Groups of people sit at tables in a gymnasium with a display saying 'YATES' in the background

Yates Elementary Schools hosts a family engagement event. Photo submitted by Lizbeth Garcia

My name is Lizbeth Garcia, and I have had the privilege of working for Fayette County Public Schools for the past seven years. Currently, I serve as the family and community liaison at Yates Elementary School, where I have the opportunity to work closely with both our families and community.

The opportunity to pursue the Family Friendly Certificate was introduced to us by the Family and Community Engagement (FACE) department at the district office. When our principal, Liz Kirk, became aware of this initiative, she expressed great interest in obtaining the certificate for Yates. She reached out to me and I began the process of collecting the necessary data and documentation to ensure our school met the criteria to be considered a Family Friendly School.

To begin the process, we prioritized gathering feedback from our families to evaluate our performance as a Family Friendly School. We dedicated one of our family nights to provide an opportunity for parents to complete these surveys, making the process both easy and convenient for them. Ensuring accessibility is key; if we make it difficult for families to share their input, we risk missing out on valuable feedback.

After collecting the survey results, the next step was to form a family engagement action team, which included parents, staff members and administrators. This team participated in a similar survey to assess our performance and also completed training modules to deepen their understanding of family engagement.

Once I had gathered all the necessary feedback, I worked closely with colleagues to collect reports, meeting agendas, photographs, and other supporting materials. This information was critical in demonstrating how our practices align with the standards required for certification.

Although the process was extensive, it provided a valuable opportunity for reflection on our practices. It highlighted the significant accomplishments we, as a school community, have achieved and underscored the importance of taking a moment to celebrate these successes. It also emphasized how the small details truly matter, whether it’s the warm welcome families receive at the front office or meeting parents where they are. These actions create a sense of safety and belonging, making families feel welcomed into our school community.

This should always be our primary focus: having a supportive, inclusive environment where students and families feel like part of a larger family. When we prioritize these connections, it leads to increased family involvement, which, in turn, has a positive impact on the success and well-being of our students and their families.

While completing this certificate, I saw that there were certainly areas where we could improve, but I was also reminded of the many ways in which we are already making a positive impact. Achieving the Family Friendly Certificate was not just a recognition of our current efforts, but a moment to celebrate Yates Elementary as a whole.

I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable support I received before submitting my work. The Prichard Committee guided me with thoughtful questions and provided clear assistance throughout the application process, which was incredibly helpful. Additionally, I want to express my gratitude to my former FACE district representative, Caroline Ford, for her support and guidance throughout the journey.

I highly encourage schools to begin working toward achieving this certification. It brings significant value to your students, families, staff, and overall school community.

Being invited to the State Capitol and celebrated there was truly an honor, especially with Governor Andy Beshear offering his congratulations in a speech. And let’s not forget the pride that comes with receiving the large banner that marks this achievement. As soon as my principal was able to order it, it proudly went up in our main office.

If I can do it, so can you! Take the first step today – you won’t regret it!

Each year, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence awards Family Friendly Schools Certification to a group of schools and early care centers. This school and 53 others earned the certification in 2024. For more details on Family Friendly Schools Certification, visit the Prichard Committee’s family engagement website.