Community Relations - Family and Community Engagement

As the Director of Community Relations, I have the privilege of working with site teams that are involved with programs and activities that address parental engagement. Parent/family engagement is one of the strongest factors in helping our students succeed in school, yet often we are not sure how to re-engage families that have felt disconnected from students’ academic communities. In the beginning of a child’s education, parents are often involved and engaged in their student’s school activities. However, that interconnectedness dwindles as students grow older and parents’ lives become busier. Unfortunately, this distance can take a toll on student achievement.

Fortunately, the implementation of the Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF) and creation of our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) has allowed us to formally revisit the importance of school/parent/community partnerships and direct our efforts toward building these relationships. Goal four of our District LCAP Goals addresses the importance of this outreach and these connections: “CJUHSD will provide effective communication and strong relationships with all stakeholders.”

I have had the opportunity to meet with parents throughout our District, and have found through heartfelt conversations that there is a renewed interest on the part of parents and community members to re-engage with our schools to help not just their own students, but to support all students.

Parents and community members have shared many positive stories involving the positive impact our teachers and sites have had on students. Their positive comments far outweigh any concerns expressed, and this positivity is a direct result of the community relations that take place in our classrooms, offices and play fields every day. But we can do more. Through strong and healthy collaborations that involve family and community engagement opportunities, we will provide the greatest opportunity for our students to succeed. When our students succeed, our entire community succeeds.

Thank you for taking time to view my webpage.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like more information regarding parent/community partnerships and training opportunities.

Nora Hourani-Farraj
Director
Phone: (909) 983-7102 Ext. 2202
Email: nora.hourani-farraj@cjuhsd.net