The David Douglas School District presented details of its first Family Ambassador pilot program during the school board meeting, saying the initiative recruited caregivers across elementary, middle and high school levels and ran monthly workshops from October through April.
The district’s communications, family engagement and partnerships director, Aida Reyes Balaguio, said the program aligns with the district strategic plan’s focus on family and community engagement. “A family ambassador program centers on recruitment and supporting families that are interested in becoming family ambassadors,” Reyes Balaguio said.
District staff described the program as modeled on similar efforts elsewhere and on a past local partnership with the Children’s Institute. Cassie Wood, Family Meeting Partnership Supervisor, said the program aimed to “bring all of our family leaders together in one space” and to provide skills and knowledge families could share with their communities.
Staff reported recruitment and participation figures: 25 people requested information during outreach events and referrals; 11 caregivers attended the first meeting; nine caregivers completed the first cohort. Sessions were two hours, held monthly during the school year, and included a binder of materials, presentation slides, time to socialize, and small tokens of appreciation.
Caregivers who completed the cohort described practical benefits. Carla (family ambassador) said the group created a sense of community within schools and that “they heard what we wanted, what our concerns were.” Alyssa McCann said the cohort’s mixed representation across grade levels provided “different perspectives that was really helpful.” Britney Berger said the program helped her learn district processes and troubleshoot family-facing technology tools such as ParentSquare and ParentVUE.
Staff outlined topics covered each month: community-building, staying connected via district apps, attendance barriers, student support services, internet and technology safety, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and restorative practices, pathways to graduation, and a year‑end celebration.
Board members and staff said they plan follow-up steps: recruiting ambassadors for cohort two, offering leadership opportunities for cohort one members to lead workshops or building-based events, posting a program web page, and using ambassadors as conduits to share program information districtwide.
The board took no formal action on the program during the meeting; staff invited board members to upcoming events and to the program workshop scheduled for August 28.
The Family Ambassador pilot will continue with outreach to principals for referrals and with staff exploring hybrid meeting formats to increase accessibility.