Family and Community Engagement

Single Hero Image interior pages

Students embracing outside of school — Enhancing children's lives through engagement

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) works in collaboration with districts, schools, parents, teachers, students, administrators, and community members to enhance family and community participation in children's lives. A child's education is a responsibility shared by school, family, and community educational partners during their time in school.

BLACK student summit

SDCOE hosts the Black Student Summit every spring to increase student, parent, and community excellence through education, culture, empowerment, values, and purpose. Workshops are offered for approximately 300 students from across the county.

Learn More

Black College Expo

Each year, high school juniors and seniors have the opportunity to connect with historically black colleges and universities with potential for on-the-spot college scholarships and acceptances awarded to qualifying students at the Black College Expo.

Learn More

Calendar of Events

More to Explore

Black Student Summit

Banner art with student athletes, graduates, and families

The annual Black Student Summit aims to increase student, parent, and community excellence through education, culture, empowerment, values, and purpose.

The annual theme is: Our Voice, Our Power, Our Future. The summit addresses the achievement of Black students in K-12 and beyond, in addition to educating students about the Black diaspora experience by engaging them in interactive sessions related to college preparation, leadership, social justice, and black empowerment.

The free summit is intended for students in grades 6 through 8.

Event Details

Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 10 to 2:30 p.m.
Location: Marina Village
Address: 1936 Quivira Way, San Diego, CA 92109

About the 2025 black student summit

Students attending the summit will have the opportunity to hear workshops on leadership, motivation and overcoming challenges, health and wellness, preparing for life after high school, and more.

Speakers

Workshops

Level Up: Your Future, Your Hustle

Presented by: Tamara Allen-Muhammad and Cheryl Carr
This interactive workshop introduces middle school students to the concept of college and career readiness, helping them explore different career options and understand the importance of education in achieving their goals. Through engaging discussions, activities, and planning exercises, students will develop a clearer vision of their future paths and learn practical steps to set and achieve academic and career goals.

Find Your Flair

Presented by: Tinesia Conwright
This session is based on the book “Find Your Flair!” It will be an interactive training that engages and challenges youth to think critically, creatively, and collaboratively to identify their strengths and develop their leadership potential. We create spaces that help youth understand their leadership style and how they can be most effective as leaders.

“These Books Ain't For Me”

Presented by: Ronald Clark
An easy way to recognize if you enjoy school is the answer to the simple question:
"Do you like to read?" When this answer is 'no', it is almost always tied to not being handed literature that speaks to you as the student and the lack of opportunity to see yourselves. In this workshop, we will dive into what literacy truly means, the history behind our ancestors' fight for the right to read and a breakdown of some books that every Black person should read through interactive discussion, writing, and answering insightful questions.

Mind Over Matter: Building Resilience and Self-Care for Black Excellence

Presented by: Jenée Peevy
This interactive workshop focuses on:

Emotional Resilience – Helping students navigate stress, peer pressure, and self-doubt.
Cultural Empowerment and Mental Wellness – Exploring how Black identity and community support mental health.
Practical Self-Care Strategies – Teaching mindfulness, journaling, and positive affirmations.
Breaking the Stigma –Encouraging open discussions about mental health in a culturally affirming way.

Commonalities and Differences: A Bullying Prevention Module About Celebrating and Embracing Differences!

Presented by: Mick Rabin and Students
With the help of student facilitators: Major, from Mann and from Correia, Abbey and Alyssa, student audiences address and explore biases, recognize and affiliate with the layers and complexities of their [and their classmates’] identities, and prioritize solidarity and allyship for classmates who need it most. This engaging and reflective lesson provides a crucial opportunity for youth participants to connect with and support each other, fostering a more inclusive and empathic school community.

Workshop: HBCU - The Power of HBCyou (Legacy to Leadership, LinebackerDad's Journey)

Presented by: Joe Smith
HBCU's (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) have long been pillars of excellence, building leaders and scholars. This session will take you on a fun and engaging journey, exploring the transformative power of the HBCU experience and the rich legacy that anchors the Historically Black College Experience for you. Two- time HBCU football champion LineBackerDAD, shares the journey of legacy to leadership, and how an HBCU was one of the best decisions he ever made!

Did You Ever Think That You Could Be This Rich?

Presented by: Dr. Lavar Watkins
Students will learn about their M.E.R.I.T. - Motivation, Education, Imagination, Resiliency, and Talent can help them build unimaginable wealth with their unique D.N.A. - Determination, Niche, and Ability

My Voice Counts Webinar Series

The My Voice Counts learning series for the community aims to empower parents, families, and community members on matters concerning their child's education.

The free, one-hour webinars focus on topics of interest to ensure that every child excels in school, while also increasing family and community engagement and a sense of belonging.

