Brenna Woods | The Importance of Schools Prioritizing Family and Community Involvement

Brenna Woods

A thriving school is more than just classrooms and textbooks—it’s a hub of relationships between students, educators, families, and the surrounding community. Having worked extensively in education policy and leadership, Brenna Woods understands the profound impact of these relationships on student success. Schools that invest in family and community engagement build stronger academic environments, improve student performance, and create lasting support systems.

One of the first steps in increasing engagement is ensuring accessible and inclusive communication. Schools that make an effort to involve families—through parent-teacher meetings, online updates, and community forums—develop a shared sense of responsibility for student achievement. Woods believes that clear, open communication fosters trust and encourages families to take an active role in their child’s learning.

Beyond communication, schools should establish meaningful partnerships with community organizations. Collaborating with local businesses, mentorship programs, and nonprofits brings additional resources into the classroom, giving students access to real-world learning experiences. These connections create more well-rounded educational opportunities.

Family participation in school activities is another vital component of engagement. Whether it’s volunteering for classroom projects, supporting extracurricular programs, or joining advisory committees, community involvement enriches the school environment. Schools that actively invite families to participate see greater student enthusiasm, stronger teacher-student relationships, and an overall improvement in school climate.

By prioritizing engagement, schools lay the foundation for long-term student success. Woods emphasizes that when schools, families, and communities work together, education becomes more dynamic, inclusive, and impactful.