Family Engagement Program
Families and Schools Working Together
River City Science Academy believes that strong family engagement plays an essential role in student achievement, school success, and community development. Our Family Engagement Program provides parents and caregivers with opportunities to participate, learn, volunteer, connect with educators, and support their children throughout the school year.
Parent Engagement Group
The Parent Engagement Group brings families and school representatives together to strengthen communication, support student success, and encourage meaningful participation in school life.
Our Parent Engagement Group will meet monthly during the 2025 – 2026 school year, working to better River City Science Academy as a whole. The first Parent Engagement Group meeting will take place in August/September 2026.
Areas of focus:
Events and Fundraising
Parent Involvement
Public Affairs
Any family members and caregivers that wish to be involved are invited to join. If you are interested, please fill out the form to the right.
Parent Academy
• The Parent Academy of Duval County Public Schools is a FREE family resource that promotes parental involvement, enhances student achievement, and supports a caregiver’s need for personal and individual growth. Parent Academy courses are offered in schools, libraries, community centers, and faith-based institutions throughout the community.
• RCSA will also hold courses for parents at our campuses throughout the school year. Schedule is TBA.
Parent Volunteering
RCSA values the time, experience, and commitment of family and community volunteers. Volunteering provides meaningful opportunities to support students, educators, events, and campus programs.
We often have many events and opportunities for parents to volunteer. If you are interested in volunteering please fill out the form below. Clearance from Duval Schools is required for all our volunteers. Please visit duvalscools.org to fill out the volunteer application. Applications typically take 5 – 10 days to process.
All Pro Dads
All Pro Dads is a monthly school gathering where dads enjoy breakfast with their kids and engage in meaningful conversations and activities centered around a character-based curriculum. All Pro Dad’s Day provides an important opportunity to bring fathers into schools which makes a difference for every child.
Home Visit Program
RCSA’s Home Visit Program is one way our staff supports students and families through the educational process. RCSA teachers visit more than 300 homes each year to answer any questions families might have, often helping parents work through any confusion about the college application process or providing student resources. We want to ensure our students know that they have the support of both their school and their family in their academic pursuits. Educators from all grades have made the commitment to build communication between themselves and families by visiting the homes of their students. We encourage you to contact your campus to request your home visit today.
Principal’s Breakfasts
Breakfast with the Principal is held a few times throughout the school year to allow families the chance to meet with their principal and administration. This gives families the opportunity to socialize with teachers and administrators in a friendly setting, as well as bring up any questions that they had about the school year.
Back to School Picnics
Back to School Picnics are held at the beginning of the school year. Students join their teachers, administration, and families for a fun-filled day with great food. This is a great event that allows families to meet their student’s teachers in a fun way for all.
Dads Take Your Child to School Day
Dads Take Your Child to School Day is observed annually in September in Florida’s schools. The Dads Take Your Child to School Day initiative serves to highlight and support fatherhood engagement in education by helping schools foster this important connection with fathers and father figures. Research indicates engaging dads, brothers, uncles, father figures, other significant male role models, and male mentors, increases student success in numerous ways.
Special Family Events
Throughout the school year, we will hold Grandparents Breakfast, Veteran’s Day Breakfast, Muffins for Moms, and Doughnuts for Dads. These breakfasts are a great opportunity for family members to join their students for a special time and see their school. Our students love welcoming their family members into the school for these events.
Florida Family Engagement Month
November is Florida Family Engagement in Education Month, a time to celebrate the crucial role parents and families play in their children’s education. When schools work together with families to support learning, children are more motivated to succeed, not just in school, but throughout life.
Family Engagement Resources
Access helpful information and resources designed to support family participation, communication, and student success.
RCSA Family Engagement Plan
Explore the goals, strategies, and initiatives that guide family participation across RCSA.
Parent Resources
Access helpful tools, information, and support designed for RCSA students and families.
Supporting Your Child’s Learning and Development
Our children can have a stronger future with parental engagement, which is why we encourage parents to attend events and volunteer in the schools.
The following are just a few suggestions of the many ways you can be involved with your child’s education:
- Contact your child's teacher early in the school year and maintain communication throughout the school year.
- Participate in parent/teacher conferences.
- Ask the teacher what your child is learning and how you can support this at home.
- Talk with your child daily about homework, classroom activities and events.
- Learn about school policies and expectations so you can help your child understand them.
- Make efforts to stay informed of school and classroom events.
- Model behaviors and attitudes you expect from your child.
- Encourage and nurture your child's creativity.
- Be proactive in making the school aware of your support for your child's education.
- Talk with your employer about flex time so you can participate in school activities.
- Establish a daily family routine.
- Monitor out of school activities.
- Model the value of learning, self-discipline and hard work.
- Express high, but realistic expectations for achievement.
- Encourage your child's development/progress in school.
- Encourage reading, writing and discussions among family members.
- Be positive when talking with your child about school related activities.
School Feedback Form
Share your questions, suggestions, concerns, or feedback with River City Science Academy. Your input helps strengthen communication and improve the experience of students and families across our campuses.