Newsletter

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

December naturally brings a spirit of gratitude and togetherness. It reminds us that strong partnerships are built through consistent connection: the conversations we initiate, the trust we nurture, the events we design with intention, and the small everyday gestures that communicate you belong here. These efforts have helped families navigate challenges, access essential resources, and feel more confident in supporting their children’s learning and well-being.

As we look toward a new year, let us carry forward the momentum we’ve built by continuing to create spaces where families’ voices shape the work, where relationships remain at the center, and where engagement is not an event, but a shared culture.

Thank you for your leadership, your commitment, and the heart you bring to this work. Because of you, our county is stronger, more connected, and better positioned to support every student and every family we serve.

Wishing you a season filled with rest, joy, and meaningful connection.

In partnership,

Sonia Rezkalah

Administrator, Family Engagement

• Holiday Season of Giving & Community Connection
  December is a powerful time to bring communities together. Organize kindness campaigns, giving trees, toy drives, or partnerships with local organizations to support families in need. Encourage students and families to participate in small acts of generosity reminding us that connection, compassion, and community care are the heart of family engagement.

Palm Springs Unified School District’s Family and Community Engagement Department hosted "Money $mart: Family Edition Financial Literacy Workshop" at Painted Hills Middle School, and it was wonderful to see families engaged in meaningful learning together. Through strong partnerships with Sun Community Federal Credit Union and Footsteps2Brilliance, families and students gained practical financial tools in a welcoming environment.

This event reflected the power of intentional family engagement and whole family learning. We applaud Palm Springs USD and Family Engagement Specialist, Yesenia Navas for their leadership and commitment to empowering families through collaboration and connection.

The November 19 FEN meeting was full of rich learning and meaningful engagement! Together, we explored key areas that strengthen family and community partnerships, including Early Care and Education services available to families across Riverside County, engaging practices for supporting foster and nontraditional caregivers, a presentation from Val Verde USD’s UBORA initiative advancing African American student and family success, and the countywide launch of the Footsteps2Brilliance financial literacy app to support early financial learning at home.

We look forward to continuing this important work together at our next FEN meeting on January 21, 2026!

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

Join us for an engaging four-part virtual seminar series designed to educate, empower, and inspire action against human trafficking. Each session explores one or more of the “5 Ps” the key pillars in

our collective effort to end trafficking and support vulnerable youth within Riverside County.

The Systemic Impact and Change Unit is excited to offer a training series for District English Learner Advisory Council (DELAC) teams of parents/caretakers. This unique training series is designed to inspire and develop parent leaders, resulting in increased engagement of parent leaders and improved effectiveness of DELAC leadership for the benefit of English learners.

We’re excited to launch the Family Outreach Campaign, a new statewide initiative aimed at enhancing family engagement in tobacco and vape-use prevention. This campaign provides resources to help parents and caregivers start meaningful conversations about the dangers of teen vaping and how to support youth in making healthy choices.

Campaign Overview

The campaign centers around the new “Teen Vaping: What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know” postcard — a quick, accessible resource that highlights:

• Key facts about vaping and nicotine addiction.
• Practical tips for talking with teens about vaping.
• Links to trusted support and quitting resources.

• The digital postcard is offered in 22 languages and is now available for download and sharing online.
• Physical copies can be ordered by TUPE Coordinators for distribution to districts for in-person events, school distribution, or community outreach.
• Please use this order form to request printed postcards. The deadline for the first round of print orders is December 19.

For any questions regarding the campaign or with help placing your orders, please contact the TUPE Capacity Building Project at tupeca@ocde.us.

Join family engagement practitioners, educators, parents, students, and community partners on April 13, 2026 for the Family Engagement Conference at the Riverside County Office of Education Conference Center. This powerful one-day experience will focus on building meaningful partnerships that support student success through dynamic speakers, hands-on tools, and impactful sessions. Early bird registration will be available—stay tuned for more details!

• 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