Families and Schools Together (F.A.S.T.) - Joseph C. Cornwall Center for Metropolitan Studies

The Joseph C. Cornwall Center aims to collaborate with schools, community agencies, and families to equip parents and caregivers with the knowledge and skills to be effectively involved in their child(ren)’s education and to help them feel welcomed in schools and their communities. Our F.A.S.T. program offers two workshop series as opportunities for families to be more engaged and build strong relationships with schools and communities to foster family involvement. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, lectures, discussions, and interactive academic games and activities to make learning fun and engaging. Ultimately, participants will leave the workshops with ability to drive better outcomes for their families.

Workshop #1 Family Involvement in Education: Support Your Child’s Learning at Home

Family involvement plays a crucial role in a child’s academic success. This workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers understand how they can actively support their child’s learning both at home and within the school community. Topics include reading with children and foundational literacy and math skills. Participants will learn practical strategies for staying engaged in their child’s education, making learning fun and engaging, fostering motivation, and building confidence—creating a strong partnership between home and school for their child’s success.

: Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to support your child’s development and foster a love of learning. This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers who want to learn effective strategies for reading with young children. Topics include selecting age-appropriate books, creating a reading routine, engaging children during story time, and using reading to enhance language skills and imagination. Participants will leave with practical tips, resources, and ideas to make reading a fun and meaningful part of their daily life.
: This workshop is designed to equip parents and caregivers with the essential tools to support their child’s literacy development. Participants will learn about the building blocks of reading and writing, including concepts such as Concepts About Print (CAP), Letter Identification, Sight Word Recognition, Spelling Inventory, and Reading Comprehension. The session will provide practical strategies for integrating literacy activities into daily routines, whether at home or on the go. By attending, parents and caregivers will gain confidence in helping their children develop strong literacy foundations that will set them up for future academic success.
: This workshop is designed to empower parents and caregivers with the skills and knowledge to support their child’s early math development. Participants will explore key math concepts such as Addition/Subtraction, Counting, Place Value, and Number Sense. Practical, everyday activities to reinforce these skills at home will be shared, helping parents and caregivers incorporate math into daily routines in fun and engaging ways. Whether you’re helping with homework or fostering a love of numbers, this workshop will boost your confidence in supporting your child’s math journey.

Workshop #2 Building Stronger Families, Schools, and Communities: A Parent Support Network

This workshop is designed to provide parents and caregivers, especially newcomers, with the support, resources, and community connections they need to thrive. Participants will learn about local services, educational opportunities, and cultural resources that can help them navigate challenges and their new environment. The session will also focus on building networks with other parents and caregivers, sharing experiences, and gaining practical advice on managing parenting challenges in a new cultural context. Whether they’re seeking advice and knowledge or adjusting to life in a new community, this workshop offers a welcoming space to connect and learn.

: Understanding your rights is an important step in building a safe and stable life in a new environment. This workshop is designed for parents and caregivers, especially newcomers, who want to learn about their legal rights and responsibilities. Topics will include immigration, housing, employment, education, and interactions with law enforcement. Participants will also learn how to navigate legal processes, what to do if their rights are violated, and where to seek legal help or advice.
: Navigating a new healthcare system can be overwhelming. This workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers, especially newcomers, understand how to access healthcare services, including family doctors, walk-in clinics, emergency care, mental health support, and public health programs. Participants will learn how to register for health coverage, book appointments, and communicate with healthcare providers.
: This workshop is designed to help newcomers build the language skills needed to thrive in their new community. Participants will learn about available English as a Second Language (ESL) services, including free or affordable classes, language support for job searches, and resources for improving speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. Whether participants are just starting to learn English or looking to improve their skills, this workshop will connect them with the right resources to help them succeed.
: This workshop is designed to help parents and caregivers of all backgrounds and learning levels explore opportunities for personal and professional growth through education. Whether participants are interested in improving their literacy skills, earning a high school diploma or GED, or pursuing vocational training, this session will introduce them to available programs and resources. Participants will learn about local educational services, financial assistance options, and tips for balancing learning with work and family responsibilities. This workshop provides a supportive environment to help participants take the next step toward achieving their educational and career goals.
: This workshop provides vital information for families who are eligible for or currently protected under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA). Participants will learn about the application and renewal process, eligibility requirements, recent policy updates, and their rights under DACA. This workshop will provide guidance on document preparation, and connect participants with community resources.
: Take control of your finances with confidence. This workshop is designed to help individuals and families build essential money management skills. Topics include budgeting, saving, banking, understanding credit, avoiding debt, and setting financial goals. Whether participants are new to an environment or simply want to improve their financial knowledge, this interactive session offers practical tips, tools, and resources to support their financial well-being.
: Build your confidence using technology in everyday life. This hands-on workshop is designed for parents and caregivers who want to improve their digital skills—whether they’re new to computers or looking to strengthen their knowledge. Topics include using smartphones and computers, accessing the internet safely, creating and managing email accounts, using common apps and online services, and protecting your personal information. Perfect for newcomers, or anyone who wants to feel more comfortable in today’s digital world.