Learn. Engage. Create. Regional Trainings Bring Connection and Collaboration

September 2, 2025
2:15 pm

This year, the West Virginia Family Engagement Center expanded its Learn. Engage. Create. training series through two regional sessions designed to strengthen school-family-community partnerships across the state. Held in July and November, the trainings brought together educators, caregivers, community organizations, and student support staff from multiple regions, along with partners including Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center, the WV Department of Education, Family Engagement Fellows, and The Martinsburg Initiative.

Across both sessions, participants engaged with the same core content focused on meaningful family engagement, shifting perspective through play, and practical strategies for going the extra mile to support students and families. Each training also included a creative art experience exploring Appalachian Community Cultural Wealth, giving attendees space to reflect on the strengths and stories that shape family and community connection. Trust remained a central theme, and through activities such as the Family Engagement Trust Triad and guided discussions, participants examined what becomes possible when families feel welcomed and valued.

Participants described the trainings as “fun,” “interactive,” “motivational,” and “thought-provoking,” noting how meaningful it was to collaborate with peers and share real experiences. Together, these sessions reflect a coordinated statewide effort to build relationships and create more connected environments for West Virginia students and families.

A Day of Play & Purpose

Hands-on activities like “Perspective Through Play” with LEGOs reminded us that engagement doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Participants shared takeaways such as:

“Play can be intentional.”

“Family engagement doesn’t have to be glitzy or glamorous — just start small.”
“Be creative in ways that you get hard-to-reach families in schools.”

This intentional approach to building relationships and trust resonated with attendees and reinforced the importance of meeting families where they are.

By the Numbers

97% of participants left with new insights or strategies to strengthen their family engagement practices.

Sessions received average ratings of 4.5 or higher, with Perspective Through Play scoring 4.91 out of 5, followed closely by Going the Extra Mile (4.82) and the Family Engagement Trust Triad (4.79).

Participants described the training as “fun,” “interactive,” “motivational,” and “thought-provoking,” highlighting the value of collaborating with peers and sharing real-world experiences.