District Newsletter: Our Family Liaison Team and How They Can Help You

Many families who could benefit from the district's family liaison services do not know those services exist, or do not feel confident reaching out. A newsletter that describes the team clearly, lists languages spoken, and gives specific examples of how liaisons have helped families removes the barriers that keep many people from asking.

Who Is on the Family Liaison Team

Our district family liaison team includes [number] community liaisons who collectively speak [list languages]. Each liaison is assigned to a cluster of schools and serves as the district's bridge to families who may face language barriers, are new to the area, or are navigating complex situations. Liaisons are not administrators. They are community members who understand the system and can help families navigate it.

What a Liaison Can Help With

Family liaisons can help with: understanding and preparing for IEP or 504 meetings; enrolling a student who has recently moved; connecting with food, housing, or mental health resources in the community; accessing translation for school documents or events; understanding report cards, test scores, or disciplinary actions; and navigating the enrollment process for specialized programs.

How to Reach Your Liaison

Contact information for all family liaisons is posted on the district website and at each school office. You can also call the district main number and ask for the family liaison team. Liaisons are available at schools on scheduled days and can meet families at a community location or by phone if that is more convenient. You do not need to explain why you are calling before you are connected.

Languages Available

Our liaison team currently provides direct support in [list languages]. For languages not available through the team, the district has a contract with a telephonic and video interpretation service that can be arranged for any school meeting. Request interpretation at least three days in advance for scheduled meetings.

A Sample Family Liaison Newsletter Excerpt

"Our family liaison team is here for you. They speak [languages]. They can help you prepare for school meetings, find resources in the community, and navigate anything in the school system that feels confusing. You do not need to have a problem to call. If you are not sure whether they can help, call and ask. Here is how to reach them."

Success Stories

With family permission, here are examples of how liaisons have helped this year: [brief anonymized story 1, such as a family navigating the special education process for the first time]; [brief anonymized story 2, such as a recently arrived family who needed help enrolling three children across two schools]; [brief anonymized story 3]. These stories are shared to help other families see themselves in the service.

How to Give Feedback

Families who have worked with a liaison and want to share their experience can complete a short feedback form at [URL]. Feedback helps us improve the program and understand which services are most valuable. Daystage newsletters include a direct contact link for the family liaison team so any family can reach out immediately.