Setting Families Up for Success

For many families who move to Fairfax County from other countries, the Dunn Loring Welcome Center is a safe haven. There, they find staff like Community Liaison Beatriz Bucarey ready to help them learn everything from how to set up email to what forms are needed for school registration. And they’re greeted in their own language. 

Beatriz has been helping families for more than 20 years. She “demonstrates an unwavering commitment to supporting families from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, ensuring that they feel valued, respected, and empowered to engage in their children’s education,” said Renee LaHuffman-Jackson, director of Family and School Partnerships. 

During the 2022-23 school year, Beatriz worked with more than 2,500 families at the Dunn Loring Welcome Center, connecting them with resources available in FCPS, Fairfax County, and the broader community. She has “exceptional interpersonal skills and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by immigrant families,” Renee said. “Whether it's helping parents navigate the school system, providing interpretation and translation services, or connecting families with community resources, Mrs. Bucarey goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our diverse population.”

Additionally, Beatriz works with family liaisons and school staff to bridge cultural and linguistic barriers. “Her efforts have significantly enhanced parent-school partnerships, resulting in improved academic outcomes for students and a stronger sense of belonging within our school community,” Renee said. 

Beatriz is also the Spanish-speaking responder for the Family Information Phone Line. Multilingual families can call this line to ask any questions they may have about their child’s education, school, or FCPS in general. During the 2022-23 school year, she supported a total of 3,802 calls and 817 text messages on this line. 

But Beatriz does far more than answer questions and provide information. Much of her impact has been made by listening empathetically to the experiences of these families, advocating for them, and helping to share their voices and needs. 

“Beatriz is sure to share within her wide network to ensure that multilingual voices are elevated and families have equitable access to resources,” said Krystle Trammell, family partnerships specialist. Another colleague said, “All families should be welcomed with such warmth and care while delivering appropriate resources and support.” 

For her many years of dedication to families, Beatriz was honored this year by FCPS as a finalist for the 2024 Outstanding Nonschool-Based Operational Employee. “Her dedication, compassion, and tireless advocacy for immigrant families have made a profound impact on our school district, enriching the lives of countless students and their families,” Renee said. 

“I love what I do to support, guide, and empower our new families entering FCPS,” Beatriz said. “Each person that is looking for information, encouragement, and/or assistance should have access to everything FCPS has to offer to our students and families.”

November is Family Engagement Month

Families are children's first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. More than 35 years of research have shown that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in their children’s education. Family engagement is a shared responsibility between home, school, and the community. 

Some ideas for ways families can become more involved in their children’s education include:

• Visit your local library or go online to get a library card for your child. 
• Practice digital safety and responsibility with your child.
• Review the Quick Tips for Parents Library 
• Commit to volunteering at your child’s school. 
• Write letters to school staff for National Family Engagement Day on Thursday, November 21, or nominate school staff for FCPS CARES. 
• For middle or high school children, review their Academic Career Plan on Naviance and partner with their school counselor to develop goals. 
• For younger children, ask what they discuss in Morning Meetings. 
• Discuss the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate skills with your child. 

Resources for New FCPS Families

Are you new to the area and need help understanding school registration or connecting with your local school? The following resources are available for all families:

• The FCPS Family Academy supports the continued success and well-being of each and every student within the FCPS community. The Academy offers a variety of positive and engaging learning opportunities and meaningful connections for families to transform the FCPS experience into a welcoming environment for all families.
• Family liaisons work in the schools and community to help families get the information and assistance they need to support their children and to ensure their academic success. Family liaisons represent a variety of cultures, languages, and races; and will welcome and assist families new to the school and community.
• Family information phone lines are available in nine different languages to assist families. A school system employee will respond to your call in your preferred language within 24 hours, Monday through Friday. 
• A Family Orientation Seminar provides information about FCPS, the links between family engagement and student achievement, school staff you should know, and programs and technology considerations for families. The orientation includes a helpful discussion for families who are new to the United States. 
  
  Sessions in English will be held online on Tuesday, December 10, at 6 p.m.; and Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m. Register in advance.
  
  Visit the Family Academy catalog page for dates orientation will be offered in Korean and Spanish.