Compassionate Family Engagement in Schools in the Fontana Unified School District

Michael Garcia - In 2016, Michael stepped into a new chapter as Director of Family and Community Engagement, where he built meaningful partnerships and programs that truly made a difference. Just this past June, he was named Chief Communication and Community Engagement Officer for Fontana Unified - leading both the FACE team and the district's marketing, communications, and engagement efforts.

On this podcast, Michael shares the various strategies Fontana Unified School District uses to authentically engage students and families. They have tailored their support by focusing on culturally appropriate and meaningful experiences by addressing well-being and behavioral health supports.

Transcript

[00:00:00] Joanna Marrufo: Welcome to Beyond Academics Connecting Classroom and Community, the podcast where we dive deep into the world of community schools and explore how they're transforming education for students, families, and communities. We are hearing from educators and community members who are at the forefront of creating change and meeting the needs of the community via basic needs, healthcare, social services, support, or social emotional learning.

[00:00:38] Joanna Marrufo: Hey there and welcome to the podcast. I'm your host, Joanna Marrufo, Integrated Supports Outreach Specialist with the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, and I'm so excited for today's episode. We've got an incredible guest joining us. Michael Garcia, a powerhouse in education, a connector of people, and a true champion for students and [00:01:00] families.

[00:01:00] Joanna Marrufo: With over 26 years of experience in public education, Michael's journey is both inspiring and deeply rooted in service and community. Born in Palm Springs and raised in the heart of Coachella Valley. Michael's path took him from Indio High School to UC Riverside, where he earned his BA in Political Science with a minor in Spanish.

[00:01:23] Joanna Marrufo: Michael discovered his passion for education and started his teaching career in the San Gabriel Valley of Southern California at Baldwin Park Unified, and later joined Fontana Unified, where he taught first grade at Primrose Elementary. From there, his leadership journey took off serving as Assistant Principal, then Principal of Maple Elementary for a full decade.

[00:01:46] Joanna Marrufo: He went on to earn two master's degrees in teaching and instruction and educational leadership from Azusa Pacific University. In 2016, Michael stepped into a new chapter as a Director of [00:02:00] Family and Community Engagement, where he built meaningful partnerships and programs that truly made a difference.

[00:02:06] Joanna Marrufo: Just this past June, he was named Chief Communication and Community Engagement Officer for Fontana Unified, leading both the F.A.C.E. team and the district's marketing and communications and engagement effort. Michael's work has earned recognition from state and local leaders, including honors from the Association of California School Administrators, ACSA, and the City of Fontana.

[00:02:30] Joanna Marrufo: But more than that, he's known for his heart, his collaborative spirit, and his unwavering commitment to students. Outside of the office, Michael's all about family: outdoor adventures and making memories, whether he's camping, golfing, traveling, or hanging out with his wife of 26 years, their two kids and three dogs.

[00:02:52] Joanna Marrufo: And yes, he's also a diehard Dallas Cowboys fan. We won't hold that against him. So buckle up, you're [00:03:00] in for an inspiring, insightful, and real conversation. Michael Garcia, welcome to the show, 

[00:03:05] Michael Garcia: Joanna, thank you. Thank you for having me today. It's an honor and pleasure to be here today, and I'm glad to share all the great things that are, uh, happening in Fontana Unified, especially in the area of Family And Community Engagement, but most important, uh, the important work that's taking place not only in the district, but in the county too as well.

[00:03:23] Joanna Marrufo: Thank you. Let's start a little bit, um, to learn more about you. Can you tell us a little bit about your story and what brought you into education and what values guide the work you're doing today? 

[00:03:35] Michael Garcia: I'd like to first of all begin or thank, uh, my parents. Um, they're my heroes and my mentors and, uh, without their, uh, influence, uh, they have shaped who I am today.

[00:03:50] Michael Garcia: Uh, growing up. They were deeply involved in our home life, careers and community. Uh, they worked together as a team and both of them [00:04:00] from everyday life cooked, cleaned, contributed equally to the household and everything was centered around family and we did everything together. So that's kind of where kind of my mindset was shaped when I view and look at things.

[00:04:14] Michael Garcia: Uh, with my family and working with other families too as well. How can we bring families together. Um, my dad, he worked for the state of California and my mom was a school secretary at my elementary school. So they were active in the PTA, involved at church and consistently attended community events.

