November is Family Engagement Month
This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers
November is National Family Engagement Month! This month reminds us that families are children’s first and most important teachers, advocates, and nurturers. Over 40 years of research shows that the most effective way to increase student achievement is for families to be actively involved in the education of their children. The importance of family engagement will be highlighted during the month of November as we celebrate and strengthen family-school partnerships together.
- Join your school’s PTA, PTO, or Booster
- Take time to participate in an activity at your child’s school.
- Read a book, article, magazine, or newspaper with your child.
- Listen to and discus different types of music with your child.
- Visit a local park or another attraction and talk about the experience.
- Plan a day with no electronics. Consider books, games, or puzzles.
- Teach your child a new skill for National Parents as Teachers Day.
- Connect with your child’s school about celebration plans for American Education Week.
- Explore career interests and possibilities with your child.
- As a family, learn more about recycling efforts and pledge to reduce, reuse, and recycle.
- Veteran’s Day Talk to your child about why we honor those who courageously serve our county.
- Walk, stretch, or meditate with your child to prepare for the week ahead.
- Put a note into your child’s backpack or lunch box as a token of encouragement.
- Talk with your child’s teacher about his/her progress in school.
- Host a pretend TV or radio talk show and take turns “interviewing” each other.
- Commit to staying involved in your child’s education throughout the year for National Parent Involvement Day.
- Explore resources to assist your child with homework and in the classroom.
- Pick a home improvement project and work together.
- Browse the news and talk about current events with your child.
- Read a book, article, magazine, or newspaper with your child.
- Talk to your child about his/her favorite subject in school.
- Invite your child to help you plan meals, write the grocery list, and shop.
- Share around the table what you are grateful for.
- Plan an exercise activity to complete as a family.
- Start a family tradition to bond and keep the family connected.
- Flip through old family photos and tell stories about your family’s history.
- Review and talk to your child about today’s homework.
- Talk to your child about his/her favorite subject in school.
- Prepare a meal together as a family.
- Praise your child for their efforts rather than their abilities.
- Collaborate with your parent organization (PTA, PTO, Booster) to host a ParentCamp.
- Visit your local library or go online to get a library card for your child.
- Practice digital safety and responsibility with your child. Ideas and tip sheets.
- Quick Tips for Parents Library
- Commit to volunteer at your child’s school three times this school year.
- Write letters to school staff for National Family Engagement Day on November 21, 2024.
- Review your child's (grades 7 – 12) Academic Career Plan on Naviance and partner with their school counselor in developing goals.
- Write letters to school staff for National Family Engagement Day on November 21, 2024.
- Ask your child what they discuss in Morning Meetings and Advisory.
- Discuss the FCPS Portrait of a Graduate skills with your child.
- Family Academy
- FCPS Family Resource Center Webinar Registration and Schedule
- FCPS Family Resource Center Workshops & Webinars on YouTube
- FCPS Family Resource Center Digital Resources
- FCPS Student Safety and Wellness Resources
- FCPS Social Emotional Learning Resources
- FCPS Technology Resources
- National Standards for Family-School Partnerships
- Center for Family Involvement (VCU, Partnership for People with Disabilities)
- Parent Education Advocacy Training Center (PEATC)
- FCPS Multilingual Podcast
- Quick Tips Family Engagement Library
- TTAC Online Resources
Putting Students’ Needs First at Parent-Teacher Conferences
My earliest experience with parent-teacher conferences came when I was in elementary school. Teachers — always in a rush to get to the next meeting — didn’t want to lose time making small talk and went straight to their scripted comments or district conference guides.
My father, always arriving between jobs, sat tired and silent, while I, the interpreter/child, sat petrified next to him. My fear was never due to the content of teachers’ comments. What troubled me was the real possibility of not fully capturing the intended meaning in those comments. Read Story.
Newsletters
Sign up for our newsletters:
