2026 CFEC Regional Family, School, Community Partnership Convening

Join Colorado Education Initiative (CEI) and the Colorado Family Engagement Collaborative (CFEC) for the Regional Family, School, and Community Partnership Convening on Wednesday, September 23 from 8:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.

This FREE, in-person convening will closely explore chronic absenteeism, dropout prevention, and family engagement in Colorado.

During this day-long event, the Colorado Department of Education and experts in family and community partnership will discuss the root causes of chronic absenteeism and alternative approaches to prevention and Harrison School District 2 will share their district experience and perspective. Attendees will have the opportunity to join a CEI-led training focused on helping students to navigate their individual pathways to graduation and sharing understanding about how career-connected learning can support student engagement.

School district leaders, school site leaders, school district staff, parents and guardians, and community partners are all invited to attend!

*Registration Deadline* Secure your spot today! Please register yourself or your team by Monday, September 14.

Purpose:

This family, school, and community partnerships learning hub is a space for individuals and teams to closely explore the topic of chronic absenteeism from multiple angles. Please feel free to share this invitation with your networks.

Agenda Highlights:

• Attend special presentations from the Colorado Department of Education and Harrison School District 2
• Receive raining on chronic absenteeism provided by family and community partnership experts
• Explore the CFEC Family Engagement Advisory Council's work
• Learn about engagement opportunities from the National Center for Families Learning, Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, Black Parent Network, and CEI

Suggested Teams:

Districts are highly encouraged (but not required) to bring a team of 4-8 people. We suggest two staff members representing each role (listed below) to create coherence and the highest likelihood of integrating promising practices. However, ALL team sizes are welcome. Consider the following participants:

• Parent/Guardian Leaders: Both highly engaged and those with emerging engagement
• District Representatives: Superintendents, family, school, and community partnership leaders
• School Leader or School-Based Roles: Principals and school admin, career and technical education coordinators, school social workers, school counselors, family liaisons, and teachers
• Community Partners: Those working closely with the district or emerging partners

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, September 23, 2026
• Location: In Person // The Zalman Center, Harrison High School, 2755 Janitell Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906
• Time: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. MDT (Soft start with breakfast included at 8 a.m.)
• Meals: Light breakfast and lunch are included.
• Cost: FREE to attend

For questions, please contact:

• Anna Steed, CEI, Manager, Policy: [email protected]
• Dr. Alex Carter, CEI, Vice President, Field Implementation: [email protected]