When we talk about family partnerships, schools often think of grand events – curriculum nights, concerts, awards ceremonies, volunteer breakfasts.

Those are all wonderful.

But true partnership… the kind that builds trust and shapes a school’s reputation as a safe, welcoming place for every family… often grows from much smaller seeds.

I’ve seen it firsthand.

At one school, leadership noticed something critical: Many families weren’t coming to meetings at school. Attendance at conferences and informational sessions was low. Staff felt frustrated – they wanted families to be involved. But they hadn’t stopped to ask why families weren’t coming.

When they did, they learned something heartbreaking.

Due to the citizenship status of some community members, presenting an ID at the school office felt risky. Families worried: What if my ID isn’t accepted? What if my presence here causes harm instead of help?

So, they moved meetings off campus.

Instead of hosting everything at school, they partnered with the local public library. No ID check required. Just open doors and welcoming smiles.

Attendance skyrocketed.

Families showed up eager to talk about their children, celebrate successes, and find ways to support learning at home. All it took was removing a barrier.

Another school tried something equally simple, yet powerful.

They realized many families couldn’t leave work to come to conferences. So, teachers were provided coverage for a portion of the day to travel to families. Conferences were held in workplace break rooms, restaurants, even local stores during a lunch break. No travel time needed for parents. Just a short, meaningful conversation about their child.

That small shift told families:

We see you.
We know your life is busy.
Your partnership matters so much that we will come to you.

These aren’t grand gestures.
They’re thoughtful choices rooted in knowing your community.

Who are your families?
What unspoken barriers exist?
Where do your people feel comfortable, safe, and welcomed?

When you truly know your community, you can think creatively about how to show families they belong. Because belonging isn’t created through a single event – it is built through small, repeated actions that tell people they matter.

As leaders, educators, and staff, our role is to create schools that don’t just invite families in – we create schools that families want to be part of.

Because when families feel welcomed and seen, they partner with us.
And when schools and families partner, children thrive.

What is one small change you could make this week to remove a barrier for families in your school community?

Looking for more ways to transform your school’s culture? Discover how Holistic PD helps you create a school community where every student, family, and staff member feels welcomed and valued.

Written by Sarah Fillion 2025