Creating partnerships with parents and caregivers has always been important, but now more than ever, school systems are challenged to bring families into schools as true partners. The Authentic Family Engagement Summit will bring together district and school leaders from across the country to explore current topics and cutting-edge ideas around family engagement.
Registered in the 2024-2025 Authentic Family Engagement Certification Program? Look in the AFE LMS powered by Canvas for your promotional code for free registration.
The Authentic Family Engagement Summit, taking place from April 2-4, is open to all participants. We extend our gratitude to Trent North, Superintendent of the Douglas County School System in Georgia, and his team for graciously hosting us. Located just 23 miles from downtown Atlanta, the Douglas County School System serves approximately 26,000 students and employs 3,500 staff, making it the largest employer in the county. Along with the DCSS staff, our co-leads – Deborah Bergeron, Deputy Director for Community Engagement and Innovation at the National Head Start Association, and Nate Quesnel, Head of School at Norwich Free Academy (Conn.) – will lead participants through the learning experience, providing actionable strategies that can be applied in your district, and guiding you through essential questions:
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Schedule Summary
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Wednesday, April 2
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The meeting will be held at the HQ Hotel (information and link to book below)). Check-in will begin at 2:35 PM, and we will start our learning and collaboration at 2:40 PM. The session will feature a presentation from Community in Schools, highlighting their model for engaging communities and families in schools, as well as how school systems can leverage these resources and insights to strengthen their own Authentic Family Engagement practices. The day will conclude with a reception.
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Thursday,
April 3
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We will meet in the lobby at 7:45 AM to travel to Douglas County School District (DCSS). During our visit, we will explore DCSS’s family engagement strategies, focusing on addressing our essential questions. The session will be led by AASA co-leads Deborah Bergeron, Deputy Director for Community Engagement and Innovation at the National Head Start Association, and Nate Quesnel, Head of School at Norwich Free Academy (CT), alongside the DCSS district team. We will see DCSS strategies in action through visits to Arbor Station Elementary School and other district locations. The day will wrap up at 4:00 PM, after which we will board the bus to return to the headquarters hotel. Lunch will be provided, and dinner will be on your own to explore the area.
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Friday
April 4
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Our meeting will begin at the HQ Hotel at 8:30 AM. We will continue with our learning session, during which participants will engage in a collaborative activity to identify key takeaways and set implementation goals that will positively impact their work. Our keynote speaker will be Jennifer Love. The session will wrap up at noon.
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Hotel: The Headquarter Hotel is the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, 265 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30303
AASA link to book a room at the Headquarter Hotel: Authentic Family Engagement
Questions: sstjohn@aasa.org
Photo & Video Consent:
AASA may be photographing and videotaping at this program/event. By attending this program/event, you grant AASA, or anyone authorized by AASA, permission to use any image, photograph, video, voice, or likeness, without limitation, in its promotional materials and publicity efforts without compensation. All media becomes the property of AASA and may be displayed, distributed, or otherwise used by AASA for any purpose.
Cancellation Policy
Location: Douglas County Schools, GA