Parents are vital partners in the education of their children. You play a critical role as your child's first teacher and are valued partners in the educational process. I have a son and, as a mother, one of the most important things I can do is to be involved in my child's educational experience.

In SBISD, we value parent involvement in decision-making in support of student academic achievement. Partnerships with parents and the broader community are vital for our success. SBISD encourages the participation of parents in regular, two-way and meaningful communication involving student academic learning and other school activities.

This year I am excited to strengthen SBISD's parent engagement through the efforts of our Family E3 team. Family Education, Engagement and Empowerment (Family E3) is SBISD's framework to ensure a sustained, strategic emphasis on families as partners in supporting the academic and social-emotional growth and development of Every Child. All families can support their child's learning. Family E3 supports and strengthens that capacity, and ability to provide support.

Many of you are probably familiar with SBISD's Parent U learning events. These special opportunities, often with a speaker or expert, are part of a much larger and growing body of work we're investing in as a learning organization. Why? Because we know student success starts with family success. From improved customer services initiatives, expanded family supports and deepening professional development for our staff, SBISD's Family E3 framework is foundational to this critical work.

Below is a listing of helpful resources for parents to assist them in being active advocates for their student's education. I encourage you to reach out to your campus for additional support. We don't do this work alone! Thank you for being an active partner in your child's academic success.

SBISD's Student and Families website
SBISD's Student Services website
U.S. Department of Education website The Parent Toolkit
Parent Teacher Association website