Newsletter

Welcome to the June Edition of the Family Engagement Newsletter

As we welcome June, we celebrate a season of achievement, reflection, and new beginnings. Graduation marks an important milestone for our students and serves as a reminder that success is never achieved alone. Behind every graduate is a network of encouragement: families, caregivers, educators, mentors, and community members who have supported, motivated, guided, and believed in them throughout their journey. These accomplishments belong not only to our students but also to the people who have helped them persevere, grow, and reach this meaningful moment.

Families come in many forms: grandparents raising grandchildren, siblings serving as caregivers, foster families, single-parent households, multigenerational families, families with two moms, two dads, and countless other family structures. Though every family's journey is different, they are united by a common purpose: to provide love, nurture a sense of pride and belonging, offer support and stability, and encourage their children to reach their fullest potential. It is this unwavering commitment that helps students build confidence, overcome challenges, and celebrate their successes.

At the heart of family engagement is the understanding that every family brings valuable strengths, experiences, and perspectives that contribute to student growth and well-being. Meaningful family engagement goes beyond participation or attendance. It is about creating welcoming and trusting environments where families are seen as essential partners in education. When families feel respected, heard, and empowered to participate in meaningful ways, students are better positioned to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

As we honor our graduates and celebrate the conclusion of another school year, we also celebrate the families whose love, advocacy, resilience, and partnership make these achievements possible. Together, we continue building schools and communities where every family belongs, every voice matters, and every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Celebrating our graduates and the families who help them thrive,
The Family Engagement Unit

The Family Engagement Network (FEN) is back for the 2026–2027 school year. We are excited to continue bringing together family engagement practitioners, educators, administrators, support staff, and parent leaders from across Riverside County for another year of learning, collaboration, and connection. FEN provides a valuable space to share promising practices, explore new ideas, and strengthen the relationships that support meaningful family-school-community partnerships.

This year's four-session series will focus on strategies that elevate parent leadership and voice, strengthen family-school partnerships, foster community collaboration, and support positive student outcomes. Whether you are returning to reconnect with colleagues or joining us for the first time, FEN offers opportunities to learn, reflect, and grow alongside others who are committed to advancing family engagement throughout our region.

We look forward to welcoming both returning and new participants as we continue working together to support students, families, and communities. Click on the link to register and for more information: events.bizzabo.com/FEN26-27.

Session Dates
(All sessions will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Tuesday, November 10, 2026

Wednesday, January 20, 2027

Wednesday, March 17, 2027

• National Immigrant Heritage Month
  

  National Immigrant Heritage Month celebrates the diverse cultures, experiences, and contributions of immigrants who have helped shape our communities and nation. The month highlights the strength, resilience, and rich traditions that immigrant families bring to our schools and communities.
  
  

• Pride Month
  Pride Month recognizes the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout June, communities celebrate diversity and foster welcoming environments where every student, family, and community member feels valued and respected.
  
  

• World Environment Day (June 5)

  World Environment Day encourages individuals and communities to take action to protect our planet. Families can participate by exploring nature together, reducing waste, and practicing sustainable habits that support a healthier future for all.
  
  

• Juneteenth (June 19)

  Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and celebrates freedom, resilience, and progress. This day invites us to reflect on our shared history, honor the contributions of African Americans, and advance understanding within our communities.
  
  

• World Refugee Day (June 20)

  World Refugee Day honors the courage and perseverance of refugees around the world who have been forced to flee their homes. It is a time to recognize their contributions, raise awareness, and support welcoming communities where all families can thrive.

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.

The Arts at Riverside County Office of Education is pleased to present an inspiring day of presentations and workshops. This conference, taking place on July 9, is designed to enrich the counties of Riverside, San Bernardino, Mono, and Inyo through high-quality arts learning and professional development.

Attendees will hear from three keynote speakers, enjoy performances by our Riverside County Teen Poet Laureate and Spoken Word Student artists, and choose from a variety of arts sessions, both hands-on and lecture style, tailored to diverse interests and experience levels. Register here.

Have a feeling that you’re in a blind spot? Often, as leaders, we know we see only what we see; however, we wonder how we can better understand the situation. Attend the one-day seminar, Unconscious Bias – Impact on Ourselves and The System, and expand your understanding of bias, and more importantly, what you can do about it.

In this seminar, you will gain knowledge and skills to recognize, contextualize, and leverage unconscious bias in productive ways to meet the situation at hand. You will learn what unconscious bias is and what it is not, including how it relates to better understanding your context. You will also reflect on how you can leverage collective biases to influence your processes, practices, and decisions that shape your workplace and your outcomes.

For more information on the Unconscious Bias Seminar or to register, click here.

Using an integrative approach, Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) Divisions of Educational Services and Leadership, Wellness, and Student Services are excited to share a four-part learning series designed to support district and site MTSS teams in moving from a foundational understanding of MTSS to building coherent systems that lead to action.

Your team will gain direct access to RCOE resources and tools, alignment and support for LCAP/SPSA goals and actions, opportunities to collaborate, dedicated team planning, and more.

Gather a team of 6-8 (minimum of 3) to take part in these opportunities and continue growing your Multi-Tiered Systems of Support in the 2026-2027 school year. Use this link to register.

The Systemic Impact and Change Unit is thrilled to invite you to the 13th Annual Excellence Through Education Conference, a premier event designed to empower and equip school districts, sites, and community partners with evidence-based practices to strengthen their systems, structures, and implementation.

For more information on the 2026 Excellence Through Education Conference or to register, click here.

The 2026 National Assembly for Family Engagement in Education is a signature event for education professionals and advocates committed to advancing family engagement.

Looking for family engagement resources, upcoming events, professional learning opportunities, and tools to support your work? Be sure to visit the virtual bulletin board created by RCOE’s Early Childhood Education Program. There, you’ll find valuable resources, announcements, and opportunities designed to support educators, families, family engagement practitioners, and community partners.

Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, sharing resources with families, or staying connected to opportunities across Riverside County, the bulletin board serves as a convenient one-stop hub for information and inspiration. Click this link to explore and discover what's new.

Even if you face rejections, know that you’re never alone.

The Riverside County Community Schools Partnership is helping connect students and families to support in their communities. Click on the Access FindHelp 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

Phone: (951) 826-6568