News You Can Use
October 29, 2020
Our First Newsletter!
Cambria Russell
Cambria Russell
Director of MASFEC
We are so excited to launch this newsletter! I hope you find these articles both inspiring and useful in your efforts to build stronger partnerships that help kids thrive.

Family Engagement work can be emotionally demanding, and too often under-valued, so we also want to take time to remind one another of the importance of self-care. Every issue will touch on this topic, because taking care of ourselves is an important part of sustaining the energy we need to be effective.

Tell us what you think of this issue and what you'd like to see in the future! Contact us at sfecma@fcsn.org.
Family Engagement Training of Trainers
MAFEC and the MA Family Engagement State Coalition invite applications for our Training of Trainers (ToT) Series. Applications are sought from practitioners interested in completing a Training of Trainers and advancing this framework for family engagement in Massachusetts. Trainings take place in January, and applications are due November 6.
What is Family Engagement?
If you ask a roomful of people to define family engagement, you often get a roomful of answers! Many people have their own definition, which is often informed by their own experience. This can be problematic!
Election Reading List
Former educator turned children's author Mathangi Subramanian, Ed.D. has agreed to share her ideas for engaging children in the world around them while developing a love of reading. Check out her recent review of books that celebrate voting and democratic participation.
Fun and Easy Ways
to Support Early Reading
Every month, we produce a seasonally-inspired and entertaining Family Literacy Calendar. Perfect for sharing with families you work with - or cuddle up with a kid and enjoy!
MASFEC Groups for Families
MASFEC partners with a number of community organizations to offer supportive discussion groups for families. We directly facilitate two online parent/caregiver groups – one in English and one in Spanish. Upcoming Sessions take place November 5 and December 3 at 5pm.
Monster Math!
Halloween Activities for Preschoolers
Looking for a way to get into the Halloween spirit without leaving the house? Try doing some Monster Math! These activities for children aged six and younger require little preparation, and can be done with just a pencil and a piece of paper. Have fun with math
Self-Care is Fundamental
Andrea Parker leads a restorative mindfulness session every Monday - 10-15 minutes per week, "just for you."

  • Educators: Register now for weekly, live, virtual mindfulness sessions
  • Anyone can benefit from the 12-minute recording from our first session. Take a deep breath, then click play
Join the Effort to Reframe Family Engagement
  1. Forward this email to a friend!
  2. Encourage colleagues to sign up for our mailing list
  3. Follow and share our posts on Twitter @MAFamEngage



Learning Opportunities for Educators
Reframing the Conversation: How to Talk About Family & Community Engagement So People Will Listen - Whether you are in education, healthcare, human services or child development, this training will help you build a high-impact family engagement program. Nov 16, Nov 23 and Dec 2 from 3-4:30pm (EST). Learn More

Positive Solutions for Families Train-the-Trainer
Free 10-hour virtual training for educators interested in beginning a positive behavioral support program for families. A new session starts each month. Learn More

Massachusetts Statewide Family Engagement Center
A program of the Federation for Children with Special Needs
529 Main Street, Suite 1M3 | Boston, MA 02129
617.236.7210 | www.masfec.org