April_External Weekly Newsletter
April 2024
April Newsletter
As we embrace the vibrant energy of April, let's renew our commitment to fostering resilient families and vibrant communities. This month let’s continue to focus on the power of connectivity – within families, across neighborhoods, and throughout our FACE network. We know that family and community engagement are the heartbeat of a thriving society. These powerful words remind us that when families and communities unite, they create the pulse of progress and prosperity. Together, we can build a brighter future for all. As we march toward the end of the year, let's ensure we finish strong in our efforts to support families and strengthen communities. Thank you for your unwavering dedication and tireless efforts.
In Community,
Adrienne
Need FACE Support?
FACE Support Request Form - Please share this form with your school team. It is to be used for schools requesting support from the Family and Community Engagement department. It will allow us to track requests and ensure that the requests are routed to the correct individuals on our team.
Important Dates
Below are dates when advocates and CSRCs will be out of the building for FACE meetings.
April
11 - HFPAC Meeting at The Oak (Family Advocates ONLY)
17 - Divisional Team Meeting
18 - Faith Based Leaders Luncheon
Upcoming at The Oak Avenue Complex
RVA Fitness Warriors - NEW
All Together Tuesday
April's event has been canceled.
Kindergarten Registration Support at The Oak Complex
Please share the information below with your school communities.
Department of Social Services + FACE Partnership
Henrico County Department of Social Services Benefit Programs Division has begun residency at The Oak Avenue Complex. The department will offer benefits support every Thursday from 8am until 4:30pm with a Benefits Program Specialist. A Spanish Benefits Program Specialist will be available on the fourth Thursday of every month.
Learn + Play at The Oak
Learning Made Fun for children childbirth to five years old is still occurring on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month starting at 11am. Something fun and exciting for your children to learn while playing and gaining social/emotional skills that will benefit them in Pre-K and Kindergarten classroom settings.
Liaisons from HCPS Early Learning Preschool will also be onsite to offer support with completion of the pre-screen online application and/or reviewing required documents.
Team Excel & Building Constructive Community Foundation
Team Excel and Building Constructive Community Foundation is conducting a series called Barbershop Conversations & Wellness on the third Sunday of each month from 2pm-4pm at The Oak Complex. We are providing a safe place for young (high school age) and older male individuals to address topics that are often not openly discussed. This space allows participants to get serviced by our practicing barber interns (ACE at Virginia Randolph) and professional barbers while exploring and sharing their thoughts/concerns.
Family Education Resource Center
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Bridge Builders Academy
April 11th- Recognizing and Supporting HCPS’ Military Connected Families. 6pm Fairfield Area Library
Bridge Builders Academy
Self Determination in Early Childhood
April 26th - RSVP Required to attend.
Bridge Builders Academy
April 11th- Recognizing and Supporting HCPS’ Military Connected Families. 6pm Fairfield Area Library
April 26th- Self- Determination in Early Childhood (RSVP required for materials)
Publix School Sponsorship
Thank you to all of the schools that have submitted the application for the Publix School Community Sponsorship. The review committee will notify those who have been selected the week of April 15th. ExEd Support Have a student experiencing challenges with Executive Functioning Skills? Harvard University has put out a pamphlet to help families with activities for adolescents.
Resource Information
FACE Support Request Form - Please share this form with your school team. It is to be used for schools requesting support from the Family and Community Engagement department. It will allow us to track requests and ensure that the requests are routed to the correct individuals on our team.
Neighborhood Resource Center serves families who are in the Williamsburg road vicinity from Richmond city to Sandston. They provide families with resources and support for credit building, medical debt relief, and more.
A Guide to Partnerships and Resources
The Giving Wall -The Giving Wall offers a dignified means for families to access the assistance they need. School personnel can utilize this resource to identify specific needs within their student population and connect families with the necessary support. Whether it's clothing, household essentials, or educational resources, The Giving Wall fosters a sense of community care and ensures that families facing crisis receive the assistance and compassion they deserve.Submit a request for a family’s need to be met today: The Giving Wall: Family Needs/Requests (google.com)
FeedMore Food Pantry Catalog for Henrico English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian
Utility assistance programs: Water, Fuel (opens Nov. 1), Internet- Affordable Connectivity Program
HandsOn Volunteerism - Leverage our resource and partnership with the Community Foundation: HandsOn, to support our schools. Our platform connects passionate individuals with various volunteer opportunities that make a profound impact on our educational community. Whether it's lending a hand during holiday events, assisting teachers, or aiding in special school programs, volunteers can truly brighten the lives of students and educators alike. Submit a request today for your school community and receive the support you need.
Volatia Support
Is your school well versed in utilization of Volatia? If you are interested on trainings for Volatia use, Language Access, and general information about the Family Resource Center. Please email ansimms@henrico.k12.va.us to request training during our next staff meeting.
Community Partnerships Updates
- April 18, 2024 - Faith-based Leaders Luncheon II - FaithLeadersLuncheon_Apr 18.pdf
- April 20, 2024 - Annual Denim Drive Collection - See flyer and details above.
Committee Updates
FACE Committee
- The FACE Committee is excited to connect virtually on April 16th at 7:00 pm.
- The purpose of this group is to be Intentional, Impactful, and Transformative around programs and practices that Empower all stakeholders to ensure optimum outcomes for student and family success.
- Our Bridging HCPS guest will be Tina Alsop, Director of Federal Programs and Foundational Learning. An overview of Federal Programs can be found here.
- Are you looking to join the conversation, or know someone who does? Complete the FACE Committee Interest Form to be added to the calendar invitation and future communications.