Imagine a school where parents and caregivers hug teachers, not just for gratitude, but for giving them the tools to unlock their children’s potential at home. This is the magic unfolding at Ceres Elementary and Danbrook Elementary, two schools fueled by the Cotsen Family Engagement Grant to redefine how families connect with learning.
At Ceres Elementary in the East Whittier School District, Cotsen mentor Esmeralda De Avila turned April 2025 into a celebration of family empowerment. With the support provided by the Cotsen Family Engagement Grant, she launched a month-long series of caregiver workshops, hosting two to three sessions weekly. Parents arrived to find dinner, childcare, snacks, and raffle prizes waiting—an inviting setup that made learning accessible and fun. Three of her first-year Cotsen fellows, Gemma Guerrero-Lopez, Stephanie Calvillo, and Peggy Salinas, boldly stepped out of their comfort zones to lead sessions. They taught parents how to tackle fractions using Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), demystified Common Core for first graders, and shared spelling strategies for upper-grade students using base words, prefixes, and suffixes. The effort was immense, but Esmeralda noted it’s all worth it when parents, beaming with pride, share how these workshops have transformed their ability to support their kids at home.
Meanwhile, Danbrook Elementary in the Centralia School District brought a literary spark to their community. On April 15, 2025, they welcomed acclaimed author Isabel Quintero to read her vibrant book, My Papi Has a Motorcycle, in three captivating sessions for all students and their caregivers. Thanks to the Cotsen Family Engagement Grant and the vision of Julie Ellis, a Cotsen fellow supported by her Cotsen mentor Liza Bernard, parents joined the excitement. Every family received signed copies of Quintero’s book in English or Spanish, creating a shared experience that bridged home and school. Parents glowed with joy as they connected with their children through this literary adventure. The success of these sessions marked a cornerstone of Julie’s “Danbrook University,” a visionary initiative where, throughout the year, caregivers and educators co-plan and co-lead bilingual workshops in Spanish and English, fostering literacy and deepening community ties.
The Cotsen Family Engagement Grant is more than funding—it’s a catalyst for building stronger, more connected school communities. If you’re a current Cotsen mentor, fellow, or alumnus, don’t miss your chance to spark change. Visit “Our Grants” on the Cotsen website and click “Family Engagement Grant” to learn how you can bring this kind of inspiration to your school.
Family Engagement at Danbrook Elementary School, Centralia School District
Family Engagement at Ceres Elementary School, East Whittier School District