Department of Federal Programs’ Office of Family Engagement: Supporting families, partnering with the GCPS Foundation

     In Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS), the value of family partnership benefits every school, and strengthening the home-school connection has a positive impact on student achievement. Family Engagement Centers provide a place for families to help their student's academic growth. 

     Parent Instructional Coordinators (PICs) and Parent Outreach Liaisons (POLs) are GCPS staff members who support family engagement activities at our local schools, allowing families to be active participants in their student’s education. PICs and POLs lead instructional sessions, workshops, events, and activities that enable families to engage and learn about resources, programs, and wraparound services to support children at home.  

    The Family Engagement office’s Director, Dr. Chisel Valdez, and Coordinator Shenée Johnson-Cummings, provide guidance and training for each school’s PIC and POL. 

     “Each Title I Family Engagement Center is designed to foster a strong partnership between families and schools, ultimately contributing to the growth and success of each student,” says Dr. Valdez. “This center serves as a hub for families to access resources and engage in various educational and supportive activities.” 

Features of the Family Engagement Center 

• Inviting Space: The center is a welcoming environment for families and volunteers. 

• Resource Hub: It is a one-stop shop for checking out resources, including books and materials that support student learning at home. 

• Information Access: Families can find school, volunteer, and community information readily available. 

• Technology Access: The center is equipped with computers and printers for family use. 

• Educational Materials: Brochures and pamphlets cover a variety of topics such as forming a School-Parent Team, establishing good study habits, and improving reading skills. 

The Family Engagement Center aims to: 

• Provide Families with Resources: Families have access to parenting, bilingual, and academic resources to support their children's learning at home. 

• Create Engagement Opportunities: The center offers numerous opportunities for families to engage with the school community. 

• Catalog Community Services: Families can access a wide range of academic supports, community services, and resources. 

• Promote Dialogue: The center encourages open communication between the school and families regarding programs, instruction, and school-related opportunities. 

• Recruit Volunteers: It works alongside teachers and school leaders to recruit and organize volunteers for school events and activities. 
   

     “The GCPS Foundation is proud to partner with the Office of Family Engagement team,” says GCPS Foundation Executive Director Aaron Lupuloff. “The PIC and POL employees do great work supporting our 80 Title I schools, and we are blessed to be able to provide them a variety of supplies to help our students succeed in the classroom.” 

     Thanks to the generosity of the GCPS Foundation, each elementary school received essential supplies, materials, and bookbags to assist families. Each middle school was equipped with supplies, materials, and a hygiene bag to support families in the Family Engagement Center. 

     “As part of the vision I have led through the Department of Federal Programs, I am proud of how our Family Engagement Office has advanced family engagement initiatives,” says Executive Director of Federal Programs Dr. Tereka Williams. “The Foundation has supported this work, and I look forward to continued partnership opportunities.”