Educators discussing family engagement at a recent meeting in Marquette, Michigan.

On September 16th, educational leaders from across the Upper Peninsula gathered in Marquette for the UPLifting Families Network Kick-Off Retreat. This event marked the start of the UPLifting Families Network, part of a new statewide program focused on building a network supporting educators, providing educational programs, and linking families to community resources. Strengthening family engagement in meaningful ways around education is a key factor that research shows is one of the strongest predictors of a child's success in school and beyond.

The program aims to actively involve parents and families in their childrens’ educational journeys from preschool through age 20. By building strong partnerships between schools and families, we can create supportive learning environments both at home and in the classroom. At the retreat, attendees participated in workgroups and discussions to develop strategies for effective family engagement and to promote literacy.

Leading this initiative for Region 1 (U.P.) is Dayna Browning, who serves as the Network Coordinator and MiFamily Engagement and Literacy Coordinator.

“I am beyond excited to build on the incredible work that our yooper families, literacy hubs, Great Start Collaboratives, Parent Coalitions, local school districts, and community partners have already begun. The UP is the perfect playground for a literacy-based project that will bring our families and communities closer together to create a stronger, safer and more literate future for our children," said Browning.

The UPLifting Families Network will aim to collaborate with and expand upon existing partnerships and strengths in the UP, such as the UPReads.org network and the Talking is Teaching community campaign.

The UPLifting Families network is funded by Section 35i of the State of Michigan budget, highlighting the state's motivation to improve educational outcomes through family involvement. This funding allows the network to provide resources, training, and support to schools and communities dedicated to making a positive impact.

The CCISD is dedicated to this important work and encourages staff and community members to get involved in upcoming events and initiatives associated with UPLifting Families across the UP over the coming years.