A Letter to Our Readers: As we move forward in our academic year, the West Virginia Family Engagement Center would like to recognize all school, district, and state education employees for their ongoing efforts to promote safe, healthy, and equitable education environments for West Virginia students. Although this academic year looks different than most, we feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside our participating counties and schools in promoting family engagement. Throughout this school year, we will be working with our counties and schools to incorporate virtual trainings and events for students, families, and schools on a variety of topic areas. We recognize that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to these virtual events, and look forward to incorporating school, student, and family voice in meeting specific needs through these events. We are very excited to work with our Cohort 2 counties and schools as we continue to champion family engagement efforts both inside and outside of the school setting this year. - Assistant Director, Meaghan Cochrane, Ph.D. |
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The West Virginia Family Engagement Center Mission: The West Virginia Family Engagement Center engages families, educators, and community members in the educational process to enhance student academic achievement. WVFEC is partnering with families to provide SEAMless Family Engagement that: - Supports learning and development.
- Encourages positive self image and a "can do" spirit in WV youth.
- Advocates for improved learning opportunities at WV schools.
- Models lifelong learning and enthusiasm for education.
In this monthly newsletter, we'll cover: - WVFEC Toolkit
- Partner Spotlight: West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc.
- School and Family Resources
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New Resource: 20-21 Educator Toolkit |
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Our toolkit is designed to share best practices and helpful strategies for engaging and supporting families during this non-traditional school year. The kit features five core practices: Welcoming Virtual Environments Two-Way Virtual Communication Social Emotional Learning and
Self-Care Digital Divide: Communicating Unplugged Virtual Resources for Families
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October Partner Spotlight: West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. |
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West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Inc. began in 1991 as a grass-roots effort of families, professionals, and community leaders determined to provide resources, support, and information to parents of children with disabilities and special health care needs. Our philosophy of “families helping families” reflects our commitment to supporting families of diverse backgrounds. Our mission is to empower families as advocates and partners in improving education, health, and transition outcomes for their children and youth with disabilities and special health care needs with a commitment to diversity and equity. |
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WVPTI provides parents and caretakers training on Leading By Convening (Serving on Groups) to empower families to become more involved with their children's school. We work to find out any challenges that may be keeping parents or caregivers from becoming active in their children's schools and communities. We provide information on any current opportunities and activities that families may become involved in supporting parent and family engagement in all environments. WVPTI's parent and family engagement activities during the COVID-19 situation have changed to meet families' needs. The latest events are the Coffee and Conversations Virtual Meetings. Parents are provided a time to join together in the process of brainstorming ideas, forming plans, online conversations, and discovering their options for school enrollment and the next steps. The first part of the event is providing information about topics such as autism or behavior. Parents are provided with resources during the events to help increase their knowledge and strengthen the conversations. News Blasts with websites, updates, ideas, and answers to questions are sent in the interim to keep the community growing and to meet our families' needs. Bringing the families together and becoming an online community is engaging families during the pandemic. |
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To learn more about West Virginia Parent Training & Information, Inc. programming, visit their website. | | |
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School and Family Resources |
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| | Be sure to utilize WVDE's website for the latest resources and supports for schools. | | |
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| | Check out our family-facing resources, including lessons and webinars, below! | | |
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Get the latest WVFEC news via our social channels! | |
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