Students returning to or starting classes in the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district this fall will have some extra help available.
The district Department of Student and Family Engagement was designed to help with school transitions and staff members work with parents, guardians and families to ensure Plymouth Canton students have what they need to learn and succeed. Department counselors can help provide students and families with access to health care services, vision screenings, dental appointments, mental health resources and other wraparound services if needed, including access to food, clothing, toiletries and school supplies, according to a prepared statement.
“Family involvement and engagement can make a world of positive difference in our students' education, in the classroom and beyond,” Plymouth Canton Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Monica L. Merritt said. “Plymouth-Canton Community Schools is excited to provide a valuable resource to foster greater collaboration and partnership among our students, families and P-CCS team to help every child learn, prepare and thrive.”
The department was formed as part of the district 2021-2027 Dynamic Plan to increase achievement for all students and close achievement gaps. Assistant Superintendent Dr. Liz Vartanian-Gibbs said the department supports a culture of equity; facilitates family engagement programs that are diverse, integrated and sustained; and connects family involvement to student success.
The department also includes teacher engagement specialists, family liaisons, a mental health manager, nurse manager, nurse specialist and an executive assistant. The staff works directly with students to serve as accountability partners and to provide them with resources to support their success. Community partners such as The Salvation Army, Kiwanis, Rotary Club, The United Way, The Clothing Bank, University of Michigan Nursing Department, Western Wayne County Suicide Prevention Coalition and others are also key allies, officials said.
Vartanian-Gibbs encouraged families and students to follow the department newsletter to stay updated on department services, offerings and events. The department can be reached at (734) 416-2754 or by emailing sfe@pccsk12.com.
“Child outcomes improve considerably when schools and families collaborate on individual student's needs, goals, programs, and progress - and that's what the Student and Family Engagement Department focuses on,” Vartanian-Gibbs said. “We encourage all families and students to get involved with our many wonderful resources and programs because that engagement is so critical to helping students achieve their maximum potential.”
