Deadline to apply: Monday, August 25, 2025

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 6 of the 7 sessions 
• Monthly Meeting Schedule:
  • Tuesday, October 7, 2025
  • Monday, November 10, 2025
  • Tuesday, December 2, 2025
  • Tuesday, January 6, 2026
  • Tuesday, February 3, 2026
  • Tuesday, March 3, 2026
  • Tuesday, April 7, 2026
• Optional leadership opportunities and commitments

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 will join us to participate in the conversation as needed

Who should join the DDSD Family Ambassador Program?

• Have a child enrolled in DDSD for SY25/26
• Are engaged in the school or community
• Have the capacity to attend monthly evening sessions (October – May)
• Are 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

PROGRAM GOALS

Year 1 (2024-2025)

• Recruit 15 ambassadors, 1 for each school (Cohort 1/C1)
• Attendance: all ambassadors attend at least 6 of the 7 scheduled meetings
• 100% pre and post survey responses
• 100% end of program reflection completed & shared
• 100% of session attendees complete exit ticket
• 100% participation with District SWOT, family perspective
• 100% Program completion for all ambassadors

Year 2 (2025-2026)

• Recruit 15 new ambassadors (Cohort 2/C2), 1 from each school
• 4 members from Cohort 1 co-lead Year 2 with Family Engagement team
• 4 members from Cohort 1 plan Year 2 with Family Engagement team
• 75% of Cohort 1 ambassadors engage in quarterly meetings
• Attendance: Cohort 2 ambassadors attend at least 6 of the 7 scheduled meetings
• 100% pre and post survey responses
• 100% end of program reflection completed & shared
• 100% of session attendees complete exit ticket
• 100% participation with District SWOT, family perspective
• 100% Program completion for all ambassadors

Year 3 (2026-2027)

• Recruit 15 new ambassadors (Cohort 3/C3), 1 from each school
• 75% of Cohort 1 and 2 attend Year 3 alumni quarterly meetings
• Total of 4 members from Cl & C2 will lead Year 3 (Cohort 3) with support from Family Engagement team
• Attendance: Cohort 3 ambassadors attend at least 6 of the 7 scheduled meetings
• 100% pre and post survey responses
• 100% end of program reflection completed & shared
• 100% of session attendees complete exit ticket
• 100% participation with District SWOT, family perspective
• 100% Program completion for all ambassadors

2027-2028 & beyond

Cohorts beginning SY 2027-28 will be modeled after year 3.

• 50% Ambassadors from previous cohorts engage in quarterly meetings

View the PROGRAM GOALS as a PDF.

2025-26 FAMILY AMBASSADOR MEETINGS

ALL MEETINGS ARE HELD AT DD BOARD ROOM, 6 – 8 PM

View the 2025–26 FAMILY AMBASSADOR MEETINGS as a PDF.

Complete your application by August 25, 2025

All are encouraged to apply! Please note that space for this program is limited; we may not be able to select all applicants.

2025-2026 School Year Timeline

• Application Open: August 15, 2025
• Application Close: September 5, 2025
• Reaching out to interested caregivers: September 1 – September 10, 2025
• Confirmation of Acceptance into the program: September 12, 2025 

If I am selected, what is provided?

• DDSD will provide
  • Childcare
  • Binder with the content for each session
  • Writing utensil
  • Blank paper for notes
• What you need to bring
  • Yourself (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