[00:04:34] Michael Garcia: Uh, wherever they went my brother and I were usually by their side. Uh, having a mom who worked at my school meant she knew all my teachers, what assignments I hadn't turned in, and anytime I got into trouble and after I finished fifth grade, I thought I'd finally get a little freedom until my dad decided to run for school board and he won.

[00:04:55] Michael Garcia: So that meant he also knew all my teachers and principals from middle school through high school. [00:05:00] Education was a central value in our home. Uh, both of my parents constantly reminded us that education is something that no one can take away from you, and that it opens the door of opportunities.

[00:05:11] Michael Garcia: That message has stuck with me throughout my life and career, and it's the path that I've taken. 

[00:05:16] Joanna Marrufo: Wonderful. I love that your parents are deeply rooted in the work that you do every day. And, and it is shown in the work because your role in Family And Community Engagement, you are able to have that lived experience.

[00:05:32] Joanna Marrufo: Um, so do you mind sharing, um, or just painting a picture of the community you serve, what are some of the strengths and needs that you see among the families at the Fontana Unified School District? 

[00:05:44] Michael Garcia: Absolutely. Fontana Unified is a vibrant, diverse district located in the Inland Empire serving over 36,000 students across 45 schools.

[00:05:54] Michael Garcia: Our families come from a wide range of cultural, linguistic, [00:06:00] socio-economic backgrounds, and the diversity too as well, um, is one of its greatest strengths. Uh, it brings richness to our classrooms and our community events and as we, uh, as a way of approaching and it's a different way of approaching teaching and learning and trying to accommodate all those languages and, and those cultural and personal experiences that our students and our families bring to our district.

[00:06:23] Michael Garcia: Many of our families are hardworking and resilient, uh, balancing multiple jobs, caring for extended family, and still making time to support their children's education. Uh, we have a strong sense of family and pride, and you often see multiple generations coming together for school events, performances and volunteer opportunities.

[00:06:43] Michael Garcia: Most of the events that we hold are very well attended, and we often have to take that into consideration, making sure that we have the capacity to, to welcome everyone and, and have a facility that can accommodate everyone too as well. At the same time, we also recognize the real [00:07:00] challenges many of our families face.

[00:07:01] Michael Garcia: Uh, these include economic hardships, housing insecurity, limited access to healthcare and language barriers. Uh, some families are new to the area or to the country, and navigating the school system can be a daunting task. And then that's where our department will come in and our F.A.C.E. representatives, uh, reassuring families that, uh, hey, there is support out there.

[00:07:24] Michael Garcia: We are here for you and, uh, we are gonna find or point you into the right direction to get your child what he needs to support their education. 

[00:07:34] Joanna Marrufo: Thank you for describing Fontana. It sounds like you guys are meeting the community where they're at and accommodating those multiple generations. Making sure you have, I'm, I'm thinking like childcare, you know, making sure you have translation services.

[00:07:51] Joanna Marrufo: Um, um, do you mind sharing a little bit of what that looks like, um, in the partnerships that you have? And tell us, [00:08:00] um, a little bit about how the collaborations you've made and how they're making a difference in our students and families lives. 

[00:08:06] Michael Garcia: Absolutely. And I also just wanted to also share that, um, our department Family And Community Engagement, um.

[00:08:13] Michael Garcia: We focus on meeting the families where they are, you know, um, kind of assessing, uh, individually or what the cider district needs are. And then from there, that's how we kind of build capacity and, and focus in on, on what our families need and, and not necessarily our families. We also gotta consider too, uh, what our staff needs because many, many of the times, um, teachers, support staff, even, uh, administrators.

[00:08:38] Michael Garcia: Are, um, working closely with these families, and sometimes it's an individual needs and sometimes it's a, a community need too as well. So that's where our department will come in and kind of pinpoint, okay, we need that resource or we need that partnership and we need to be able to provide that, uh, both either at that school site or at the district level too as well.

[00:08:57] Michael Garcia: And so by doing that, we focus on, [00:09:00] uh, meeting families where they are, uh, whether it's through offering, uh, bilingual resources. Connecting them with mental health support or housing workshops or college readiness, uh, even digital, uh, literacy too as well. Just making sure, because, um, many of our, our students, um, have access to devices.

[00:09:19] Michael Garcia: Um, each student, uh, uh, preschool through 12th grade has a device, but do they know how to use that device? And can parents also provide support outside of school to, for them to access their assignments or their, their programs too as well? So we provide. Um, uh, training on how students can support their children at home too, as well.

