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Widefield School District 3 is pleased to announce that it's Family, School, and Community Partnership committee, Connect with Widefield, has been recognized with two Promising Practices from the Colorado Department of Education. 

The following are the two excerpts from the 2025 Promising Partnership Practices:

Introducing District Leadership to the Community Widefield School District 3, by Carlos Lopez

Widefield School District 3 in the Pikes Peak Region has made it a goal to deepen family engagement across the district through the initiative, Connect with Widefield. This initiative has three goals: to improve student success, to build trust and collaboration, and to strengthen community resources.

As part of the district's goal to build trust and collaboration, a key initial step was to introduce Widefield’s district leadership. This was particularly important during years where significant staff turnover occurred. This practice served to familiarize the school and district community with the superintendent and other district leaders, fostering transparency and approachability.

Through Connect with Widefield’s Family, School, and Community Partnership (FSCP) Core Team, made up of district leaders and parent partners, introducing district leadership to the community was accomplished primarily using three strategies. The first was scheduling one-on-one meetings and interviews with district leaders. The second was writing and publishing newsletter articles featuring the superintendent and other district leaders. Lastly, Connect with Widefield’s FSCP Core Team created and shared social media posts introducing the superintendent and other district leaders.

Articles written from the perspective of the FSCP Core Team members, particularly parent partners, not only increased the awareness of district leaders among the school community but also increased the potential for increased engagement. After publication and circulation of articles, community members were likely to see featured personnel as approachable and integral to the functioning of the school district.

While the program was not formally evaluated this year, future evaluation may include use of website analytics to determine frequency of downloads and/or interactions via the district website. In addition, questions may be included on annual surveys requesting feedback on the role that such publications played in the perceptions of parents and community as related to featured school and/or district personnel.

To replicate this practice, consider using social media for short video introductions, as well as opportunities for live Q&A sessions with leaders. Additionally, ensure articles and posts are accessible and translated as needed.

FSCP Nights Featuring Community Partners by Carlos Lopez

Widefield School District 3 in the Pikes Peak Region has made it a goal to deepen family engagement across the district through the initiative, Connect with Widefield. This initiative has three goals: to improve student success, to build trust and collaboration, and to strengthen community resources. To reach these goals, Connect with Widefield is coordinated by the Family, School, and Community Partnership (FSCP) Core Team, made up of district leaders and parent partners.

By combining the two goals of building trust and collaboration and strengthening community resources, Widefield aimed to build mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses and organizations to create a network of community partners. These partners then supported the district and provided resources or opportunities for students and their families.

FSCP Core Team members partnered with local organizations and collaborated with representatives for monthly team meetings. During the meetings, Community Partners discussed how they may be of service to the wider community. Core Team members and Community Partners worked together to highlight the partnering organization and their services in an engaging digital newsletter and subsequent FSCP Night.

A newsletter was developed and posted on the Connect with Widefield website as well as via social media in hopes of providing contact information and an extensive report of available resources for local families. FSCP Nights typically featured a brief introduction by Connect with Widefield followed by a more in-depth presentation by the sponsoring Community Partner, typically no more than 30 minutes. The session ended with Q and A and opportunities for attendees to receive personal consultation and/or support. One such program featured contacts from the local Salvation Army.

While the practice was not formally evaluated this year, common challenges included under attendance by district stakeholders. Increased future success with the program may include requesting RSVPs to gauge attendance, using interviews or short audio/video teasers online to promote the event, and using surveys so that respondents may vote on which FSCP Night topics may be the most beneficial prior to scheduling.