New families participate in a family orientation before the school year begins. During orientation, families learn about LION’s academic expectations, character education model, and family program commitments to signature growth events, such as family nights, family Saturdays, family retreats, and family-teacher conferences. Families are also introduced to the many ways they can stay involved and connected.
Families
Family Program
At LION, families are essential partners in students' academic success and character development. Our Family Engagement Program brings students, families, and staff together through reflection, shared experiences, and ongoing communication. We believe that when families and schools work together, students thrive.
A Community of Many Families
Family engagement at LION is a core part of our mission and a shared responsibility, supported by all staff. We believe the home is the primary classroom for character development, and we ask that families actively participate throughout the year.
Our goal is to build trust, understanding, and strong partnerships that benefit every student through our core family programs.
Our Family Engagement team serves as a bridge between home and school, helping families, students, and staff work together. Families who need additional support may also access resources through our Urgent Family Relief Fund, which has been used to access food, keep the lights or heat on, prevent eviction due to unpaid rent, and provide funeral costs for a family member.
Core Family Programs
The Family Program at LION asks us to think about our own families and listen to others’ experiences to give us a better understanding of who we are and what we bring to a family-school partnership.
New Family Orientation
- LION’s academic expectations
- Character education model
- Family program commitments
Family Nights
A key aspect of the family engagement program, monthly family nights are evenings of reflection, discussion, and community-building. Each family night consists of curated activities designed to support parental and guardian personal development. Childcare is provided to support participation.
- Monthly evenings
- Reflection
- Discussion
- Community-building
Family Saturdays
Held on select Saturdays in the Fall and Spring, these events bring students and parents or guardians together as a community. Families with multiple students may alternate attendance across events.
- Saturdays in the fall and spring
Family Retreats
Families can participate in optional one-day or overnight retreats focused on family dynamics, self-reflection, and ways to deepen family connection. Transportation is provided, and LION covers all costs.
- One-day or overnight retreats
- Transportation provided
- LION covers all costs
Family–Teacher Conferences
Held four times per year in the middle of each marking period, these student-led conferences allow families and teachers to reflect on academic progress and character growth together. This gives students ample time to make improvements as needed.
- Four times per year
- Each marking period
Family Celebrations
Family Celebration is a joyful end-of-year event that recognizes families for their commitment and engagement throughout the school year, including a catered dinner, live entertainment, highlights from the year, and special awards.
- End-of-year event
- Dinner, entertainment, awards
Family Leadership Council
LION’s Family Council is open to all parents and guardians and provides an opportunity to share feedback, ask questions, and collaborate with school leadership. Council members work alongside principals to support school culture and community.
- Open to all parents and guardians
- Share feedback, questions
- Collaborate with school leadership
I love that LION exemplifies community and family.
The teachers and staff at LION feel like our extended family. LION isn't just about academic success but also the social-emotional wellness of their scholars.
A personal experience that stands out to me is when a family felt safe enough to come to me for support during a sudden housing crisis.
I was able to connect them with the necessary resources to secure a shelter placement that very night. Our team also ensured they had clothing, food, and, most importantly, a safe and compassionate space where they felt heard and supported.
Support And
Contact
We strive to support families every step of the way. Families are encouraged to reach out to Directors of Family Engagement with any questions, concerns, or needs related to their child’s experience at LION.
Contact Us