Newsletter

Welcome to the February Edition of the Family Engagement Network Newsletter!

As we continue moving through 2026, February offers a meaningful moment of renewal and reflection as we honor both the Lunar New Year and Black History Month. The beginning of the Year of the Horse invites forward motion grounded in strength, perseverance, and connection. Black History Month calls us to recognize the resilience, leadership, and collective power of Black families and communities. Together, these moments remind us that progress is built through community, shared wisdom, and intergenerational strength. These values align closely with our commitment to authentic family engagement and meaningful partnerships.

In this edition of our newsletter, we’re excited to share highlights from the January 21 Family Engagement Network meeting, where our Family Engagement Superheroes came together to explore authentic parent engagement, accessible data, and powerful best practices from across our network. We’re also thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the 2026 Family Engagement Conference, taking place on April 13, 2026, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Shadae Thomas Harris, a nationally recognized leader redefining family and community engagement.

As we move deeper into the Year of the Horse and continue to honor Black history, let’s carry forward these shared themes of strength, resilience, and connection. Together, we can build momentum, strengthen trust with families, uplift community voices, and create pathways for shared leadership and collective impact.

Wishing you a season filled with renewal, connection, and continued partnership as we celebrate culture, history, and the power of families working together.

With gratitude,

Leonel Michel

Program Assistant, Program Compliance

Family Engagement

Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) welcomes families each month through its Parent Workshop Series, a space created for connection, learning, and support. Now in its third year, the one-hour workshops are held once a month on Tuesdays at their District Office in Thermal, and bring together parents, district leadership, and community members in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The district provides dinner, dessert, and on-site childcare with supervised activities, allowing parents to fully engage in the presentation.

Last month’s featured presentation focused on Human Trafficking Awareness, which was led by student volunteers from the Coachella Valley High School who shared important information with parents about warning signs, prevention strategies, and available resources. Families expressed appreciation for both the information shared and the welcoming environment, describing the workshop as informative, engaging, and meaningful.

Through initiatives like the Parent Workshop Series, CVUSD continues to strengthen family partnerships, elevate student voice, and create safe, supportive spaces where learning extends beyond the classroom.

We kicked off our first Family Engagement Network meeting of 2026 by showing the strength of our Family Engagement Superheroes. On January 21, we joined forces with Lisa Winberg and the Family Engagement Team from the Perris Union High School District (PUHSD) to showcase how to make data more accessible to our families, and best practices on taking your family engagement to the next level.

Lisa Winberg, Administrator of Assessment, Accountability, and Continuous Improvement, led a session on authentic parent engagement in needs assessments through accessible data and family voice. Participants were reminded that families are the real superheroes in this work; bringing powerful insight, lived experience, and advocacy to help identify strengths, uncover needs, and drive meaningful change.

PUHSD's Family Engagement Team shared their powerful approach to connecting families by highlighting collaborative systems, creative outreach, and event preparations used across their school sites for their family events. Their replicable strategies highlighted how teamwork gives family engagement its superpower: bringing schools and communities together.

This meeting reinforced that authentic family engagement is powerful, intentional, and transformative. When we center family voice and work together, we unlock our superhero potential that moves our schools, communities, and families forward.

Explore professional development offerings that provide invaluable opportunities to sharpen your skills, connect with peers, access a wealth of insights, strategies, and resources designed to elevate your engagement efforts. Don't miss out on these enriching experiences.

Join us on April 13, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for the 2026 Family Engagement Conference, a dynamic day of connection, inspiration, and practical strategies that strengthen family–school partnerships and support student success. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Shadae Thomas Harris, a nationally recognized leader in family and community engagement, the conference brings together educators, families, students, and community partners for an uplifting experience rooted in love, belonging, and collective impact.

Join Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Edwin Gomez, Ed.D., for the 2026 State of Education Address. Experience a dynamic and forward-looking message that spotlights innovation, celebrates success, and charts the path in shaping the future of education for all Riverside County students.

March 27, 2026, will be a powerful day of professional development designed for school practitioners and district support staff, who are on the front lines of student wellness. The Substance Use Prevention Summit brings together leading experts from the Riverside University Health System and the Stanford Medicine REACH Lab for exploration of current trends, critical resources, and collaborative solutions in substance abuse prevention and mental health support.

Riverside County students and their families are invited to attend a Discover CSU: Riverside Student Day event in February 2026. Find out how the CSU can help you achieve your educational and career goals. Meet with representatives from participating CSUs, all excited to share the opportunities available to you and your family. Please reach out to your high school’s college/career center to inquire about transportation options.

Families who need support to thrive will find a variety of helpful services and resources at five Family Resources Centers in Riverside County. We partner with First 5 Riverside to support the centers and customers needing assistance. Learn more about available resources and locations by visiting the Riverside County Family Resource Centers site.

Padres con GANAS Academy supports parents of children with special needs by providing advocacy coaching, help understanding the school system, and opportunities to build parenting confidence in supportive, small-group spaces. Rooted in workshops, skill groups, and one-on-one support, the program walks alongside families as they gain skills and connect with others on the same journey.

NAMI’s Family-to-Family is an evidence-based, multi-session educational program that equips parents, and caregivers with practical skills for supporting a child who may be struggling emotionally or behaviorally, including communication, coping, and problem-solving strategies. Led by trained family members, the program offers both information and mutual support to help families better understand mental health conditions and navigate the challenges together.

Riverside University Health System’s Parent Support & Training Program offers early intervention parent support groups, education, and guidance for families experiencing high stress or behavior challenges, helping parents connect, learn, and advocate for their children. It provides community-based support, parent-to-parent connections, resources to strengthen parenting skills, and family resilience.

On February 26, BrightLife Kids will be hosting their Mental Health Strategies for Black Children and Families webinar. Discover how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and misdiagnoses impact Black communities. This webinar explores how pediatric behavioral health services can support families and professionals. Learn empowering strategies to improve mental health outcomes and create lasting change.

Trauma doesn’t have to be faced alone. Reach out for free, confidential mental health support, and resources such as hygiene products, baby formula, diapers, clothing, and more!

• Talk to a trained counselor
• Get help in days, not weeks, through our network
• No documentation (i.e. health insurance or payment) or registration required

The Riverside County Community Schools Partnership is helping connect students, and families to support in their communities. Click on the FindHelp.org link below to search for free or low-cost food, basic needs, housing assistance and more.

Administrator, Family Engagement

Division of Leadership, Wellness, and Student Services

School Engagement and Wellness Unit

Email: srezkalah@rcoe.us
Website: RCOE Family Engagement
Phone: 951-826-6243

Program Assistant, Program Compliance

Family Engagement

Division of Leadership, Wellness, and Student Services

School Engagement and Wellness Unit

Email: lmichel@rcoe.us
Website: RCOE Family Engagement
Phone: 951-826-6568