[00:09:40] Michael Garcia: And then we also prioritize welcoming, uh, uh, school environments where every child feels seen, valued, and included too as well. So that's something that we work hand in hand, both at the site and district level. What makes the community so special is the willingness to come together, uh, with whether it's a local business, uh, donating supplies, a [00:10:00] faith-based group supporting.

[00:10:01] Michael Garcia: Um, the school or parents stepping up to lead family workshops, there's a shared commitment to our student success and that spirit of collaboration and care is what makes Fontana Unified such a powerful place to work and serve too, as well. Going into our partnership, um, I, I kind of have to share a little bit of background on, on how you build those partnerships because it just doesn't happen overnight.

[00:10:26] Michael Garcia: Um, that it, it, it takes time. Uh, there's trust. And there's buy-in too as well. So I want to kind share a little story on, on my experience where I began and, and where I essentially build a partnership. Um, and then how I continued to build off that too as well. So. Uh, as, as mentioned earlier, my educational journey began in the Baldwin Park Unified School District.

[00:10:49] Michael Garcia: Uh, and I was a teacher at that time, and I, I spent there five years teaching elementary school. Uh, I taught third, fourth, and fifth grade. And during that time, uh, uh, [00:11:00] I'm also bilingual. Um, I learned the importance of, uh, building a strong connection with our with our students and our families.

[00:11:08] Michael Garcia: And, uh, once that connection was made, it created that partnership, it created that trust. And once you have that partnership and that, and that trust, uh, built with your students and families, you can only build off that. You can have courageous conversations. You can you can share with, um, a student or a family that a child is struggling and what needs to happen to try to get them to the next level too as well.

[00:11:34] Michael Garcia: Um, at the same time, I was very fortunate to have a very supportive principal, uh, who encouraged me to get involved beyond the classroom. Um, I served both on school site council, district levels, committees, which provided me with a broader perspective on how education works and what the community needs were too, as well.

[00:11:54] Michael Garcia: One year into my teaching experience, um, had an opportunity to work with the Nell Soto grant, [00:12:00] uh, which enabled, uh, myself and a team to support students who were struggling academically, uh, experience attendance issues or facing behavioral challenges. As part of this grant, we were able to visit students' homes and engage directly with their families.

[00:12:15] Michael Garcia: That opened my eyes to the realities of what our, many of the many challenges our students face outside of school. I vividly remember one student who frequently arrived late, appeared tired, and often had incomplete homework. Uh, during a home visit, I learned why the family was, the family was incredibly kind and welcoming.

[00:12:36] Michael Garcia: Though they spoke very little English. Um. Three families were living in the same, uh, town home together. And the students' parents shared that they truly value education and wanted of the best for their daughter, but struggled to support her due to their la due to the language barrier and lack of space at home for her to study and complete her assignments.

[00:12:58] Michael Garcia: The very next day, [00:13:00] uh, we enrolled her in an afterschool homework club and I connected with a family community liaison to provide additional support. And that experience reminded me. Education doesn't start, and then at the classroom door, it's deeply intertwined at the home, with the home, the community, and the circumstances that shape each student's life too as well.

[00:13:19] Michael Garcia: So we just know how important it's to work together as as a unit, you know, both at school and then outside of school to see what resources are available for our students and our families. When I transitioned to Fontana Unified, I carried with me the lessons and experience I gained in Baldwin Park. And one of the most important takeaways was the value of building strong connections with students and their families.

[00:13:39] Michael Garcia: Something that I've continued to do. 

[00:13:42] Joanna Marrufo: Wow. Thank you so much for sharing that story and anecdote. 

[00:13:46] Michael Garcia: And, and now we talk about the partnerships.

[00:13:48] Joanna Marrufo: Mm-hmm.

[00:13:48] Michael Garcia: And building and, you know, having that experience, building that trust, making those connections, um, is very important because once you've. Built that trust, made those connections [00:14:00] the most important thing is follow through and making sure that those resources and those programs and those individuals are readily available to provide those support to your students and your families.

[00:14:13] Michael Garcia: Um, when I came to Fontana, um, and as I, and as I transitioned in from administration to the district office in the, in the role of Family And Community Engagemement or in the Department of Family And Community Engagement, I remember the first partnership that helped, that I helped establish to support my students and their families. Um, and it was with the afterschool program, uh, in Fontana, uh, in Fontana. The, the, in Fontana, the city and the school district collaborate to offer afterschool support at a very, at every elementary and middle school.

