Representatives with several Campbell County Schools were honored alongside other schools and early child care centers for earning Family Friendly Certification from the Prichard Committee at the Kentucky State Capitol Rotunda in November 2024. Photo courtesy Nancy Burns
The Prichard Committee has recognized all seven schools in Campbell County as Family Friendly Schools, highlighting their commitment to creating supportive environments for students and their families.
This recognition comes after a rigorous year-long application process where schools submitted detailed narratives with evidence artifacts showcasing their efforts in fostering family engagement and support. Each application was carefully reviewed by three independent reviewers who assessed the submissions to determine if the schools met the criteria for this esteemed designation. By being recognized as Family Friendly Schools, these institutions demonstrate their dedication to building strong partnerships with families, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for students.
At Campbell County Middle School, the commitment to connect with families is a top priority. With approximately 1,200 students in grades 6-8, the school recognizes the importance of fostering relationships between educators and the families they serve. Our Family Friendly initiative gained significant momentum last year when then-principal Chris Barwell issued a challenge to all teachers and staff members right before the winter break.
The challenge was simple yet powerful; each staff member was asked to send at minimum 15 postcards to their students and families. These postcards, filled with encouragement, were delivered during the holiday season. The impact of this postcard challenge was profound. Families received the postcards over the winter break and the response from families was overwhelmingly positive. Many families reached out via phone calls and emails to express how wonderful it made them feel to receive a personal note. It demonstrated that the teachers and staff genuinely care about their students and families, fostering a sense of community.
Small gestures like sending postcards can have a much broader reach compared to larger school events, such as Family Paint Night and Family Technology Night, which may only involve a limited number of attendees due to family schedules. The simple but effective postcard challenge exemplified how simple actions can strengthen the bond between the school and families. By reaching out to families in this personal way, the school was able to connect with more families.
Overall, the postcard challenge at Campbell County Middle School is a testament to the power of thoughtful and caring gestures. It reminds everyone that maintaining open lines of communication is essential. These connections not only enhance the school environment but support students’ academic and social development.
Nancy Burns is the teaching and learning lead at Campbell County Middle School.
Each year, the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence awards Family Friendly Schools Certification to a group of schools and early care centers. This school and 53 others earned the certification in 2024. For more details on Family Friendly Schools Certification, visit the Prichard Committee’s family engagement website.
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