More than 200 parents from diverse backgrounds attended the first Family Feedback Circle of the year, hosted by River Bend Middle School in partnership with LCPS’s English Learner Family and Community Engagement (EL FACE) team and the Division of Equity, Inclusion and Access (DEIA) to promote building stronger connections between families and the school. Together, River Bend and its families are shaping an environment that reflects the richness of its diversity and the promise of a united community.
“Over the past six years, River Bend has experienced tremendous change, welcoming students from many cultures, languages and traditions. This diversity is a gift and it guides us to grow together with intention,” said Dr. Valerie DiCarlo, Assistant Principal. “Family Feedback Circles give us a chance to listen first and to understand what matters most to our families, what values they hold and how we can better support their children. Our goal is for every family to feel valued, seen and heard at River Bend.”
Listening to families builds belonging. Research consistently shows that when families feel connected to their child’s school, student outcomes improve. According to the National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE), strong family-school partnerships are linked to higher student achievement, improved attendance and increased confidence. The Learning Policy Institute also finds that culturally responsive engagement helps reduce discipline disparities and fosters more equitable learning environments.
By gathering parents from across its community, River Bend created a space to hear directly from families without assumptions about what they value and how the school can reflect those priorities. Insights from this first Family Feedback Circle will guide the school in shaping programs, communications and supports that reflect both the strength of its diversity and the unity of its shared purpose.
River Bend plans to host additional Family Feedback Circles to gather even more feedback to strengthen its culture and ensure every family feels welcome.