[00:14:47] Michael Garcia: And as a classroom teacher and even as administrator, I saw this as an incredible opportunity. I worked closely with the program director and staff to ensure that they had the necessary information, whether it was for students with IEPs [00:15:00] or they were requiring extra support and language arts or math, or working on special projects.

[00:15:05] Michael Garcia: It was a true team effort to meet the needs of our students beyond the school day. So once we were able to communicate with the director and the support staff outside of school. Knowing what each individual student need or group of students need. Um, we saw a lot of growth. Uh, we saw a lot of students, uh, not only completing their homework and assignments too as well, but we, that also impacted attendance too as well, because they weren't afraid to come to school because they hadn't completed their, their homework and their assignments too as well.

[00:15:35] Michael Garcia: But over the years, you know, building off the, the afterschool program, uh, we've been fortunate to grow our network of community partners in Fontana Unified. And many of them continue to make a strong and lasting impact on our families. Uh, the one of the very first partnerships was with a faith-based organization, a Bethel Christian Church.

[00:15:53] Michael Garcia: This church, uh, adopted, uh, school site and provided students, uh, with clothing, shoes, backpacks, and supplies. [00:16:00] Uh, they also host an annual staff appreciation event that support our districtwide community, close closet and pantry with non-perishable food for families in need.

[00:16:11] Michael Garcia: Um, our service clubs, Fontana Kiwanis is and the Exchange Club of Fontana. Uh, these organizations invest in our students by supporting leadership development, offering community service opportunities, organizing holiday food and gift baskets, and drives and awarding scholarships to graduating seniors.

[00:16:29] Michael Garcia: And then for our non-profit organizations, such as the Fontana Foundation of Hope and Project Boone, these groups provide critical support to our students and families, including backpacks, school supplies, meals, community resources and funding for enrichment programs in leadership, robotics, arts, and music.

[00:16:48] Michael Garcia: And then we have our health and wellness, uh, partners too as well, such as Kaiser Permanente, Molina Healthcare, and IEHP. And these partners help us promote physical and mental wellness in our school communities. They offer workshops [00:17:00] and resources for families, sponsor health focused events, and donate essential items including backpack, shoes, clothing, and school supplies.

[00:17:08] Michael Garcia: And what makes these partnerships so power is that they are rooted in, in a shared commitment to the wellbeing and success of our students. And by working together, we can provide a wraparound support that every child and family deserves. 

[00:17:21] Joanna Marrufo: Thank you so much for sharing. It sounds like you've really ex you have expanded like the learning opportunities with the tutoring. Um, and just looking at how your non-traditional partnerships, right, including the faith-based community. Connecting with the, um, healthcare providers like that, kind of shows that collective impact with bringing the child's needs, the family's needs at the forefront in education. 

[00:17:50] Michael Garcia: Correct. And oftentimes too, they have a goal or a mission and sometimes even a budget, um, that will allow them an opportunity [00:18:00] to venture outside their organization to really have that impact in the community.

[00:18:05] Michael Garcia: And we always try to involve them. So when someone reaches out and says, Hey, I want to donate a hundred backpacks, we're like, okay, um, can you join me as we make the donation to as well? So whether if that's at the school site or at a district events gives them an opportunity to connect with those students and their families and they see the need and, and at the same time they also see the appreciation of, of how that backpack with school supplies or how that the bag of food or even those pair of shoes, um, go a long way and, and how much they're needed too, as well. And, and in a sense they, they see the impact right then and there. And it wants them to continue their involvement, you know, working not only with the district, but but being active and involved in the community too as well.

[00:18:53] Michael Garcia: But again, it, uh, it takes a lot of coordination, you know, with, with schedules and, and so forth. But [00:19:00] usually we're able to come up with a day or a time where they can come and join us. And, and oftentimes, um, they, they understand the need, um, they just wanna make sure that those donations, those items go directly to the students.

[00:19:15] Michael Garcia: And so they're, they're not looking, you know, for a, for, for a press release or a photo opportunity. They just wanna make sure that that program, that donation goes directly to our students and it's supporting, you know, their educational experience in the, in the district. 

[00:19:32] Joanna Marrufo: That's wonderful. I, um, I've enjoyed listening to how creative you're, your school district has been doing this work and um, really using the community assets, right? We know there's a lot of healthcare providers in Fontana and seeing how maybe they, you know, that aligns with wellness and child, you know, outcomes, childhood outcomes. So do you mind sharing if there's any, [00:20:00] um, partnerships with related to wellness?

