SXSW EDU 2022 PanelPicker Now Open! Vote for ParentSquare’s Session

Would you like to see ParentSquare present at SXSW EDU 2022 next March in Austin, TX? Please consider taking a few moments to create a free account in PanelPicker and voting for our session “Cracking the Code for Improved Family Engagement.”

Read on to learn more about our session, including key takeaways and speakers.

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Cracking the Code for Improved Family Engagement

Having a strong connection with families is paramount to building a student-centric school community. Yet often, families are overwhelmed by the variety of messaging channels and the volume of school messages – sometimes not even in their native language. During this lively session, participants will learn useful and easy-to-replicate tips for engaging families (even families who find schools inaccessible) across the various levels of their school community.

Takeaways

1. Identify new communications tactics and engagement strategies that increase parent confidence and strengthen your school or district culture.

2. Understand effective ways for schools to connect and collaborate with all families through equitable and inclusive practices.

3. Learn how to design and implement an engagement plan while eliminating duplications in disparate, disconnected legacy apps and technologies.

Speakers/Bios

Elisabeth O’Bryon, Co-founder and Chief Impact Officer, Family Engagement Lab
Elisabeth was previously the director of research and evaluation at GreatSchools where she worked to design and implement evaluation projects, with a particular focus on rapid-cycle research approaches. Before GreatSchools, Elisabeth was a postdoctoral research associate at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence where she contributed to the development and evaluation of school-based social and emotional learning programming for children, teachers, and families.

Elisabeth has a doctorate in psychology and experience providing school psychological services to preschool through high school-age students in both English and Spanish. She recently co-authored 45 Strategies that Support Young Dual Language Learners, a resource that provides practical, developmentally appropriate strategies for supporting children and families from diverse backgrounds and creating inclusive early childhood classrooms that foster the success of young DLLs.

Sujata Wycoff, Director of Communications, Waterbury Public Schools
Sujata Wycoff joined Waterbury Public Schools in October 2019 as communications director. In collaboration with the superintendent, she oversees and shapes the communications strategy for a district of approximately 19,000 students.

Previously serving as a journalist for more than 10 years, Sujata has gained a deep understanding of the media landscape and enterprising content across multiple platforms. She is experienced in driving a marketing strategy through targeted communications and skilled in crisis communications. She is passionate, extremely dedicated, thorough, and detail-oriented, giving 100% to each task regardless of its scale.

Renee Delport M.Ed, School to Home Communications Officer, Kings Canyon Unified School District
Renee Delport serves as the school to home communications officer for Kings Canyon Unified School District (KCUSD).  With more than 20 years of experience in the public relations field, Renee utilizes a data-driven approach to strategize and provide communication solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and supportive.

Experienced in issues and crisis management, media relations, ghostwriting, public speaking, special events, and strategic planning, Renee works to be a conduit between KCUSD and its many stakeholders. She has a BA in Mass Communications and Journalism, and a MA in Educational Administration and Leadership, both from California State University, Fresno.

Frank Catalano, Chief Marketing Officer, ParentSquare (Moderator)
Frank Catalano is a veteran education technology industry strategist, analyst, and widely-published author. He is currently chief marketing officer for ParentSquare and has been an executive for SchoolMessenger and Pearson. Frank is perhaps best known for his lively technology analysis and commentary for a number of media outlets, including as a long-time contributor to the tech news site GeekWire and the edtech site EdSurge.

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