Family Engagement in Action: Inside Community School Math Nights
You might assume a Math Family Engagement Night starts as an idea from school administrators, but at McKinley and Union City Elementary, that wasn’t the case.
Both schools are United Way Community Schools, where family voice matters. Instead of planning events based on what schools think families want, Community Schools intentionally listen first. When families were asked what they’d like to see, they shared a clear interest: a family engagement night that felt different, something meaningful, hands-on, and academically focused. From that feedback, Family Math Night was born.
“We've been hosting Math Nights now for four years!” Bailey Pituch, Union City Community School Director, shared. “At first, our teachers wanted to hold an event before state testing that would get families thinking about Math facts.”
Over time, that idea evolved into an evening focused on quick math facts, giving students a chance to show their families what they’ve been learning in school and encouraging practice at home.
At McKinley, the night was about more than math. Families didn’t just work alongside their own children; they connected with other families throughout the school community. That sense of connection is at the heart of the Community School model, bringing families together and strengthening relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
For both schools, teacher involvement was central. Educators from McKinley and Union City spent the evening working with students and families in a relaxed, supportive setting. These moments create opportunities that don’t always exist during the school day, allowing teachers to build trust, strengthen relationships, and engage families around learning.
At the end of the night at McKinley, each family received a grade-level math kit to take home. More than just supplies, the kits offered families a way to continue learning together, turning math into a shared, positive experience long after the event ended.
“It’s one thing to get kids excited about a Trunk or Treat or non-academic event,” Bailey noted, “but to get them excited to come to school after-hours for an academic reason is always a win.” She added that the night gave families time to focus on what students are learning and allowed teachers to connect with families about academics in a fun way.