted the critical role of online resources, with many families relying on social media and search engines for information. However, there is a notable opportunity for schools to partner more closely with community hubs like churches and libraries to improve outreach.

Barriers to participation were a key concern, with scheduling conflicts due to work and childcare being the most common issues. Families also pointed to transportation challenges and financial constraints that hinder their involvement. Additionally, there was a call for more age-appropriate activities and programs that cater to diverse needs, including accommodations for students with disabilities and language support.

To better engage families, attendees suggested that schools and the Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) could improve communication through more frequent updates via email, text, and social media. They also advocated for evening and weekend events to accommodate working families, as well as opportunities for parent input and community involvement. Workshops on topics such as homework help, understanding school systems, and mental health were also requested.

This meeting underscored the importance of addressing these barriers and enhancing communication to foster a more inclusive environment for families in Calvert County. The committee's discussions will likely inform future initiatives aimed at improving family engagement in local schools and community activities.