Meeting families where they are - parent teacher home visits work!


Monday, September 18 kicks off National Parent Teacher Home Visit Week. This is a particularly celebratory time for us here in WCSD since parent teacher home visits have long been a part of our culture. Every year, educators across our district spend their afternoons and evenings meeting students and families where they are – in their homes and communities. Last year, 234 team members participated in 1,555 home visits; that is more than 35 visits every week. The research on the impact of strong parent teacher home visit programs is clear: in schools with at least 10% of students receiving home visits, students are 22% less likely to be chronically absent.  

  

But I do not rely on the research alone—I have experienced the power of these visits firsthand. Last year, I joined team members on some of their home visits, and to say it is a bucket-filler is an understatement. Not only did I have a chance to build meaningful connections with our students, families and team, but I also heard directly from parents, guardians and a few abuelas about what they need to support their children to be successful. 

 

Susan with a group of people on a home visit 

 

On Monday, I joined Sparks High School teachers Martha Silva and Michael Austria on their home visit with 12th grade student Nelson and his mother, Ana. I heard about Nelson’s experiences at Sparks and Ana’s hopes for her son and enjoyed some amazing homemade pupusas along with the great conversation and company! I’m grateful to Ana and Nelson for welcoming me into their home. I am proud that our new strategic plan clearly states our commitment to building and sustaining strong partnerships among families, community and school. I encourage you to visit our website for information on WCSD’s Parent Teacher Home Visit Program. You can also click here to learn about the national parent teacher home visit model and even read an interview they did with me last year. 

 

Comments

  1. TammySeptember 17, 2023 at 8:04 AM

    As a former blogger, I know how much work it is to do a blog. As a retired teacher, I'm annoyed you are using WCSD resources to do it. The time and energy would be better served doing something other than PR for yourself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2023 at 10:25 PM

      I absolutely agree. As a WCSD teacher, I am ashamed our “leader” is spending her time doing this blog, then providing students and staff what they need. Especially since our teacher contract is still in negotiation.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2023 at 10:29 PM

      (Edited to fix my error): I absolutely agree. As a WCSD teacher, I am ashamed our “leader” is spending her time doing this blog, INSTEAD of providing students and staff what they need. Especially since our teacher contract is still in negotiation. We don’t get paid a livable salary and have to work multiple jobs, but she has so much free time that she can run a blog? Ridiculous and degrading.

      Delete
    3. AnonymousSeptember 20, 2023 at 12:10 PM

      I'm sure the Superintendent has some sort of Executive Assistant to do the writing (just as the President has speech writers) and she probably spends a minute editing to reflect her own personality. I appreciate the communication that we're getting and the obvious effort I've noticed in keeping us more informed whether via this blog or other means, especially the recent emails about APTA negotiations even within hours of the "impasse." It makes me wonder what else is APTA demanding that they have refused to accept what looks like a reasonable proposal to me from the District which includes a 16% ANNUAL salary increase in the first year? That is not a typo... 16% !!!

      Delete
    4. Dr. Susan EnfieldSeptember 27, 2023 at 9:15 AM

      Thank you for taking the time to read and share your concerns. Since my arrival in Washoe County, I have promised to communicate in as many ways as possible to my colleagues, students, families and members of the community. My blog is just another method to accomplish this. Thank you again for providing your feedback.
      Susan

      Delete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2023 at 6:16 PM

    As a parent of three kids in the district- I am so proud of the amazing work you are leading! Thank you for being visible!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dr. Susan EnfieldSeptember 28, 2023 at 11:16 AM

    Thank you for your kind words and for being an advocate in your children's education. The amazing work is part of our WCSD promise and is done in partnership with our families and community. So, thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 21, 2023 at 2:25 PM

    Dr. Enfield—I carefully watch what you are doing as the WCSD Superintendent. The communication and transparency you provide are top notch. Keep it up, please.

    ReplyDelete

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