FamilyEmpowerment

CAFÉ Team 2023 - 2024

(Top row left to right): Yaneth Alfaro. Carlos Moreida. Maria Sandigo. Saidi Montoya. Carlo Guevara. Karla Munguia. Maria Alfaro. (Bottom row left to right): Staphania Mendez. Mariana Chavez. Maria Sanchez. Andrea Gonzalez. Yesenia Perez (Not pictured): Lizvet Aguilera

CAFÉ Program Goals

CAFÉ hopes to empower parents and families through learning opportunities and resources to:

Build relationships and partnerships with the school, the school district, and the community
Navigate the educational system and utilize the variety of resources available to students at WJUSD
Support a strong learning environment at home and at school
Gain leadership skills
Maintain open communication with their child about difficult life decisions and promote positive choices regarding:
- Healthy eating
- Sleeping habits
- Time management
- Coping with stress and conflict
- Alcohol and drugs
- Personal relationships
Empower their students to take personal responsibility for their academics, relationships, and all aspects of their lives
Become advocates to ensure their child's success in educational growth and development
And together strengthen the quality of life for all of our families!

Metas del Programa CAFÉ

Nuestro objetivo es asesorar a los padres y familias a través de oportunidades de aprendizaje y recursos para:

Crear relaciones con la escuela, el distrito escolar y la comunidad
Navegar por el sistema educativo y utilizar la variedad de recursos disponibles para los estudiantes en WJUSD
Mantener un ambiente eficaz de aprendizaje en el hogar y en la escuela
Desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo
Mantener una comunicación abierta con su(s) hijo(as) sobre las decisiones difíciles de la vida y así promover decisiones positivas con respecto a:
- Hábitos alimenticios
- El descanso adecuado
- El manejo del tiempo
- Lidiar con el estrés y el conflicto
- El alcohol y drogas
- Relaciones personales
Empoderar a sus estudiantes para que tomen responsabilidad sobre sus estudios, relaciones, y todos los aspectos de sus vidas
Abogar y asegurar el éxito y desarrollo académico de su(s) hijo(as)
¡Y juntos fortalecer la calidad de vida de cada una de nuestras familias!

New CAFE Manager hired May 2022

The Community and Family Engagement (CAFE) Program is making strides to keep families connected to their schools and district.

“The purpose of CAFE is to make sure that our families and schools are supported and working together for the success of our students,” said Yaneth Alfaro, who was hired in May to oversee the program as CAFE manager. “By working together, we strengthen the quality of life for all of our families.”

The CAFE program was expanded in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic with a team of 12 specialists. Specialists are assigned to various schools and work directly with principals, teachers, and staff to assist all families facing obstacles in their child's education. They connect families with resources, answer questions, and serve as liaisons between families and school staff.

“The role of a CAFE Specialist is to maintain open communication between families and schools to ensure families feel their voices are heard,” said Alfaro, who was also one of the original 12 specialists. “We know good communication between home, school, and our district is such a vital part of every child’s academic success. CAFE Specialists listen to parents' concerns and partner with them to make sure their situation, question, or point of view is expressed and understood. Specialists help and support parents if they need to find ways to resolve any issues that may be negatively impacting their child's success in school. By approaching a problem at a root level, we can ensure that children continue their education with no obstacles and are set up for success.”

Alfaro, who graduated from Pioneer High School and earned a BA in social work from Sacramento State, said she has seen the program evolve since it expanded in 2020.

“At first, everything was virtual,” Alfaro said. “So having that interaction and connection with families was extremely hard through a screen. Now that we are transitioning more to ‘normality’ I want the CAFE Program to be more known. Many families still don't know that they have a specialist at their school sites they could go to with any questions or concerns. I want families to feel comfortable coming and speaking to their specialists and to increase parent participation at their children’s school sites.”

Alfaro said her experience attending Woodland schools and being a first-generation daughter of immigrants has helped her make connections with families through the CAFE program.

“I love that many parents have told me that they see their kids reflected in me,” she said. “They know that if I was able to make it this far in my career despite so many obstacles, so can their children. The simple fact that there is someone that speaks the same language as they do, who they can openly share their questions, worries, or frustration with, makes them feel heard and appreciated.”

Natalie Bezares supports families as CAFÉ Specialist (May 2024)

As a classified employee of Woodland Joint Unified School District, Natalie Bezares is doing her part to ensure all students graduate prepared for college or a career. Natalie currently serves as a Community and Family Natalie

Engagement (CAFÉ) Specialist at Cache Creek High School and Maxwell Elementary School. She previously worked as a Paraprofessional for English Learner students at Pioneer High School.

“I have been with the District for almost four years now,” Natalie said. “Previously my responsibilities included working with individuals and groups of students in grades 9-12 and providing instructional support to students on various subjects. As a CAFÉ specialist, I now instill my knowledge in our communities and work directly with families to help engage in their students’ academic growth.”

Our District’s CAFÉ specialists are assigned to various schools and work directly with principals, teachers, and staff to assist all families facing obstacles in their students’ education. They connect families with resources, answer questions, and serve as liaisons between families and school staff.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is being able to bridge the communication gap between non-English speaking families and their children's academic institutions,” Natalie said. “Many parents may feel anxious or disconnected from their child's schooling due to language barriers, and it gives me great satisfaction to provide them with the resources and support they need to feel more involved and engaged in

their child's academic journey.”

Classified staff are district employees, other than credentialed teachers, who provide high-quality services that students benefit from. Their roles are essential to our District’s mission of preparing and empowering all students for a future of endless possibilities.

“CAFÉ specialists build a strong connection between our schools and families,” said Natalie. “We address any issues or concerns that may arise more quickly and effectively. This open line of communication helps parents feel more empowered to voice their opinions and to be active participants in their child's education. By helping these families navigate the education system and empowering them with the information they need to advocate for their children, I am fostering a positive relationship between families and schools, while promoting a sense of inclusion and equity for all students.”

As one of the newer CAFÉ specialists, Natalie is already making strides in her new role.

“Despite being relatively new to our CAFÉ program, Natalie has already made a remarkable impact with her dedication, enthusiasm, and exceptional performance,” said CAFÉ Program Manager Yaneth Alfaro. “Her rapid integration into the team and quick grasp of our processes demonstrate a remarkable level of adaptability and skill. Her positive attitude and eagerness to learn have undoubtedly contributed to her success. We're truly fortunate to have Natalie as part of our CAFÉ team, and we look forward to witnessing her continued growth and success within our program.”

Helping students succeed academically is a rewarding career, said Natalie, who attended California State University of Sacramento as a communication major.

“It is said that we are here to teach students, but I feel that sometimes students teach us the most valuable life lessons, allowing us to grow as educators and individuals,” she said.

In her spare time, Natalie enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and enjoying music and movies.

“In my free time, I enjoy traveling with friends, reading, eating different foods, and attending concerts,” she said. “I also adore photography. I'm a homebody who enjoys crime documentaries and horror films."