The BUSD Office of Family Engagement and Equity offers district-wide support for families, and is in the second year of piloting school-based family engagement programs at six of the district’s elementary schools. The work of all the Family Engagement and Equity staff is to support and educate parents and families in three main focal areas: 1) Establishing links between home and school for academic success, 2) Improving behavioral supports for students by helping families build trusting relationships with school staff and students, and 3) Promoting attendance and access to health services.
Please contact any of us for help with school issues, or finding avenues to resources in the community.
Ann Marie Callegari 610-684-4111; anncallegari@berkeley.net
Pilot sites: Emerson and BAM
Ann Marie Callegari has worked for BUSD for ten years, where she first began working in the LEARNS after-school program. She is a proud parent of two young adults, one who is a Berkeley High graduate and currently a senior in college. She enjoys working with families, and looks forward to providing them with the appropriate resources to help their children thrive in Berkeley schools and beyond.
Laura Rivas 510-684-4111; LauraRivas@berkeley.net
Pilot sites: LeConte and Thousand Oaks – se habla español
Laura Rivas is the newest member of the Family Engagement & Equity Team at BUSD, working at Le Conte and Thousand Oaks Elementary Schools. Prior to joining our schools, Laura worked as a community organizer and advocate with various immigrant and worker rights groups in the Bay Area. Laura also brings years of experience advocating for families and youth at the middle and high school level, and providing academic support for students in after-school programs.
Dawn Robinson 510-684-4111; dawnrobinson@berkeley.net
Pilot sites: Malcolm X and John Muir
Dawn Robinson brings 22 years of educational experience to her work here with families, including roles that ranged from principal to a trainer for Seneca Center. Ms. Robinson is excited to be working with Berkeley families and looks forward to forging positive relationships that will result in improved student achievement.
Charity DaMarto 510-644-8991; charitydamarto@berkeley.net
Since 2000, Charity DaMarto has been serving students and families in our schools, having first started her career in the LEARNS after-school programs at Thousand Oaks, and then LeConte. She studied Anthropology and Sociology with an emphasis on Race and Ethnicity at Mills College in Oakland. When asked about her work, Charity says, “I am excited to provide direct services to our BUSD families. Being an advocate for families in need is our top priority.”