2024-25 Schedule

Preparing our Kids and Ourselves for Summer

This one-hour interactive session is designed to help parents and caregivers establish effective summer routines that balance structure, learning, and fun. Discover practical strategies to keep children engaged and create meaningful learning experiences that support their growth. Let’s work together to make this summer both enriching and enjoyable for the whole family!

April 3, 2025 from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom

Webinar Recordings

Dec. 14: Local Control Funding Formula and Local Control and Accountability Plans (Watch Recording)
Feb. 7: Learn more about the CalKIDS program, which provides free money for college.
May 2: Learn about financial aid applications and scholarships for college. Explore how to get started and prep for the coming school year. Recording coming soon.

Supporting Children in Managing Anxiety

Recorded on Oct. 5, 2023

Anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder among children and adolescents, affecting 1 in 4 youth over their lifetime. Learn strategies for supporting children, tools to help, and resources that can make a difference for young people who are feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious.

Understanding a Parent's Role in LCFF and LCAP

Recorded on Dec. 14, 2023

Parents and community members play an important role in the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) process. This webinar helps parents understand how to impact the education system in a meaningful and effective way by engaging in the process to develop their district and school priorities that ultimately are reflected in the LCAP.

CalKIDS Free Money for College

Representatives from California State Treasury Office offer tips on how your child can earn up to $1,500 of free money for college through the CalKIDS program. The program provides each child born in California and eligible low-income public school students with a CalKIDS account and a seed deposit to jumpstart their savings for higher education. Learn more at calkids.org.

Tools for Supporting Families on Campus

Building Strong Connections with ML/EL Families: Essential Strategies for Success

Family engagement is essential for all students, including ML/EL (multilingual learner/English learner) students. Building strong connections with these families is key to ensuring that all students have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Creating a Welcoming Environment for Families with Students Who are English Language Learners

A welcoming environment can make a tremendous difference for all families, including those who speak English as their second language or are learning English. These tools and strategies can be put in place in the classroom or on campus today.

Superintendent Advisory Committees

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) superintendent advisory committees share advice and provide recommendations to the San Diego County superintendent of schools to support SDCOE's mission of inspiring and leading innovation in education and achieving our North Star goal of reducing poverty and increasing belongingness through public education. The advisory committees provide space for SDCOE staff to gain new insight; learn about the hopes, strengths, aspirations, and challenges facing students and families in San Diego County; and to collaborate with communities to co-create solutions. They have helped guide our Equity Blueprint for Action and will provide additional feedback as it is updated.

Current Committees

Black/African-American Advisory Committee
American Indian Education Advisory Talking Circle
Asian American and Pasifika Advisory Committee
Latinx Advisory Committee
LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee

Advisory Committee Membership

Community members represent one or more of the following groups:

K-12 education
Higher education
Family member of current or former students
Community based organization

The chairperson and SDCOE staff work together to determine membership to ensure community context and a wide range of perspectives are considered.

Meeting Structure

Convene at least four times a year with most meetings happening in-person as much as practicable
Provide opportunities to build community and connection
Create community agreements as a group
Provide space for members to share pertinent community updates and resources

District Parent and Family Liaison Resources

Professional Learning Opportunities

Professional learning opportunities for parent and family liaisons to attend or trainings to host for families are available throughout the school year. Please contact Kathia Lopez for more information.

Family and Community Engagement Network

Join us for our monthly culturally responsive Family and Community Engagement Network meetings.

You're invited to our monthly meetings dedicated to fostering stronger family and community engagement. At San Diego County Office of Education, we believe in the power of collaboration and meaningful connections within our community.

Training Topics

How to Get to College

The How to Get to College professional learning opportunity for English learner coordinators, English language development (ELD) teachers, parent liaisons, and parent leaders will provide the knowledge and resources for you to hold a workshop for your school's parents on how to motivate, support, and encourage their child to get to college.

Six Types of Parent Involvement

The Six Types of Parent Involvement professional learning experience is designed for English learner coordinators, ELD teachers, parent liaisons, and parent leaders. Attendees will be able to facilitate professional learning sessions for their own school parents based on Joyce Epstein's Six Types of Involvement framework.

Digital Citizenship

Reading and Homework Lead to Academic Success

This session is designed for English learner coordinators, ELD teachers, parent liaisons, and parent leaders. Attendees will be able to facilitate professional learning sessions for parents on different strategies to motivate, help and support their children with completing homework and improving reading skills.

Parent Groups and Committees

Parents and guardians are a key component of the planning, monitoring, and evaluation process for state and federal categorical funds. The School Site Council (SSC), District Advisory Council and other parent groups provide important input into the planning process. Each group operates under requirements governed by Education Code. Guidance and trainings for parent groups are available.

