Meadow Woods Elementary School prides itself on providing meaningful activities to engage its families.
Mayra De Jesus, the parent and family engagement liaison, worked with community partners to create events that would empower families to become proactive in their child’s education. From free English classes for adults to breakfasts with the principal to math nights and social emotional training, MWES hosts monthly events to welcome, involve and educate its families.
Recognizing their efforts, the Florida Department of Education named MWES the Region 3 2019-2020 Family and Community Involvement Award Winner. They are one of five elementary schools throughout the state to earn this honor.
The award “highlights exemplary school programs and practices which meaningfully engage families and the community to enhance student success. Winning programs address removing barriers between school and family, supporting parenting skills, improving student learning, facilitating communication with stakeholders, increasing volunteerism, and strengthening collaborations with the community” (FLDOE).
MWES’ partnership with faith based organizations helped supply clothes, shoes and snacks to the Parent and Family Resource Center, making it easier to provide another layer of support to families. In the fall, partners donated turkeys and rather than simply distribute, the school created a Turkey Trot. This produced an opportunity for parents, students and teachers to participate in a fun event to grow relationships, and a Thanksgiving meal to those families who might not have been able to afford one otherwise.
De Jesus builds relationships to learn how to best meet the needs of the MWES community.
In addition to securing food and clothing for the families who need it, the Parent and Family Resource Center provides parents access to digital resources and job application assistance.
Check out the school’s Facebook feed and YouTube channel to learn more about the school. Principal Aleli Vazquez-Santiago loves to keep the community informed of the unique lessons and activities occurring on campus.