Family and Community Engagement (FACE)

This December, Claremont School brought its community together through its 15th annual Giving Tree and Food Pantry programs. Thanks to these efforts, 82 families received food support, and 140 winter coats and gift cards were distributed to students and their families.

One of the highlights was the coat distribution, where families were paired with a “personal shopper,” and students got to choose, try on, and show off the winter coat that felt just right for them. The smiles said it all as students walked away warm, confident, and ready for winter.

None of this would have been possible without the heart and hard work of Claremont’s PTA, parents, staff, and volunteers, who helped collect, organize, and distribute donations. A special thank you to Ballston Dental Care owners Noel Cobbett and Dr. David Matney for their generous gift card donation, and to Karen Chandler, PTA Giving Tree Leader, and Kristi Grim, PTA Food Pantry Coordinator, for leading these efforts with care and dedication. Special shout out to Haydee Cólon-Jennings for the love and dedication!

Randolph Elementary turned its annual Gift Shop into a joyful shopping experience for families. Parents and caregivers were invited to “shop” for their own students, making the experience both fun and personal. With help from teachers and students, families wrapped gifts in creative and unique ways, adding an extra layer of care to every present. In total, about 245 families participated, leaving with gifts in hand, big smiles on their faces, and feeling ready to celebrate the holidays.

This beloved tradition has been led for nearly a decade by Randolph’s counselor and social worker. It is made possible through generous donations of gifts and Amazon and Target gift cards from Nottingham, Yorktown, Jamestown, Douglas Park Civic Association, and caring local neighbors. We also appreciate the leadership of Angela Hernandez, Randolph’s Bilingual Family Specialist, whose support helped bring this event to life.

Kenmore Middle School continued a beloved holiday tradition, bringing families together in the true spirit of celebration and giving. Families enjoyed delicious food prepared by Bilingual Family Specialist Noemi Yerovi and other community members. Families participated in a raffle featuring incredible gift baskets, adding to the excitement, with many families going home as happy winners.

Students were delighted to receive beautifully wrapped gifts. The entire celebration was filled with music, thanks to Principal Ms. McBride’s band, which kept the energy high throughout the event. One unforgettable moment brought everyone together as the room filled with the joyful sounds of “Feliz Navidad.”

Special appreciation goes to the many volunteers who made the night possible, the Glebe Elementary community for their generous support, and School Board Member Suraya Tapia and Sheriff Quiroz for joining the celebration. A heartfelt thank you to Bilingual Family Specialists Beronica Salas and Noemi Yerovi for their dedication and leadership in creating such a meaningful event for Kenmore families.

The FACE Action Team is a special committee that supports a school’s vision and action plan.

• FACE Teams work together to:
  • Review school data, design, coordinate, and implement high-impact strategies that foster student academic success and well-being.
  • Build capacity among parents and educators, with an aim to narrow the achievement and opportunity gaps in APS.

FACE Action Team Coordinators 

Elementary School:

• Abingdon: Sara Platt
• Barrett: Heather Weir
• Carlin Springs: Carol Sabatino
• Claremont: Cesar Espejo
• Escuela Key: Meg Enriquez
• Drew: Melinda Tyler & Kaitlyn Fowler
• Hoffman-Boston: Carletta Pricilla Hopkins
• Innovation: Ellen Vicens
• Long Branch Elementary: Jillian Williams & Kylah Jackson Lott
• Randolph Elementary: Molly Jones & Christine Chapuis

Middle/High School:

• Arlington Career Center: Monica Lozano
• Gunston Middle School: María (Leti) Delgado
• Shriver Program: Marissa Graham