New from FACE

Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center Welcoming Families Back to School! As our students settle into the new school year, FACE would like to also welcome our families back to school. You may not be in the classroom every day, but each and every one of you plays a very important role in the educational process. In fact, four decades of research indicates that family engagement is one of the strongest components of student success.  But why?  Why is family involvement so important to your child's success? Because your child wants to please you!  It is part of a child's natural development to seek the approval of his/her parents. So if you hold education up as a priority and establish high expectations for your child, he/she will naturally strive to do his/her best.  Your involvement matters so much!  So welcome back to school. Let's make this year a great one! FREE FACE WORKSHOPS    Help Your Child Succeed in School: Navigating the School System  This workshop is designed to assist new and returning parents in their efforts to support your children's learning. Parents will gain valuable information and tools that will help you to: Best advocate for your child Navigate the school system Build a strong relationship with child's teacher/school Create a home environment that is conducive to learning Conduct successful parent-teacher conferences All workshops are FREE. A light dinner will be served and childcare and interpreters provided. Date Time Location 10/19/13 6:30p.m. Community Lodgings 607 Notabene Dr. - 22305 Register 10/23/13 6:30p.m. John Adams 5651 Rayburn - 22311 Register 10/24/13 6:30p.m. Brent Place Reynolds Street - 22312 Register 10/25/13 6:30p.m. Cora Kelly STEM 3600 Commonwealth - 22305 Register 10/26/13 6:30p.m. ARHA Ruby Tucker 322 Tancil Court -  22314 Register Alexandria Story Festival Saturday,September 28, 2013 T.C. Williams High School  3330 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22302   10:00 am - 1:00 pm.   Meet ten great children's book authors! Participate in fun literacy activities! Get free books! Join us at this FREE event for families of children birth through middle school. Show your child how important and fun reading is.  Visit www.alexstoryfest.com for more information.  Your Opinion Matters: Middle School Survey    Alexandria City Public Schools is in the process of evaluating the George Washington and Francis C. Hammond middle school campuses.  Please take the opportunity to provide your feedback by completing the appropriate survey below.  You are welcome to share the following links with anyone who may be interested in participating.  All survey responses are requested byFriday, September 20, 2013. Parent Survey Parents of students currently enrolled at any George Washington or Francis C. Hammond Middle School are asked to participate in the parent survey by clicking on the "Parent Survey" link above. The survey is available in both English and Spanish. Community Survey Any members of our local school community are encouraged to participate by clicking on the "Community Survey" link above. The survey is available in both English and Spanish. New FACE Manager Dear ACPS Families, I am so happy to share with you that I have been promoted within ACPS and in addition to providing oversight to the FACE Center, I will also be coordinating volunteer and community partnerships for the school division. This is very exciting for me and I look forward to all the opportunities this new position brings. While I will miss seeing all of you so often, I am certain you will be well served by the new FACE Manger, Ms. Krishna Leyva.  She has a long history of working with students and families in Alexandria and is committed to carrying forward this movement which I have been so fortunate to have begun with each of you.  Sincerely, Shanna Samson Coordinator of Volunteer and Community Partnerships Volunteer! If you are interested in volunteering in your child's school, please register here. For questions regarding the volunteer process, please contact Linda Rodriguez at 703-824-6865 or     email Linda. The Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is Now Accepting Class of 2013 Applications  Learn how to advocate effectively for your children's futures. For more information, visit the PLTI website. Register for SCAN's ENGLISH and SPANISH ABCs of Parenting Class To register, participants must call 703-820-9001to make an appointment for a one-hour intake interview at SCAN's office that includes program pre-test and review of class guidelines. Contact Information   Contact FACE Manager, Krishna Leyva at 703-824-6865 or Email Krishna

Family Night 2013    Participant Survey  If you have not already done so, please take a moment to complete the survey so we know what worked and where we need to work harder. Family Resource Guide  Get contact information and follow up with all the great resources that are available to your family in the Alexandria community.    Family Night Photos  If you haven't already checked out the photos from Family Night, do so now!  What is FACE?  The Family and Community Engagement (FACE) Center of ACPS is our way of involving all of Alexandria in the educational experience of our youth. Through freeinformation, resources, workshops and fun activities for students and adults, the FACE Center connects you and your family to the academic achievements of students. Why is this important? Family engagement is critical to the success of every ACPS student. Your parenting at home, our joint communication, community volunteers in the schools and collaboration with the City's leaders and agencies all set the stage for academic success. With your involvement, we can be sure your children will come to school prepared to learn each day, behave appropriately and participate, earn good grades and test scores, aspire to take advanced-level classes, graduate from high school and go on to a successful adult life.