While participating in the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy at the Ohio Statewide Family Engagement Center, Ohio parent Charis developed the “Family Engagement in a Closed-Door District” initiative.
The Family Engagement in a Closed-Door District initiative was created to improve opportunities for parent and community involvement in Scioto County. Recognizing that family engagement is a key factor in student success, the project aims to open school doors to meaningful participation from families and volunteers. By involving parents in lunch and recess duties, classroom activities, and advisory roles, the initiative seeks to build strong relationships between schools and the communities they serve.
Charis’ goal for the initiative is to increase parent and volunteer engagement, strengthen communication between schools and families, and improve student outcomes.
Key strategies include:
- establishing regular volunteer opportunities
- forming a parent advisory board
- launching a school newsletter or online platform
- creating programs where families can support academic and extracurricular activities
These efforts are designed to foster a more welcoming school environment, enhance transparency, and align school practices with the needs and values of families.
Parents who attend the Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy design projects and create a plan to implement them locally. Want to be inspired by more parent leadership stories or attend the Academy? Visit our Family Leaders for Ohio Schools Academy page!