|

|

 

   

CESDP has partnered with the New Mexico Public Education Department to support school sites in efforts to build partnerships, get the Toolkit off the shelf and in use, and build capacity at each of the sites.

Each of the fourteen sites has a “site coach” who provides training and support on the use of the Toolkit as a resource.

Below is a list of the sites, site coaches and their tips for using the Toolkit and increasing school, family, and community partnerships.


  Cochiti Elementary - Keres Language Program
  Constance Pahona, Keres Language Program Coordinator cpahona@bps.k12.nm.us

Effective tips:
• Plan a series of workshops for parents on parenting issues in the Toolkit such as developing parents as advocates, positive discipline, identifying and supporting learning styles, problem solving, career planning, fostering student achievement, and homework management. Be sure to plan workshops in the languages of the families and invite people within the community who can present and share ideas with parents.


• Use resources in Module 4 to develop a survey for gathering family volunteer information including special skills or talents. Provide opportunities for those who are able to commit to regular service, and those who can participate occasionally at home or at work. Be sure to follow up with volunteers on a timely basis.

  La Casita Elementary - Lincoln Jackson Family Center
  Sylvia Montano, Family Liaison smontano@clovis-schools.org

Effective tips:
• Visit the Lincoln Jackson Family Center for further information and successful practices and resources being used in the Clovis schools.

  Columbus Elementary
  Claudia Smith, Instructional Leader Claudia.smith@demingps.org

Effective tips:
• Each week / month copy pages of the Toolkit that are useful for teachers and put them in their mail boxes with a note about how they might be used and who to contact for more information or help.

  Dulce Middle School
  Clyde Vicente

Effective tips:
• Remember to be sensitive to the ethnic groups represented in each school or program. Provide translations and other support services when needed. Be sensitive to cultural differences, and find appropriate ways to communicate acceptance and respect. Check out this helpful resource from Teacher Tools Module 5, Resource 5, Creating an Accepting Environment for ALL Families.

  San Juan Elementary
  Adam Garcia

Effective tips:
• Create a welcoming environment for parents. Place large signs welcoming all visitors at all school entrances and on each classroom door written in all the major languages spoken in the school. Consider using color-coded lines on hallway walls to help direct parents to important places like the office, parent center, or library. Check out Building Family Friendly Schools in Module 4.

  Espanola Military Academy
  Jeanette Mares, ENLACE Parent Jeanette.mares@k12espanola.org

Effective tips:
• Use Professional Development Module 1, Improving Communication to provide staff development regarding effective communication techniques and the importance of regular two-way communication between the school and the family.

  Carlos F. Vigil Middle School
  Paul Johnson, ENLACE Parent

Effective tips:
• Take advantage of every opportunity to share information with families. Copy relevant pages of the Family Tools, to have available during literacy events, family nights, open house, career nights, and sports events.

  Mesilla Park Elementary
  Amalia Gonzales, Family Liaison

Effective tips:
• For working with Spanish speaking families, use the translated pages of the Toolkit on the web site. They are formatted in Word so that you can edit them or add local graphics and logos.

  Sierra Middle School
  Susie Tufts, ESL Teacher

Effective tips:
• Talk to the principal and leadership team at your school about ways to use the Toolkit. Plan to present the Professional Development Modules during in-service training days with the essential support of the principal.

  Consolidated Schools - Elementary, Middle and High Schools
  Robert Archuleta, Superintendent Robert.archuleta@mesavista.k12.nm.us

Effective tips:
• Ask parents to take an active role in reviewing student work or portfolios. Parents have the opportunity to review project expectations, discover their child’s areas of strength, and gain insight in how to help their child improve. Check out Module 3, Enhancing Student Learning for more ideas.

  Pablo Roybal Elementary
  Lucia Pacheco-Garcia, Social Worker

Effective tips:
• Check out Module 1, Improving Communication for resources for both parents and teachers on planning for effective parent-teacher conferences.

  James Elementary School
  Sally Smith, Grade 3 Teacher ssmith@portalesschools.com

Effective tips:
• Use the Teacher Self-Assessments and Teacher Reflections for Professional Development Plans and as a way to provide teachers with an opportunity to reflect on practice, examine assumptions about families, and make improvements in building partnerships.

  Rio Costilla Elementary
  Martha Sanchez, Teacher

Effective tips:
• Check out Module 1, Improving Communication for great ideas on two-way communication for both teachers and families. One idea is to establish a routine method for parents to review their children’s school work on a regular basis. For example, use manila envelopes or folders to send student work home each week with a place for parent comments on the front cover.

  Enos Garcia Elementary
  James Lucero, Social Worker

Effective tips:
• Check out Module 6, Collaborating with the Community , Teacher Tools and Family Tools for a wide range of resources related to promoting community events, life-long learning, community service ideas and more.


• Work with community partners to hold special events such as health fairs, technology nights, or other learning opportunities to inform parents of community resources and services. Community partners may include local businesses, church and civic groups, and other non-profits, and local media. Keep the events family-focused by providing activities suitable for both youth and adults.