Skip To Main Content
Allentown School District Logo

Family and Community Engagement

There is nothing more important to the Allentown School District than the health, safety, and well-being of your children and our entire learning community. It is more important than ever that we work together and stay connected.

Outcomes for Students:

  • Higher grades and test scores. 
  • Better attendance and engagement in class. 
  • More positive attitudes and behavior. 
  • Greater sense of self-efficacy and self-esteem. 
  • Higher graduation rates and college/ postsecondary attendance.

Outcomes for Schools:

  • More positive school climate. 
  • Higher morale and greater teacher retention. 
  • Improved facilities, curriculum, and programs. 
  • More responsive to community concerns. 
  • Better reputation and support from the community.

Outcomes for Educators:

  • Shift from deficit to asset-based thinking about students and families. 
  • Increased multicultural awareness and appreciation. 
  • Creating success, motivating, and engaging students. 
  • More support from families. 
  • Stronger morale and professional satisfaction. 

Outcomes for Districts and Communities:

  • Reduced suspensions and high-risk behaviors. 
  • Increased family and youth involvement in site-based decisions. 
  • Expanded mental and physical health resources leading to improved health. 
  • High levels of participation in after-school programs. 
  • Increased high school graduation rates.

- Dr. Karen Mapp, Leading Family and Community Engagement Expert, Senior Lecturer on Education at Harvard Graduate School of Education


Area of Work

  • Engagement Opportunities - Forums, Meetings, Training Sessions
  • Events
  • Interpretation & Translation Services
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
  • Parent Portal
  • Partnerships
  • Resources
  • School Governance Councils
  • Superintendent's Advisory Councils
  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Welcome Center

Chief Outreach Officer for Family and Community Engagement
Jenna Monley


21st Century Community Learning Centers
Project Manager
David George

Assistant Project Manager
Laura Worman

Project Coordinators
Ana Mercedes
Christin George
Heather Snyder


Family Center - Parents as Teachers Program
Project Manager
Nancy Ettwein

Parent Educators
Wendy McClung
Donna Russ


Homeless Liaisons
Chelsea Buffaloe
Alecia Wight


Outreach Workers
Mazen Eraifeg
Justin Ruppelli
Susan Tudela
Roger Trinh
Jennyfaith Lopez
Grisel Cruz de Alvarez
Ana Martinez


Parent Liaisons
Facilitator, TBD

Parent Liaisons
Yazmin Velez
Jessica Martin
Marbel Moran
Karim Brown
Maria Surita
Gardenys Fernandez
Maria Figueroa
Fe Candelario

Confidential Secretary
Crystal Hunter