[00:20:02] Michael Garcia: Sure. Absolutely. So we work closely with our student services department. And we've been fortunate to hire a few therapists in our district. So obviously you wanna look at your data to see, uh, what the needs are, uh, when you are thinking about mental health and wellness, uh, or overall wellness for both students and families too as well.

[00:20:23] Michael Garcia: And so we look at our data, you know, we look at the levels, elementary, middle, and high school, and, you know, post COVID, it, it, it's at all levels. It's at all levels. And one thing that we've. Have definitely realized is that mental health doesn't discriminate. It hits everyone at all grades, all levels, uh, whatever socioeconomic, uh, uh, cultural background that you have.

[00:20:50] Michael Garcia: Um, there's obviously a need, a, a, a very big need right now. So we've been fortunate to, um, uh, partner up [00:21:00] with, uh, uh, organizations, uh, working internally with our, with our therapists. South Coast, um, is, is one service that, uh, our students and families have access to. Um, and, uh, having that ongoing collaboration, uh, uh, regarding the needs of our students and our families, um, allows them an opportunity to, to connect directly to a counselor or a therapist too as well.

[00:21:26] Michael Garcia: And then even working internally with our counselors, uh, just making sure that. Counselors are, uh, checking in with their students, identifying those students that are struggling, you know, with their academics, their attendance and, and behavior, or even parents that are coming into the office or at the district and just inquiring about what resources and services, uh, that are available there too as well.

[00:21:49] Michael Garcia: And then, um, uh, organizations such as, um, Kaiser, Kaiser of Fontana, they have reached out and said, Hey, what, what can we do to support your [00:22:00] students and families, and even staff in the district too as well? Um, and so we've created workshops where, um, they can come in and, and provide a workshop for families to, to learn and understand, you know, um, uh, what mental health is, uh, when a student is in crisis, and, uh, uh, how to provide, you know, uh, support for their child too as well.

[00:22:22] Michael Garcia: And then, uh, during September, um, I believe it's Suicide Awareness Month. We've also teamed up with our therapist too as well. And over the last three years, we've held a series of workshops, uh, where we've, uh, done it hybrid where, uh, families can come in person or they can, uh, join us online and learn about, um, suicide awareness, uh, social, emotional, uh, uh, uh.

[00:22:48] Michael Garcia: Re uh, social emotional, the importance of social emotional awareness and, and what supports and programs are available in the district, and in the community too as well. And then also having [00:23:00] courageous con conversations with their child, you know, when they show that they're in distress or, or displaying, you know, any of those behaviors that, that, that where they, where they might need additional support or, uh.

[00:23:12] Michael Garcia: A support from a professional too as well. So it's just basically having that conversation, you know, with those students and those families. Um, and just letting them know that there, there are various learning opportunities and resources and programs that are available in the district too as well.

[00:23:26] Michael Garcia: So again, that's just a few. A few of our partners, you know, Kaiser Hospital, we have our therapists, um, within the district that provide that ongoing support. Counselors too, making sure they're checking in with students that are, that are struggling. And then families too, you know, uh, oftentimes, um, uh, families might, might not know where to begin.

[00:23:47] Michael Garcia: And, you know, one of the conversations, the recent conversations that we have with families, especially our Latino families, is, uh, it's okay. You know, it's okay to to talk about when, when, when, uh, [00:24:00] when you feel sad, um, or you're struggling. Um, you know, there, there's resources, there's individuals, there's programs that you can, we can connect you with, so to help you work through this.

[00:24:10] Joanna Marrufo: Yeah, those are really amazing initiatives and I know those are delicate topics, um, to bring to the community that might not have had those opportunities before. Not even at home, you know, but. We're talking about bringing social emotional learning into the classroom. We can't really have that, um, functioning if we're not also bringing in the parents.

[00:24:34] Joanna Marrufo: So the fact that you guys are really honing in to those delicate topics around suicide prevention and really creating that safe space for folks to understand how you can find the signs and symptoms and be able to prevent, um, a crisis. You know, I'm curious of to hear more about how it was received from the families once they were attending those workshops.

[00:24:58] Michael Garcia: Yeah. Uh, the [00:25:00] families were very supportive. You know, obviously, um, there would be a topic or a theme that was presented and you would see that immediate connection and, and that parent would get become emotional too as well. And then, um, having a therapist and even a counselor present during those, um, presentations is also helpful because, you know, after the presentation is done, they can connect immediately with the families and find out what, what, uh, resources and, and programs or what support the district can provide to as well.

