{"id":103244,"date":"2025-12-21T01:47:34","date_gmt":"2025-12-21T01:47:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/103244\/"},"modified":"2025-12-21T01:47:34","modified_gmt":"2025-12-21T01:47:34","slug":"maple-elementary-elevates-family-engagement-through-new-video-series","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/103244\/","title":{"rendered":"Maple Elementary Elevates Family Engagement Through New Video Series"},"content":{"rendered":"

At Maple Elementary in Shafter, education isn\u2019t limited to the school day \u2014 it continues around the kitchen table, in living rooms, and other places where families gather, talk, and learn together. Recognizing that many parents are unable to attend traditional evening events, the district found a creative way to meet families where they are, using simple videos and activities to strengthen connections, support students, and keep the rural community rooted in family learning.<\/p>\n

In the past, Maple Elementary hosted parent engagement nights on campus. However, the district found that participation was limited, as parents would often require alternative childcare in order to attend. Because of this challenge, district leaders came together to rethink how they could better connect and communicate with families. <\/p>\n

Over the summer, Superintendent Bryan Easter sat down with Community Coordinator Sarah Petkin, Parents as Teachers Caseworker Elizabeth Martinez, and school leadership to identify key areas where families could be supported through meaningful, accessible content. Together, the group developed eight focus areas designed to elevate families and help ensure students are successful both at home and in the classroom.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe started brainstorming new ways to engage families differently,\u201d Easter said. \u201cThat\u2019s when we landed on video content that could be paired with simple activities meant to elevate families.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Maple families received this flyer with upcoming dates for Maple Family Nights and a QR code to access the Parent Engagement Videos.<\/p>\n

For families like the Gonzalezes, the impact has been both immediate and meaningful.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been a part of the Maple family for over eight years, and while this video is something new, our family has truly benefited from learning and applying the facts shown in the videos,\u201d said Maple parent Cecilia Gonzalez. \u201cSince implementing these tools, I\u2019ve noticed my children are more focused and in much better moods!\u201d<\/p>\n

One standout activity was a family bonding bingo card tied to the third episode, titled \u201cFamily Conversations,\u201d which was released during Thanksgiving Break. The activity encouraged families to use their time together to strengthen communication and relationships at home.<\/p>\n

This week, Maple released the newest installment in the project, aligned with the district\u2019s 2025 theme, \u201cKeepin\u2019 It Rural \u2014 Rooted in Family, Community, and Education.\u201d The latest video, \u201cLife Skills,\u201d highlights the importance of involving children in everyday tasks at home \u2014 such as counting money, completing chores, memorizing phone numbers and addresses, and developing responsibility. The accompanying activity is a chore chart sent home with students, a tool parents will especially appreciate heading into the holiday.<\/p>\n

District leaders say the connection between strong family engagement and student success is undeniable.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur students are growing substantially in academics,\u201d Easter said. \u201cWhen families are communicating, students are sleeping well, and mornings are more peaceful, kids arrive at school happier and healthier \u2014 and that sets the tone for a better day of learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Easter explained that the purpose of the videos centers on the powerful messages that students need to show up healthy and ready to engage. Attendance offers one way to measure how those conditions are being met, and in recent years the district has seen chronic absenteeism decline from 11 percent to under 6 percent.<\/p>\n

Since launching the video series, Maple has seen measurable results, and the initiative has positively influenced both campus culture and family involvement. Parent-teacher conferences drew strong participation this year, back-to-school night was highly successful, and communication with families has undergone a complete transformation. Students are even asking their parents at home whether they\u2019ve watched the latest video, showing that the message is resonating well beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n

While this video series was created with Maple Elementary families in mind, it is not exclusive to the district. The content is publicly accessible and available for other schools and districts to utilize.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Easter explained that smaller districts often develop strong partnerships and creativity due to limited funding. Since schools everywhere face similar challenges, he hopes sharing these resources will help others overcome barriers with boosting family engagement and supporting student well-being.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe believe that stronger families directly impact the success of our Mustangs,\u201d Easter added. \u201cThis has been a fun and meaningful project, and we are very proud of the work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Below are the two most recent videos. The complete video series can be found on the district\u2019s Youtube HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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