Building Stronger Connections for Student Success
Downey Unified School District is excited to announce the launch of an innovative program aimed at transforming the way schools support students and their families. The Community Schools Initiative is a groundbreaking effort to foster partnerships between schools, community agencies, and the district to address the academic, social, and emotional needs of students. This initiative focuses on creating a seamless network of support that bridges gaps and ensures every student has the resources they need to succeed.
What Are Community Schools?
At its core, the Community Schools model is about collaboration. It transforms schools into hubs that provide not only quality education but also access to vital services and resources. These services include academics, health and social supports, youth and community development programs, and opportunities for family and community engagement. By aligning resources with the unique needs of each school community, the initiative is designed to improve student outcomes while fostering a sense of connection and support.
Meet Columbus’ Liaison
Karen Avila
My name is Karen Avila, and I’m your new Family and Community
Engagement (FACE) Liaison. I’m beyond excited to be part of this
team!
I previously served as the FACE Specialist at a High School,
where I had the opportunity to develop a variety of parent
programs that fostered stronger connections between families
and the school community. Some of these programs included
monthly book clubs for parents, community walks, college tours
for families, a Prom boutique for senior students, and much
more!
At Columbus/Woodruff, I will collaborate with the school staff,
community partners, and on-site support services to enhance
family engagement and raise awareness about community
resources and services.
I look forward to working together to create initiatives that
empower families and enrich our community. Please feel free to
reach out—I’m here to support you!
Contact me: kavila@dusd.net
Find me in the Front Office
How Does It Work?
Each participating school in the Community Schools program will have a dedicated Family and Community Engagement Liaison. These liaisons will work closely with families to connect them with resources such as counseling, after-school programs, and tutoring. They will also help coordinate workshops on topics like parenting skills, mental health awareness, and college readiness. At the district level, Family and Community Engagement Specialists will oversee the program, ensuring its alignment with district-wide goals and providing training for teachers and staff on effective communication and cultural competency.
Together, these roles aim to:
- Build Connections: Forge partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and nonprofits to create opportunities for family involvement, mentorship programs, and cultural events.
- Promote Equity: Advocate for policies that support all families, including flexible meeting times and resources for non-English-speaking households.
- Support Attendance: Reengage students and families to improve school attendance and participation.
- Enhance Feedback: Collect input from families to identify needs and improve programs.
We are excited to be able to support our community in a new way. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your liaison!
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