[00:25:33] Michael Garcia: And then oftentimes when the, uh, therapist or the counselor, um, made that connection with that family, um, if, if it's something that was really deeply rooted or required, maybe an intense, you know, maybe like a level two, level three type of, um, support, um, then they would connect them directly to that, make, make that contact and, and set up that appointment or directly link them to that organ, that [00:26:00] organization or that support services too as well.

[00:26:02] Michael Garcia: You know, one thing I, I didn't mention earlier too, was also tapping into our students student voice, uh, too as well when it comes to the area of mental health and, and, and wellness too, as well.

[00:26:14] Michael Garcia: And, uh, many of our high schools and, and even middle schools have, um, what they call wellness centers where students can come by and, and check in and, uh, and just kind of talk with either a counselor or, uh, uh, a person that can provide support, uh, when they're in distress or just basically just need kind of like a timeout where they can kind of just sit down, decompress, recalibrate. Then, and then go back to class or reach out to someone that they might need additional support to as well.

[00:26:48] Michael Garcia: And what we found, um, as we were working with our students, especially during our superintendent student advisories, um, we were, um, uh, working closely [00:27:00] with our high school representatives and they were sharing, you know. What they were going through, some of the challenges that they were facing as they're going through high school, and, uh, accessing some of those resources that there were some barriers in place too, as well, and, and not so much barriers that they, they couldn't access, but, um, it was only offered at a certain amount of time.

[00:27:20] Michael Garcia: Uh, they could only attend, um, if they had permission, but you know, you, you all, you all know when you're in distress, you need to talk to somebody right away. So we look closely at those, uh, barriers. We talked with our administrators, we talked with our, uh, counselors, and we talked with our crisis team, and we just said, what can we do to alleviate those barriers?

[00:27:39] Michael Garcia: And immediately having that conversation, students had access. Uh, they could email, uh, they could, they could go from between passing periods or if they just needed to be excused from class to go in. Check in, they were allowed to do so too as well. And immediately we started hearing good and positive feedback that they [00:28:00] had access to that too as well.

[00:28:02] Michael Garcia: And then on top of that too, um, is just reminding parents and families to check in daily, check in often with their child too as well, especially if they notice kind of a shift or a change in behavior. Um. You know, what, what, what's going on? You know, why, why don't you wanna go to school? You know, why aren't you going to school?

[00:28:22] Michael Garcia: Uh, why are your grades, uh, changing too as well? And those are kind of, you know, signs and symptoms that we wanna make, um, are parents aware. And by conducting these workshops or having those conversations, both at the site and district level, um, the conversation is starting to, to change. The mindset is starting to change too, as well, to really, um, uh. Look at the whole child, not just at the academics and the attendance, but also the mental health and wellness too as well. 

[00:28:52] Joanna Marrufo: Wow. I'm so impressed by how, um, much trust you've really fostered in your school district. The fact that those [00:29:00] authentic, um, and meaningful relationships with students and their voice heard, they feel seen because you implemented, um, those changes, right?

[00:29:09] Joanna Marrufo: Where they were able to feel like their voice was heard and now they can access that wellness center, um, and not feel like they're being watched or, you know, or have, you know, there, there's basically the systems were in place to create that, that avenue for them. 

[00:29:26] Michael Garcia: Yeah. And we're still building those, you know, we're still, even though you pri primarily they're at the high school and at the middle school level.

[00:29:32] Michael Garcia: Um, we are starting to see at the elementary level too as well where counselors, um. Uh, build, build a welcoming environment. So when students come in, you know, oftentimes they just need a break and just an area to sit down or maybe need to work, you know, quietly just for a few minutes or, or for a session or two.

[00:29:52] Michael Garcia: Um, but we're starting to see that also at the, at all levels. 

[00:29:55] Joanna Marrufo: Wonderful. That's amazing. Um, I loved [00:30:00] hearing that, um, the wellness centers are a space where teens can just relax, but also see a professional, uh, because we all know, like those teen years are critical for their, um, yeah, for their trajectory because they can, um, fall down a, you know, a path where it may be hard for them to recover once they, um, they have, um, depression or anxiety.

[00:30:26] Joanna Marrufo: Um, but once they feel like there's a one trusted adult that believes them, that feels that they, you know, that feels their empathy, you know? Um, I feel like. Those are the, those small changes that will create that, that, um, wonderful culture of connected connection and empathy and compassion.

[00:30:50] Joanna Marrufo: Wonderful. Well thank you so much for sharing that. 'cause I, I am a huge advocate for mental health. 

[00:30:55] Michael Garcia: Yes. 

[00:30:55] Joanna Marrufo: And access and the fact that you're doing it in the community and making [00:31:00] it, um, not just accessible physically, but also making it accessible culturally. By creating kind of those workshops that are tailored to the families. Um, that, that's very empowering and I know that's innovative work for school districts because, um, that mental health connection and intervention is the most important, um, for kids to even feel, you know, ready to learn.

[00:31:25] Joanna Marrufo: Um, so thank you so much for

[00:31:26] Michael Garcia: Yeah, no, you're welcome. Yeah, I'm happy to share .

[00:31:28] Joanna Marrufo: For sharing that. Um, with that, I know you've done some really great work with, um, um. Community partners at the county, and I hear you guys have been hosting, um, fatherhood summits and, you know, really connecting with, uh, that side of family. And so I wanted to learn more about the successes of that. 

[00:31:50] Michael Garcia: Yeah, no, absolutely. And, um, you know, uh, a few years back, I believe we've held, um, our third annual Fatherhood Summit. [00:32:00] Uh. About three years ago, uh, Mr. Juan Solis, who works out of children's services or the children's network department in San Bernardino County, uh, uh, approached us and said, you know, hey, um, I'm doing some work around the county.

[00:32:12] Michael Garcia: I really haven't seen Fontana. And, and, you know, at these events or, or partnering up with these events. And I said, well, you know what, no one has ever really reached out before. And so we sat down with Mr. Solis and his team and kind of envisioned what, what, uh, he was trying to, um, convey, um, and share with the community too as well.

[00:32:34] Michael Garcia: And then, uh, again, it's just those connections and building rapport and, and trust and buy-in. And so, um, I threw my feelers out there and, uh, we know that a critical age, um, is middle school and we said, you know, what if we, what if we focused in on middle school and high school? Open it up to everybody, but really focus in on middle school and high school as, um.

[00:32:58] Michael Garcia: Those students are [00:33:00] transitioning from, you know, uh, young adults to, to to, I mean from, from children to young adults. There's a lot going on, um, especially not only with the students, but with the families too as well, so they can kind of understand, you know, how they can support their child too, as well.

[00:33:14] Michael Garcia: And so, uh, we held, uh, our, our first summit before COVID and, uh, over at Fontana Middle School, worked closely with the principal, the administration that's there, Mr. Marco Garcia, and, uh, yeah, it was myself, our department, uh, Family, the district Family And Community Engagement department, um, Fontana Middle School, and, uh.

[00:33:36] Michael Garcia: And, uh, our Family And Community, um, Engagement department and children's services too as well, that all work together. And, uh, at that, at that very first, um, it was more of, uh, a keynote speaker and then a few breakout sessions, um, focusing in on dads, just dads on how to get involved in their child's education too as well.[00:34:00] 

[00:34:00] Michael Garcia: And so what we found after the first year was that. The dads wanted to be together, like they wanted to hear the same message together. So the following year we held, uh, a general session with a keynote speaker, and then, um, uh, with a few additional speakers too as well. Just basically just finding ways on how they can not only get involved, um, at the school site, you know, get involved, um, by volunteering, uh, getting involved in the decision making process at the school site, but outside of school too as well.

[00:34:33] Michael Garcia: How can they support their child's education and then really work together as a family to support all the, all the children that, that are, that are part of that family too as well. And then recently, the, the third year, uh, we not only included a keynote and a few, um, uh, additional speakers too as well, but we also in incorporated a community fair with local resources.

[00:34:56] Michael Garcia: Because it's one thing to talk about [00:35:00] and share resources, but if we can bring the providers there, then that's where you'll see the true impact. So basically hearing the information and then walking over to that organization and setting up an appointment or a time so that they can follow up through to as well.

[00:35:17] Michael Garcia: And then we also incorporated games and activities, arts and crafts. And then, uh, just really exposing dads, you know, what they can do outside of the home, you know, outside of school. So that they can build that connectiveness with their, with their children too as well. And then also exposing them to, you know, uh, uh, hobbies such as fishing and camping and, and, uh, uh, playing games and so forth too, as well.

[00:35:45] Michael Garcia: But it's been a, it's been a really true partnership. And, and the not only has the, uh, community buy-in, uh increased over the years, but also the participation rate too as well. And then this year we also incorporated, [00:36:00] um, student speakers. So we aligned it to where, um, our students, uh, who are attending a Saturday, 'cause this event happens on the weekend, it happens on a Saturday.

