DDSD Family Ambassador Program
Empower minds, share knowledge!
Deadline to apply: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
What is the Family Ambassador Program?
The David Douglas School District (DDSD) Family Ambassador Program is a collaborative partnership between families and schools that recognizes both as essential to student success. The program creates space for shared learning, open communication, and mutual support between educators and families.
Through this partnership, our goal is to provide our families with the tools to:
- Access to confidently navigate the school system
- Make informed decisions
- Advocate for students and families
- Be empowered to support their students on their path to success
Our Vision
To cultivate a thriving community where families and educators partner together to support student growth and district improvement.
Together we will:
- Strengthen relationships between home and school
- Support inclusive, community-centered decision-making
What is the commitment for Family Ambassadors?
- All meetings are from 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- We ask that DDSD Family Ambassadors attend at least 7 of the 9 sessions
- Optional leadership opportunities and commitments
| Session | Date | Theme | Session Goal |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 29 | Welcome Session | Meet your cohort members, get to know the family engagement team, and discuss the program components |
| 2 | October 20 | Building Our Team & Staying Connected | Build relationships through collaboration and community-building activities. Review tools to stay connected. |
| 3 | November 17 | Attendance | Why is attendance important? We will discuss the safe attendance rate, barriers to attending school and how to remove them. |
| 4 | December 15 | Winter Social | An optional gathering to celebrate our progress, meet returning Family Ambassadors from Cohorts I & II. |
| 5 | January 26 | Special Education & Equity | Explore district supports, special education services, and how DDSD cultivates a sense of belonging. |
| 6 | February 23 | Behavior & Student Safety | An overview of safety procedures and behavior supports in DDSD, including restorative practices, PBIS, and how safe learning environments are created. |
| 7 | March 16 | Path to Graduation | Take a walk along the path to graduation – we will explore how learning in kindergarten impacts education through graduation and the resources available along the way. |
| 8 | April 20 | Put It Into Practice | Apply the learning through interactive activities. |
| 9 | May 18 | Celebration | Celebrate our accomplishments as a Family Ambassador. This celebration will be combined with Cohorts I & II. Principals and Assistant Principals are invited to join. |
What to expect during the monthly meetings:
- Interactive workshops, guest speakers, and leadership development
- Each session is designed to be engaging, supportive, and family-focused
- DDSD Family Ambassadors are encouraged to bring their voice, experiences, and ideas to help shape school and district efforts
- School Administrators and District Leaders may be invited join us to participate in the conversation as needed
Who should join the DDSD Family Ambassador Program?
- Have a child enrolled in DDSD for current school year
- Are engaged in the school or community
- Have the capacity to attend monthly evening sessions (September–May)
- Passionate about collaboration, diversity, leadership, and education
- Note: English proficiency is not required!
Why join the Family Ambassador Program?
- Be empowered as a partner in the school and district community
- Support all students to succeed through advocacy and family engagement efforts
- Empower our community with valuable insights and resources
- Collaborate in shared decision-making
- Have fun while learning and community-building
- Elevate your voice for your community
Complete your application by Tuesday, September 1, 2026
All are encouraged to apply! Please note that space for this program is limited; not all applicants will be selected.
2026-2027 School Year Timeline
- Application Open: July 20, 2026
- Application Close: September 1, 2026
- Reaching out to interested caregivers: July & August 2026
- Confirmation of Acceptance into the program: September 3, 2026
If I am selected, what is provided?
- DDSD will provide
- Childcare
- Refreshments
- Printed materials
- Writing materials & supplies
- Digital Hub for all resources
- What you need to bring
- You (transportation is not provided)
- Your experiences, ideas, and passion for education
- Your energy for teamwork and student success
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our Family Engagement Team.
Abbie Ajifu Clark, Family Engagement Specialist
- Email: abbie_ajifuclark@ddsd40.org
- Office: 503-256-6500 Ext. 8100
- Mobile: 503-308-9075
Tyrek (TD) McCullum, Family Engagement Specialist
- Email: tyrek_mccullum@ddsd40.org
- Office: 503-256-6500 ext. 8099
- Mobile: 503-664-0308
Cassy Wood, Family & Community Partnerships Supervisor
- Email: cassy_wood@ddsd40.org
- Office: 503-261-8249
- Mobile: 971-270-0011
Aidé Juárez Valerio, Director of Communications, Family Engagement, and Strategic Partnerships
- Email: aide_juarezvalerio@ddsd40.org
- Office: 503-261-8229
Family Ambassador Program Partners
The David Douglas School District Family Ambassador Program is proud to partner with East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) and the City of Portland in supporting meaningful family engagement and strengthening connections between families, schools, and our broader community.
