Engaging Families of all Cultures in Education- UPDATED

Engaging Families of all Cultures in Education

Workshop Objective: Participants in this 3-hour workshop will learn effective strategies for engaging families of all cultural backgrounds, including immigrant and refugee families, in their children’s education, and will gain a deeper understanding of how to integrate language and culture into a school’s family engagement strategy.

Participants: The content of the workshop is relevant for pastors, teachers, principals, development directors, and parent ambassadors. Schools are encouraged to attend in teams of 2-3 people.

About the Workshop Presenter: Adie Simmons, M.Ed. is the former founding Director of the Washington State office of the Education Ombudsman and the founding director of the Seattle Public Schools’ Office of Family and Community Partnerships. In 2006, Mrs. Simmons was appointed by Governor Chris Gregoire to develop and direct the Washington State Office of the Education Ombudsman (OEO), an agency within the Governor’s Office dedicated to resolving conflict between families and schools, and promoting family engagement in education. The OEO is the only agency of its kind in the nation. Mrs. Simmons holds a Master’s Degree in Education from Western Washington University and a B.A. in Communications/Public Relations from the University of Washington. Adie has over 25 years of experience working with schools, families, and non-profits, and serving in numerous local and state boards, committees, and task forces. Mrs. Simmons has authored publications, articles and training programs for parents and educators. She is a recognized trainer, public speaker, and university guest lecturer specializing on family and community engagement in education, conflict resolution, and cultural competence topics.

Logistics: The workshop will take place from 10 AM to 1 PM on Friday, April 22^nd in the Large Isaac Orr Room at the Office for Catholic Schools. Lunch will be provided.

Follow- Up Conversation: Kaitlyn O’Leary, Assistant Superintendent for Early Learning and Government Programs, will engage the group in a follow- up conversation on how to make the most of your school’s title funding to support family engagement initiatives in your school.

Registration: Click on the link below to register. ALL participants from each school must register individually. http://www.ocsww.org/web-form/view.php?id=195227

Questions: If you have any questions about the event, please contact Lisa O’Leary at Elizabeth.oleary@seattlearch.org or (206) 382- 4843.