[00:36:10] Michael Garcia: Uh, those students were able to also hear from a, from a keynote speaker on the importance of not only just respecting themselves, but just staying in tune, uh, being, uh, social, emotionally fit and, uh, finding out what resources are available at school in case they experience any challenges, but also too when they're struggling, uh, what programs and resources are available at the site district and in the community too as well.

[00:36:37] Michael Garcia: But it's been a great partnership and it's grown over the years. And as a matter of fact, as we plan for the 25-26 school year, they've already reached out and say, Hey, how can we make this a bigger event too, as well? Hence, uh, we talk about our county partnerships. Uh, we work closely with the Family And Community Engagement team with, with Mars and [00:37:00] Marissa, and they have an annual or an or monthly, uh, Family Engagement Network meeting, and we're able to invite our partners throughout the county to come and join us and support us at this event too, as well.

[00:37:11] Michael Garcia: And you know, when, when, uh, when we're able to have those opportunities where, where families, even if it's outside of the district. If it's one family, if it's many families, it's a win-win situation where families can come together and participate in.

[00:37:27] Michael Garcia: If it's a funding issue, we'll figure it out. You know, there's, there's grants, there's, there's specific funding, uh, that districts school sites, uh, have regarding supporting family and community engagement. But overall, in the end, we, we tend to work that out and make the, the event successful. 

[00:37:45] Joanna Marrufo: Wonderful. I love that intentional effort for the whole family.

[00:37:49] Michael Garcia: Yeah. 

[00:37:50] Joanna Marrufo: And bringing in all our partners.

[00:37:52] Michael Garcia: Yeah. And even though it's a fatherhood engagement summit, we do have moms that, that come by because we know that many of our parents, um, wear [00:38:00] that dual hat. You know, they're both mother, father, father, mother, and then even our grandparents too as well. We've noticed too that many grandparents have assumed the roles as parents and guardians too as well.

[00:38:11] Michael Garcia: So whoever shows up that day, we, we welcome them. And they're able to participate and, and take it take to have that opportunity to participate, uh, at that event. 

[00:38:21] Joanna Marrufo: Yeah, that inclusivity. 

[00:38:23] Michael Garcia: Yeah, absolutely. It's important.

[00:38:24] Joanna Marrufo: Um, making sure all communities are feeling seen. Um, wonderful. Well, I am really happy to, um, hear all those wonderful partnerships that Fontana's created.

[00:38:36] Joanna Marrufo: Um, it's gonna, it's basically that guiding light for our community schools. Building those partnerships and really activating student voice, creating those, um, relationships beyond the school district. Um, we're just so thrilled to see Fontana Unified as a best practice. Um, so I just wanna say thank [00:39:00] you for your time and being able to share those meaningful moments.

[00:39:04] Joanna Marrufo: I know a lot of schools that are endeavoring in creating these authentic partnerships through Family Engagement, Expanded Learning, and um, just activating that inclusivity and culture within their school district. Um, you all, you all are like the guiding light and really best practice. So thank you so much for being here.

[00:39:25] Michael Garcia: No, I appreciate it. And thank you again for giving us the opportunity to highlight some of the great work that's happening in Fontana. Again, I cannot do it by myself. It's, it's definitely a team effort. And it's also the support from our superintendent, our board of education, and also our school site administrators too as well.

[00:39:43] Michael Garcia: And then in addition to that, just the support that San Bernardino County Superintendent Schools Family And Community Engagement department has also provided too, as well. 

[00:39:53] Joanna Marrufo: Wonderful. Thank you. 

[00:39:55] Michael Garcia: Thank you. 

[00:39:57] Joanna Marrufo: And with that, um, I'm just so [00:40:00] happy that you were here and are able to share all these wonderful tidbits about your life and how, you know, your education has evolved and really created that, um, that passion for service in, in creating, um, student voice and, and leadership in the, the community.

[00:40:18] Joanna Marrufo: So thank you. 

[00:40:20] Joanna Marrufo: Thank you for joining us at Beyond Academics Connecting Classroom and Community. Where we dive deep into the stories from people who are making a difference in schools. They are the change makers who bring community schools to life by making an impact for families and children by meeting their needs.

[00:40:37] Joanna Marrufo: Don't forget to connect with us on social media accounts. You can find us on X @SI_RTAC, Instagram @SBCSS_IEBRANCH at our website, CCSPPSIRTAC.ORG, tune in for more [00:41:00] episodes.