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Subscribe today and join us as we put “Relationships First” in education! Together, let’s build a brighter future for children and communities.

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We are excited to announce the official Call for Workshop Proposals for the upcoming 2023 Connecticut Family & Community Engagement Conference!  This is your chance to be an influential part of a transformative event dedicated to putting relationships first and fostering authentic connections within education. Whether you’re an expert, educator, parent, or community leader, we invite you to share your valuable insights and innovative practices that will empower attendees to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and youth. Read on to learn more about how you can be a driving force in shaping the future of family and community engagement in schools and communities.

Why Submit a Workshop Proposal?

At the heart of the Family & Community Engagement Conference is the belief that strong relationships between families, schools, and communities are key to enriching education. As a workshop presenter, you have a unique opportunity to showcase your expertise and inspire fellow professionals, educators, and advocates to embrace meaningful engagement practices. Your workshop can serve as a catalyst for change, sparking fresh ideas and driving positive outcomes in the education landscape.

Topics of Interest: We welcome workshop proposals that align with the conference theme, “Relationships First.” Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

• Building collaborative partnerships between families, schools, and communities.
• Effective communication strategies to engage diverse families.
• Empowering parents and caregivers to support their child’s education journey.
• Culturally responsive practices for family and community engagement.
• Leveraging technology for enhanced family and community engagement.
• Promoting equity and inclusion in engagement efforts.
• Engaging families in decision-making processes at school and district levels.

Submission Guidelines: To ensure a diverse and engaging conference program, we encourage workshop proposals from a wide range of perspectives. Submissions should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Proposals should be no more than 500 words in length.
• Clearly state the workshop’s objectives, key takeaways, and how it aligns with the conference theme.
• Specify the target audience, level of expertise required, and preferred session format (e.g., presentation, panel discussion, interactive activities).
• Include a brief bio highlighting your experience and expertise in family and community engagement.

How to Submit: Ready to share your expertise and make an impact? Submit your workshop proposal form here. The deadline for proposals is August 14, 2023, so don’t miss this opportunity to be part of an event that will shape the future of education.

Benefits of Presenting: As a workshop presenter, you’ll enjoy several benefits, including:

• Recognition and exposure among a diverse audience of education professionals and advocates.
• Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators.
• Contribution to the advancement of family and community engagement in education.
• Potential opportunities for professional development credits or certificates.

The Family & Community Engagement Conference is dedicated to empowering educators, parents, and advocates to build meaningful relationships that enrich the lives of children and communities. By presenting a workshop, you can play a vital role in this transformative event and inspire others to create a lasting impact in education. Don’t miss this chance to be part of something truly special! Submit your workshop proposal today and help shape the future of family and community engagement in education.

For any inquiries or further information, please reach out to Veronica Marion at vmarion@crec.org

Let’s put relationships first and make a difference together!

Connecticut’s Guiding Principles for Family Engagement promote full, equal, and equitable partnerships with families. The start of a new school year is an ideal time to focus on the principle of ‘Sharing information frequently with families about how their children are doing.’

Danbury (CT) Public Schools’ New Promise Program is a prime example of how a school system can create equitable communication systems by ensuring that families have access to multiple communication systems.  

The New Promise Program

Danbury Public Schools created the New Promise Program to welcome families who are new to the school district and provide them with valuable information and resources to support their student’s academic success.

In order to meet the needs of their families, programs are offered in English, Spanish, and Portuguese and they provide light refreshments and activities for young children during sessions. Families are welcomed to each session by a group of trainers and volunteers such as parent educators, family liaisons, and parent leaders.

The program has seen a large early response with over 200 families registering for sessions held over the summer. They will continue to run the program monthly throughout the school year and include a virtual option for families. Below are the topics covered in the program.

Session topics

Day 1:

• Welcome to DPS- Meet the Team
• Connecting to Your School & Safety
• Connecting to Your Family Liaison- Family liaisons connect with families and answer school-specific questions
• School Attendance
• Health Policies

Day 2:

• Technology- Parents are given Chromebooks to use for this portion and given step-by-step instructions on how to create an email address, access free or low-cost internet, how to power on and maintain the student’s Chromebook, and how to navigate Powerschool, Google Classroom, Parent Square, and Naviance
• Extended Learning Program
• Transportation
• Meals
• Social Emotional Learning

Day 3

• Community Resources- Playgroups, adult education, ESL classes, food & housing, health services
• Parent and Community Leadership- Parent leaders speak about their experiences in PSEE, PEP, and PLTI 
• Special Education
• Life Beyond High School
• Career Opportunities
• Supporting Your Learner at Home