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Washington Elementary spotlights parent engagement days funded by Prop. 28 and Title I
Summary
School leaders told the Lodi Unified board that Washington Elementary’s parent engagement days — financed by Proposition 28 and Title I parent funds — gave families hands-on exposure to classroom strategies, included specialized supports for English and Urdu speakers and a special education-focused day, and aimed to strengthen school–family relationships.
Washington Elementary leaders told the Lodi Unified School District board that a new series of parent engagement days gave families an inside look at classroom instruction and boosted family–school partnerships.
Principal Gina Lopez said teachers and staff organized two-hour, in-school sessions so parents could experience instructional practices firsthand and better support learning at home. "Our data showed a clear message: all stakeholders strongly supported increasing opportunities for parent involvement," Lopez said, adding that staff ‘‘dedicated tremendous time, creativity, and heart’’ to the events.
Paola/Paula Maciel, the school’s parent community liaison, told the board the events were scheduled during the school day and were funded through Proposition 28 and Title I parent funds. She said the program used bilingual paraprofessionals (Spanish and Urdu), speech-language pathologists, counselors and teachers, and that staff time was recorded to prepare for the sessions.
Third-grade teacher Natalie Smalley described six rotating learning centers that demonstrated classroom strategies including reading comprehension, vocabulary development, math fluency and personal narrative writing, and said the sessions helped families understand grade-level expectations.
Parents and students who participated described concrete takeaways. Parent Lisa Walling said the sessions allowed parents to ‘‘see how hard our children have been working’’ and to provide consistent support at home. Third‑grader Remington Zuniga told the board he enjoyed the personal narrative activity, and another student highlighted a vocabulary headband game.
Vice Principal Joy Smith emphasized the school’s focus on inclusion and singled out a special education day that brought together all six SDC classes to connect families with classroom supports.
Board members responded with praise, describing the work as intentional and thanking staff for the whole‑school effort. The spotlight concluded with the board noting the program’s potential to strengthen family engagement districtwide.
What’s next: The presentation did not propose new districtwide policy changes; staff said the events reflect ongoing school practice and are supported by existing Title I and Prop. 28 funding.
