Family Engagement

Meaningful collaboration between school staff and families is a powerful driver of student success, enhancing health, well-being and academic achievement both inside and outside the classroom. By fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, educators can actively involve families in the learning process, building strong partnerships that support each student’s growth and development.

Resources

• Parents for Healthy Schools: Helps schools, school groups, and school wellness committees encourage parent involvement in school health
• Family Engagement in Schools: A Comprehensive Guide: Provides strategies and tools to meaningfully and continuously engage families in their children’s learning and development

Contacts

• Emma Smythe, School Health Coordinator, Indiana Department of Health
  • esmythe@health.in.gov
• Leslie Brinson, Recreation Services General Manager, City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation
  • brinsonl@bloomington.in.gov
• Anna Tolbert, Youth Coordinator, Switzerland County YMCA
  • atolbert@switzymca.org
• Cheryl Kilmark, Program Management Specialist, IU Health GOAL (Get on Board Active Living)
  • ckilmark@iu.org
• Shannon Burhans, President and CEO, Portage Township YMCA
  • shannon@ymcaofportage.org
• Chelsy Winters, Associate Vice President of Wellness and Health Initiatives, YMCA of Greater Indianapolis
  • cwinters@indymca.org