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Family & Community Engagement

Working together in class

When families feel connected to and engaged with the schools, students are more successful and our community is stronger.

FCE Work Group Mission Statement: Bringing together and empowering families, schools, and community partners to build meaningful relationships that positively impact our students’ lives.

FCE Work Group Initiative

Develop a family engagement event at each school

The FCE Work Group meets monthly in the evenings throughout the school year.  If you are interested in joining the committee or receiving regular updates, contact Sarah Rankin, Community Schools Program Director at rankins@skokie69.net  or 847-675-7666 x1092.

FCE Programs include:

Adult ESL Classes (District-wide)
The Niles Township ELL Parent Center provides cost-free weekly English classes in the fall, winter, and spring for District 69 parents.

EL Parent Mentor Program (Madison, Edison)
Parent Mentors are District parents trained through our partnership with the EL Parent Center.  Participants volunteer weekly in the classroom.  Graduates regularly volunteer in other capacities or return to school to become paraprofessionals.

Family Ambassador Program (District-wide)
Family Ambassadors aim to make new District families feel welcomed, safe, and supported in the transition to school, as well as provide information about school and community resources.

Family Events (District-wide)
The FCE Committee, in partnership with the District, plan and coordinate several family events throughout the year including welcoming events and family nights.

Family Liaisons (District-wide)
Family Liaisons help families navigate District 69 and provide translation services.  

Holiday Meal Distribution (District-wide)
In partnership with St. Peter’s United Church of Christ and Jewel-Osco in Village Crossing, free meals are distributed to District families during Thanksgiving and winter break.

Neighborhood Networks: African/Black/Caribbean, Assyrian/Arabic, Hispanic, South Asian (District-wide)
Throughout the year, parent and family activities are offered to provide support to parents and celebrate the diversity of the community.

Parent Organizations (FAB, PLUS, PTO) (District-wide)
The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) supports a variety of programs and events, typically reaching beyond the regular classroom experience and supplementing the curriculum at each grade level. The PTO is comprised of several subgroups, including Fine Arts Boosters (FAB) and Parent Leaders Uniting Schools (PLUS).

Pre-K Parent Group (Madison)
This parent group is developed “by parents, for parents” giving caregivers opportunities to find partners in parenting and to share experiences around a monthly theme.  District and Skokie Public Library staff provide resources, books, and hands-on activities that parents can do at home with their young children.

5050 Madison Street, Skokie, IL 60077
communityschools@skokie69.net
(847) 675-7666