Danville schools detail expansion of family engagement, volunteer hubs and translation tools

Miss Green, the district family engagement presenter, updated the school board Oct. 2 on a year‑in‑review for family engagement efforts that included volunteer hub launches on school websites, translation device rollouts, school‑level family engagement plans and community partnerships.

Green said the FACE (Family and Community Engagement) team used the CareMap dual capacity framework to guide work in four areas — welcoming environments, communication, information access and family empowerment. She described several concrete efforts: each school now has a volunteer hub on its website where principals can post volunteer needs; the district is creating electronic volunteer applications and onboarding videos; FACE staff supported summer workshops and school leadership meetings; and translation devices (Ayla devices) and QR codes are in use to reduce language barriers at school front offices and events.

Green highlighted pilot programs to increase family participation, including a Watch D.O.G.S. pilot at Arnette Hills and an All Pro Dads pilot at George Washington High School; she said participation is open to any interested school and noted principals who attended professional development and outreach events. The FACE team also tracked attendance at family events and set a goal that 80% of families or students will participate in at least three activities this school year.

Board members asked how to become a volunteer. Green described the process: an application available on the district website, coordination with the safety and security office for background checks, and FACE specialists as points of contact to help prospective volunteers complete onboarding. The board did not take action on the report; it was presented for information.