November is National Family Engagement Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the essential role families play in a child’s learning, growth and overall well-being. Research shows that when families and schools work closely together, students perform better academically, relationships deepen, and communities grow stronger and more connected.
Within MCPS, Family Engagement Specialists are central to this work. They build trusting relationships with families, collaborate with school leaders and staff, and create meaningful activities and events that support student success. This month, MCPS is highlighting one of these dedicated specialists: Sally Ruiz Miller.
For Ruiz Miller, family engagement is more than a job—it’s a homecoming. An alumna of Seneca Valley High School and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, she now serves those very communities as a Family Engagement Specialist (FES). Joining MCPS in 2013, she has dedicated the past decade to supporting students and families in various roles across multiple schools.
Among the many families she has supported, one story stands out.
She was assisting a Quince Orchard High School senior, who had recently arrived from another country. The student was adjusting to a new school, new culture and new expectations, all while caring for her 6-month-old daughter. She lived with two older sisters who were eager to help, but unfamiliar with the U.S. school system and the resources available.
“The school counselor and I met with the caregivers and student multiple times to make sure they all understood the requirements for graduation,” said Ruiz Miller. In addition to providing resources for graduation, Ruiz Miller also connected the student with resources for childcare, food and the school nurse’s resources.
“Engaging both the family and student paid off when the student graduated on time with her classmates,” said Ruiz Miller. “She walked the stage and applied to Montgomery College and has plans to continue her education as a nurse. Both the student, family and baby are thriving!”
For families who feel overwhelmed or disconnected from the school system, trust is everything. Ruiz Miller believes that trust grows when school staff meet families where they are.
“Family engagement is more than back-to-school nights, PTSA meetings and open houses,” she said. “It means connecting with families individually, attending meetings with them, listening carefully to their needs and following through.”
Whether she is sitting in on IEP meetings, enrollment appointments or attendance conferences, Ruiz Miller knows that consistency and respect go a long way. Even a warm greeting, she notes, can help caregivers feel confident and supported.
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“Community events are also a great way to not only provide valuable information to caregivers, but it also gives staff time to make their presence known,” she mentions.
Ruiz Miller also helps students and families navigate school transitions, such as entering middle school or high school. From participating in meetings for rising 6th and 9th graders to offering sessions in Spanish to bringing in Spanish-speaking counselors or College and Career Navigators—Ruiz Miller ensures families never navigate these moments alone. She also invites the Parent Community Coordinators (PCC) and FES’ from the feeder schools as a way to start building connections.
Family Engagement Specialists are one part of a broader system dedicated to supporting MCPS students and families. Counselors, PCC’s, Community School Liaisons and many others work together to support families. Learn more about family engagement and student services in MCPS.
Read the original article at mcps