AASD Families,

My name is Patti Lombardi and I am the Family Engagement Coordinator here at AASD.

Countless studies show that student success rates are very closely tied to parental involvement at school. The closer the family feels to school and the child’s education process, the better the students’ outcomes!

Please know that you are always welcome at AASD. Come whenever you can and come often! My desk is in the Family Resource Room just off the front lobby.

I would love to meet you, chat over a cup of coffee, show you around, and hear your concerns. I can be reached at 404-300-5858 or plombardi@doe.k12.ga.us.

What is family engagement?
Family engagement is intentional parental involvement in supporting a child’s education both at home and at school. Engagement happens in many ways:

• Building ever growing partnership between school, home, and the community.
• Through a welcoming family-friendly school environment.
• In a culture that promotes the easy parent access, volunteerism, support, advocacy, and visibility.
• We help empower families to more easily navigate special education and the IEP (Individual Education Plan) process.
• Celebrating diversity in a  language rich community of families who honor and seek to understand the experience of their deaf child and learn to use American Sign Language.
• As a cooperative partnership between families, teachers, and school support staff.

Does my child want me at school?
Remember the odd mixture of pride and embarrassment you felt as a child when one of your family members came to school, saw where you spent your days, and met your teachers? Maybe your family did not come to school, but you always wish they did. Children love when family members come to school. They are proud of you. They are proud of their school, their teachers, their friends, and their culture. Whenever those things connect, they are thrilled, self-esteem is built, and their education experience is strengthened.

How can I support my child when we live so far away?
Keep an eye out for Regional Parent Meetings (RPM). RPMs are school sponsored gatherings close to your home. We bring together local State School families and resource providers to engage in helpful dialogue and learning. Our Family Engagement Team from the State Schools host these valuable gatherings several times each year across the 30 counties we serve. See the family engagement calendar for details.

Does AASD have a PTA?
No, but we have a school council. AASD’s School Council is made up of myself, our superintendent, staff members and family members. Contact me for details and meeting dates. You are most welcome to attend.

Can I volunteer at the school?
YES! We offer many different volunteer opportunities including in our library and helping in classrooms, with our sporting events, after school programs, the Fall Festival, and our performances. We also have an active School Council where parent involvement is always welcome.

Do you have a specific talent or some time to share? Please reach out to your child’s teacher or our Family Engagement Coordinator to discuss details. Applications for volunteers are at the front desk or can be sent home upon request.