School Site Council Resources

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)

Every school site with 21 or more English learners form an English Learner Advisory Committee which is responsible for advising the principal and staff on programs and services for English learners, and the School Site Council on the development of the Single Plan for Student Achievement.

Learn More

District-Level English Learner Advisory Committee (DELAC)

Each school district with 51 or more English Learners is required to form a district-level English Learner Advisory Committee for the purpose of advising the district governing board on programs and services for English learners.

ELAC / DELAC Resources

SDCOE
FAQs

Please email Patricia Karlin at patricia.karlin@sdcoe.net to request training for site / LEA leadership.

Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

A committee formed by the district to provide feedback about the LCAP. The majority of the committee members must be parents of students in the district and include representatives of the "unduplicated" student groups.

English Learner Parent Advisory Committee (ELPAC)

A committee formed by the district to provide advice about the LCAP in those districts whose enrollment includes at least 15% English learners and at least 50 pupils who are English learners. The majority of the committee members must be parents of English Learner students in the district.

School District Parent / Family Engagement Contacts

Alpine: Amie Sisam, phone: 801-610-8573
Bonsall Union: Leonor Rodriguez, phone: 760-631-1000
Borrego Springs Unified: Martha Deichler, phone: 619-948-5900
Cajon Valley Union: Michael Serban, phone: 619-590-8884
Cardiff: Janelle Scheftner, phone: 760-632-5894 ext. 130
Carlsbad Unified: Kasia Obrzut, 760-331-5014
Chula Vista Elementary: Angelica Maldonado, phone: 619-425-9600 ext. 1465
Coronado Unified: Julia Braga, phone: 619-522-8900 ext. 1024
Del Mar Union: Shelley Petersen, phone: 858-755-9301 ext. 3693
Encinitas Union: Olga Gonzalez, phone: 760-944-4300 ext. 1460
Escondido Union: Kimberly Israel, phone: 760-432-2386
Escondido Union High School: Saul Morales, phone: 760-291-3219
Fallbrook Union: Lea Curcio, phone: 760-731-5416
Fallbrook Union High: Jorge Rojas, phone: 760-723-6332 ext. 6296
Grossmont Union High:
Jamul - Dulzura Union:
Julian Union: Carmen Longoria, phone: 760-765-2228
Julian Union High: Carroll Ruffell, phone: 760-765-0606 ext. 218
La Mesa-Spring Valley: Andrea Frost, phone: 619-668-5700 ext. 6224
Lakeside Union: Kim Reed, phone: 619-390-2608
Lemon Grove: Azucena Garcia, phone: 619-825-2880
Mountain Empire Unified: Cheryl Lugo, phone: 619-478-5930 ext. 901
National: Dalilah Gil, phone: 619-336-7795
Oceanside Unified: Dr. Jordy Sparks, phone: 760-966-7826
Poway Unified: Jami La Fuze, phone: 858-521-2748
Ramona Unified: Cielo Villasenor (bilingual), phone: 760-787-2074
Ramona Unified Sheryl Armstrong, phone: 760-787-2062
Rancho Santa Fe: Hannah Clements, phone: 858-756-1141 ext. 116
San Diego Unified: Pamel King, phone: 619-293-4431
San Dieguito Union High: Brieahna Weatherford
San Marcos Unified: Spencer Wavra, phone: 760-752-1271
San Pasqual: Julie Romero, phone: 760-745-4931
San Ysidro: Veronica Medina, phone: 619-428-4476 ext. 3083
Santee: Bonner Montler, phone: 619-258-2356
Solana Beach: Areana Chen, phone: 858-794 – 3773
South Bay: Crystal Escamilla, phone: 619-628-1667
Sweetwater Union High: Elvia Estrella, phone: 619-407-4933
Vallecitos: Maritza Koeppen, phone: 760-728-7092 ext. 229
Valley Center-Pauma: Maysa Bitar, 760-749-0464
Vista Unified: Jacqueline Bispo, phone: 760-726-2170 ext. 92011
Warner Unified: Andrea Sissons, phone: 760-782-3517 ext. 217

Resources

Downloadable Reports

Latino Educational Achievement Report
(PDF)

Family Engagement Framework Report - English (PDF)

Family Engagement Framework Report - Español (PDF)

Resources for College

Information and Support

SDCOE FAFA Completion Resources
College Board: College searches, practice SAT questions, loan information.
CollegeNet: College searches, financial aid, scholarship search, college recruiting, virtual bookstore.
CSU Mentor: Comprehensive guide to the California State University 23 campuses.
San Diego State University: Prospective students, other options, virtual tour.
University of California - San Diego
White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans