Celebrating Community Engagement at Thomas Middle School: A Look at Family Involvement Coordination
This week, the educational community of Thomas Middle School proudly showcased its dedication to family involvement and student success with a well-deserved recognition: the #SuperSchoolShoutout. This honor was bestowed upon the school, highlighting the commendable efforts of Family Involvement Coordinator (FIC) Sabrina Austin and sixth grader Maddisyn Love.
Sabrina Austin has been an integral part of the Thomas Middle School community since her arrival in 2020. Her role as FIC allows her to make profound contributions to the school environment. “I have always loved helping people,” Austin stated, emphasizing her passion for supporting students and families. With personal experiences that lend her a unique perspective, she relates deeply to those she serves, stating, “There have been times in my life where I’ve needed support, so I can connect with these students and families.”
Austin’s responsibilities encompass a range of vital activities aimed at enhancing the educational experience for both students and their families. She organizes events, addresses the needs of families facing challenges, and provides staff members with necessary resources. “I am a listening ear for students and help with any problem I can solve,” Austin explained, reflecting her commitment to fostering a nurturing school environment.
In her dedicated resource room, Austin has established a repository of essential items including food, school supplies, and clothing. She emphasizes the significance of addressing basic needs for academic success: “When students are not focused on a hole in their shoes, a grumbling stomach, or an empty pencil pouch, they can concentrate on their work and engage in their classes.”
Among the students benefiting from Austin’s initiatives is sixth grader Maddisyn Love, who is currently navigating her transitional year into middle school. Embracing the varied schedule of classes, Maddisyn expressed her enjoyment for subjects such as choir and physical education. As a Soprano in her choir, she revels in the creative opportunities presented by her coursework, including writing her own stories in her creative writing classes. “I am also getting better at science and enjoy the engineering concepts we’ve been learning,” she noted.
Though Maddisyn has yet to decide on a specific career path, her enthusiasm for creativity and exploration is apparent. She envisions potential futures as a painter, an interior designer blending art with engineering, or even as a chef, indicative of her diverse interests.
As Thomas Middle School continues to prioritize community and family involvement, such recognition highlights the importance of these relationships in fostering a positive environment for all students. With dedicated individuals like Sabrina Austin leading the way and inspiring young minds like Maddisyn Love, the future looks bright for the Titans at Thomas Middle School.
