Department of Family and Community Engagement
The Family & Community Engagement Department is about making a difference in the lives of the children in this community. The program is responsible for most student activities outside of regular school hours. The office manages each school's before and after school program, homeless services, school family liaison, school governance councils, and Family Resource Center and encourages parental advocacy and involvement.
Beth-Ann Brunet
Executive Director/FACE Department
bbrunet@windham.k12.ct.us
860.465.2515
Desiree Parciak
FACE Supervisor
dParciak@windham.k12.ct.us
860.465.2598
Before and After School (BASP)
For some students, after-school programming can give them extra resources to achieve excellence. Windham Public Schools' BASP provides extra tutoring, homework assistance, access to books and technology, and opportunities to explore extra-curricular activities that expand students' interests in the arts, music, and physical activity. CL&P awarded Windham's BASP the Innovative Education Award for thinking outside the box and giving opportunities for young students to grow and achieve their educational or career goals.
Our department partners with Eastern Connecticut State University, The University of Connecticut, Connecticut Forest and Parks, Joshua's Trust, CLiCK, BBBS, the United Way, and other partners to provide our students with mentoring opportunities and stimulating experiences.
Homeless Services
Family Outreach Worker/Homeless Family Support
The Office of Family and Community Partnerships provides services to families living in transition (homeless). All school-aged homeless children are entitled to the same free and appropriate public education provided to non-homeless students. We collaborate with school personnel and community service agencies to maximize access to educational, social, and enrichment programs that promote academic success and student achievement.
Please contact our office if you require assistance. Visit the National Center for Homeless Education for information for parents (en Español) and students (en Español). Our Resources for Immigrant Families page can also be helpful, especially the section on Displaced Immigrants.
Family Liaisons
The Family-School Liaisons work cooperatively with students, adult family members, school staff, and community partners to remove barriers that prevent students from learning. Liaisons function as intermediaries and advocates, providing students with proactive preventative services that promote success socially, behaviorally, and academically through deliberate and effective targeted family interactions. Liaisons assist with planning, organizing, and implementing family events in their affiliated schools. They will also identify resources and services from the community to strengthen school programs. They provide information and ideas to families about how to help students at home with home curriculum-related activities.
Our school's Family Liaisons:
School Governance Councils
The School Governance Council (SGC) provides a remarkable opportunity for our school to engage with families and community members in the essential dialogue about student achievement and preparing all students for success. SGCs were created by the state's recent education reform law (Public Act 10-111) to enable parents, school staff, students (where appropriate), and community leaders to work together to improve student achievement in the state's lowest-performing schools. SGCs serve in an advisory capacity and assist the school administration in making programmatic and operational changes to improve the school's achievement.
For questions relating to SGC, contact the Office of Family and Community Partnerships. To learn more about SGC, visit The Connecticut State Department of Education and read the New School Governance Council Requirements overview.
Parent Involvement
Evidence indicates that the meaningful involvement of parents, guardians, and other caregivers in children's schooling significantly improves education quality. The Windham Board of Education believes closer connections between parents and others responsible for children's home care at our schools can result in enhanced academic performance, improved behavior, and reduced absenteeism. Therefore, all parents, guardians, and caregivers of students enrolled in our school district are encouraged to participate in their children's education actively. The Office of Family and Community Partnerships provides opportunities for parent involvement in schools through classes and frequent communication at home.
Classes throughout the year include People Empowering People (PEP), Common Sense Parenting (CSP), Parent SEE, and Cooking Matters. Parent & Community University offers numerous classes to strengthen our diverse community by Involving, Informing, and Empowering parents and community members through educational courses and leadership opportunities..
