This blog was written by Lori Walton, Operation XCEL's Family Engagement Specialist, and edited by Valerie Jones-Robinson, Operation XCEL's Journalist.
Operation XCEL is excited to introduce our new family engagement initiative, "The OPeXCEptionaL Family Project." Our primary goal is to establish a consistent forum for collaborating with underrepresented families and identifying the root causes of opportunity gaps. Through an inclusive model, we aim to strengthen parent-educator relationships by focusing on six key components and initiatives:
1. Engaging school and district leadership.
2. Thoroughly examining inequities without glossing over them.
3. Centering parent voices in our discussions.
4. Ensuring that efforts are ongoing and part of a comprehensive program.
5. Sharing leadership responsibilities and power with families.
6. Utilizing both formative and summative evaluation and reflection to assess strengths, weaknesses, and the impact of significant changes.
Together, we can create a more equitable educational environment for all families.
“For equity work to work, it must be handed to the community. We have to actually trust the people we say we want to empower to make structural changes, not just tinker at the edges of injustice.” - Dr. Bettina Love
Operation XCEL is dedicated to providing comprehensive support across our 8 program sites, ensuring that families are well-informed, and our resources are easily accessible. A key component of this initiative is our family engagement program, which includes monthly Parent Nights and Parent Cafes in collaboration with ADS (Alcohol & Drug Services), as well as participation in local community fairs and presentations.
Our initiative offers a wide range of engagement strategies. Lori Walton, our Family Engagement Specialist, conducts daily and evening conferences with parents, often referred by Site Directors. These conferences focus on various important topics, including food and housing insecurity, career development, the special education process, mental health, and general support.
We recognize and respect the diverse ways in which families support the learning and development of children and youth, both at home and in formal educational settings. This understanding is vital for the success of our school-based family engagement practices.
Family engagement can be understood as a relationship between families and educators that is characterized by the following four (4) elements:
1. Ongoing: This relationship should extend throughout a child's educational journey, from early childhood to 12th grade.
2. Mutual: It should address the needs of both families and educators, fostering meaningful two-way communication.
3. Built on trust and respect: Trust and respect are essential components of any relationship, including those between families and educators.
4. Focused on student learning and achievement: The primary goal is to prepare students to effectively tackle the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
