at Akron Public Schools
family engagement APS’s Family Engagement Program builds school and community-based networks to engage families to support their children’s learning.
at Akron Public Schools
Our primary initiatives: Creating safe, welcoming, learning environments at school and at home l Developing and strengthening school connections with parents l Educating, engaging and empowering students and families beyond academics l Setting a foundation for life-long learning l Working with community partners to assist families and create opportunities for student success l
“When families are involved in their children’s learning both at home and at school, their children do better in school.”
— National PTA
Administrative Offices 70 N. Broadway, Akron, OH 44308 330.761.1661
akronschools.com
Our programs: FAmily AcAdemy This fun, free, family-friendly program for APS students and parents extends learning beyond the classroom by teaching how healthy living at home can positively affect student success at school. Family Academy events are offered quarterly and are intended for students of all grades. In each session, we address how to positively affect students’ physical health, academic achievement and emotional and social well-being. Specific topics have included: l
l
l
Active living – Staying active can boost learning and engagement at school. Families learn fun workouts and activities to do together. College and career readiness – Planning and paying for post-secondary schooling can be difficult. Sessions include understanding financial aid, searching for scholarships and completing a financial aid application. Healthy eating – Food is fuel for learning. Participants learn how to provide healthy meals on a budget with live cooking demos, take-home activities and tours of Akron’s “food hubs.”
Family Liaisons Family liaisons are APS employees who help build cooperative working relationships between families and school personnel. They help empower and encourage families to partner with the school and become active participants in the education of their children. Each liaison has experience working with students, parents, staff and others in the APS community. Currently, we have family liaisons at 12 elementary schools and one middle school. During the 2015 – 2016 school year, they assisted more than 2,600 families. Liaisons:
Facilitate conversations between parents, students and staff l Address student academic concerns l Are a constant presence in the school, getting to know students and families l Connect families with community support services and resources l Host group and individual parent meetings and stay in touch via phone l Promote, attend and help coordinate Family Academy events l Support school registration – e.g. helping with kindergarten registration and reaching out to non-APS families l Work with students and families to resolve attendance issues l
“I’d love to take another class. This was awesome!”
Administrative Offices 70 N. Broadway, Akron, OH 44308 330.761.1661
akronschools.com
“Still tickled pink about this! Dr. Queener from Summa Health was icing on the cake!”
“Today’s presentation was very helpful and knowledgeable.” — 2015-2016 Family Academy participants
at Akron Public Schools
Our primary initiatives: Creating safe, welcoming, learning environments at school and at home l Developing and strengthening school connections with parents l Educating, engaging and empowering students and families beyond academics l Setting a foundation for life-long learning l Working with community partners to assist families and create opportunities for student success l
“When families are involved in their children’s learning both at home and at school, their children do better in school.”
— National PTA
Administrative Offices 70 N. Broadway, Akron, OH 44308 330.761.1661
akronschools.com
Our programs: FAmily AcAdemy This fun, free, family-friendly program for APS students and parents extends learning beyond the classroom by teaching how healthy living at home can positively affect student success at school. Family Academy events are offered quarterly and are intended for students of all grades. In each session, we address how to positively affect students’ physical health, academic achievement and emotional and social well-being. Specific topics have included: l
l
l
Active living – Staying active can boost learning and engagement at school. Families learn fun workouts and activities to do together. College and career readiness – Planning and paying for post-secondary schooling can be difficult. Sessions include understanding financial aid, searching for scholarships and completing a financial aid application. Healthy eating – Food is fuel for learning. Participants learn how to provide healthy meals on a budget with live cooking demos, take-home activities and tours of Akron’s “food hubs.”
Family Liaisons Family liaisons are APS employees who help build cooperative working relationships between families and school personnel. They help empower and encourage families to partner with the school and become active participants in the education of their children. Each liaison has experience working with students, parents, staff and others in the APS community. Currently, we have family liaisons at 12 elementary schools and one middle school. During the 2015 – 2016 school year, they assisted more than 2,600 families. Liaisons:
Facilitate conversations between parents, students and staff l Address student academic concerns l Are a constant presence in the school, getting to know students and families l Connect families with community support services and resources l Host group and individual parent meetings and stay in touch via phone l Promote, attend and help coordinate Family Academy events l Support school registration – e.g. helping with kindergarten registration and reaching out to non-APS families l Work with students and families to resolve attendance issues l
“I’d love to take another class. This was awesome!”
Administrative Offices 70 N. Broadway, Akron, OH 44308 330.761.1661
akronschools.com
“Still tickled pink about this! Dr. Queener from Summa Health was icing on the cake!”
“Today’s presentation was very helpful and knowledgeable.” — 2015-2016 Family Academy participants
