Melrose Elementary Strengthens Family Engagement Through Literacy and Parenting Workshops

Melrose Elementary School has prioritized robust family and community engagement efforts by offering a series of meaningful workshops designed to empower parents and support student learning. With approximately 67% of Melrose students identified as English learners, the school has been intentional in creating opportunities for families to become active partners in their children’s education.

This year, 36 parents successfully completed the Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) Family Literacy program. The initiative consisted of eight two-hour sessions that focused on equipping parents with strategies to support literacy development in both English and their home language of Spanish. This bilingual approach not only acknowledges the linguistic assets of Melrose families but also strengthens the home-school connection. To honor participants’ commitment, the school hosted a special graduation ceremony, celebrating their achievement and continued investment in their children’s academic success.

In addition to literacy support, over 35 Melrose parents have participated in Disciplina Positiva (Positive Discipline), completing five cycles since the program’s introduction last year. Each cycle spans approximately eight weeks and emphasizes kind yet assertive parenting practices that foster strong relational connections, similar in philosophy to the Love and Logic model. Parents remain connected with facilitators and one another through WhatsApp, where they share advice, encouragement, and continue their collaborative learning outside of class sessions.

Melrose Elementary continues to deepen its focus on community and parent engagement. This year, the school has made a concerted effort to elevate family voices by soliciting their hopes, dreams, and needs for their children’s educational journey. A key element of this outreach includes monthly “Coffee with the Principal” gatherings, which begin with conocimiento—a culturally responsive practice of building relationships through shared knowledge. These meetings also serve as a platform to inform families about academic initiatives, such as the implementation of Guided Language Acquisition Design (GLAD) strategies to support literacy instruction.

To further foster community spirit, Melrose hosted its first-ever “Coffee with the Principal Parent Egg Hunt” in April. The event brought joy and novelty to many participants, some of whom experienced an egg hunt for the first time. Staff members generously donated gift cards for the golden and silver egg finders, adding an element of excitement and gratitude to the occasion.

Through these efforts, Melrose Elementary continues to model how inclusive, culturally responsive engagement can strengthen the school community and support student achievement.