New Platinum certification level being launched as part of program

HISD Family and Community Engagement Department (FACE) continues to make strides with its Family Friendly Schools program, experiencing a new record-high number of 170 campuses seeking to be certified for the 2018-2019 school year.   

Now in its fourth year, the Family Friendly School Program is bringing a new challenge: earning Platinum Certification. Launched during the 2015-2016 school year, the program focuses on guiding campuses who embark in a concerted effort to carry-out research-based activities and strategies to build relationships with families, link family events to student learning, develop parent capacity, and honor families’ diversity.  

“We continue to build on the success of the program to partner with our schools to have that inviting and welcoming environment for our families,” said Dr. Kenneth Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Equity and Outreach. “We believe that is critical to have a foundation that will set path for successful parent and community involvement. Having parent organizations, providing families with opportunity to give feedback, and equipping them with information and resources to support learning at home, will help set that strong foundation.” 

Since its inception in HISD, the Family Friendly Schools program has certified 26 schools in 2015-16, 61 schools in 2016-17, and 122 in the 2017-18 school year. “It is amazing to see the number of participating campuses increase year over year, which prompted adding a new certification level to challenge our past top-certified schools,” said Candice Castillo, senior manager for FACE. “Great things are happening at all of our campuses and aligning these efforts with the Family Friendly School framework provides an opportunity for greater outreach and impact.” 

Participating campuses have a couple of more weeks to complete all required activities in order to be considered for the 2018-2019 certification program. For questions about the program, contact HISD FACE at 713-556-7290 or via email at FACE@HoustonISD.org.