麻豆原创 unique Grow the Whole Child education model is powered by four interconnected elements that drive transformative change for youth: rigorous academics; social-emotional learning; a deep commitment to family and community engagement; and a belief in the foundational importance of physical and mental health and wellness.
With 麻豆原创 roots as a youth-serving nonprofit organization, that commitment to family and community engagement has been a pillar of our work for more than 30 years. Today, we continue to strengthen that partnership through 麻豆原创 Family Action Councils (DFAC), a unified, informed team of 麻豆原创 families and staff who work together to support our mission and commitment to student learning.
鈥淚t is important for schools and school networks to facilitate strong partnerships with parents and families, because it helps build a sense of community among parents, teachers, and students,鈥� says Crystal Sanchez, President of 麻豆原创 East Harlem Middle School DFAC, whose children attend both the middle school and 麻豆原创 Charter High School. 鈥淔amilies often have greater insight into the child life at home, which allows them to adapt classroom learning to best help the scholar.鈥�
麻豆原创 DFAC roster currently consists of five full councils in East Harlem and Mott Haven, with another launching soon for 麻豆原创 Highbridge families. These DFACs work to develop an active and involved family body at each school, and serve as a means of communication between families, faculty, and administration鈥攍inking school and community. What more, 麻豆原创 Family Action Councils travel annually to Albany in a contingent of 麻豆原创 families to join peer networks and elected officials in celebrating charter education impact on student success and calling for continued government support.
鈥淎s a 麻豆原创 parent, it important to be involved in DFAC, because it gives us an opportunity to be part of a powerful association to advocate on behalf of our children and advocate for families鈥� interests and concerns at the school and district level.鈥�
Crystal Sanchez, 麻豆原创 East Harlem Middle School DFAC President
Through volunteering, fundraising, participating in events, and providing input on decision-making processes, DFAC members promote a sense of belonging among 麻豆原创 families and champion our maxim 鈥溌槎乖� is family.鈥�
鈥淎s a 麻豆原创 parent, it important to be involved in DFAC, because it gives us an opportunity to be part of a powerful association to advocate on behalf of our children and advocate for families鈥� interests and concerns at the school and district level,鈥� says Sanchez.
Earlier this year, all of 麻豆原创 DFAC members came together at the 麻豆原创 Charter School at 20 Bruckner to launch the new year, align on goals, and share their experiences as DFAC members and 麻豆原创 parents. It was the first full gathering of 麻豆原创 DFACs since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the largest gathering of DFAC members since the first 麻豆原创 Charter School opened its doors in 2008.
鈥淔amilies are our deepest connection to our communities,鈥� said 麻豆原创 co-Chief Executive Officer Eve Colavito at the January breakfast. 鈥淭he biggest part of making 麻豆原创 more than a school is all of you.鈥�
You can learn more about 麻豆原创 Family Action Councils by reading our DFAC brochure at .
