Meet our Family Liaison, Maria Nogales!

Fairfax County Public Schools understands the vital role parents and families play in the academic achievement of students. Research has proven that when parents, families, teachers and the community come together and agree that education is a priority, students will succeed. Family liaisons are FCPS employees who help build cooperative working relationships between families, school and the community. They help empower and encourage families to partner with the school and become active participants in the education of their children. In every effort to stay in contact with you regarding your child(ren), a Family Liaison may contact you with important school activities, reminders and notices.

That is me, Maria Nogales. I am from Bolivia (South America) and I am bilingual in Spanish. I am a mother of two boys, 2 & 10 and Fairfax is my home. I have a background in the accounting/finance field, however it has been more than 11 years that I have switched careers to work in the Human Services field. I enjoy working and helping people. I have a bachelor’s in Psychology and Research Master’s Social Sciences. I left the US in 2010 and came back in 2019, to have my second baby and stayed at home with my children. I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, playing tennis and biking, and spending time with my family. I am new in FCPS and love the staff and the very diverse and international families. I welcome you to visit me at the school or contact me as a resource for any of your needs. Look forward to meeting you soon.

Coordinadora de Participación de Padres en CES

Las Escuelas Públicas del Condado de Fairfax entienden el papel vital que juegan los padres y las familias en el logro académico de los estudiantes. Las investigaciones han demostrado que cuando los padres, las familias, los maestros y la comunidad se unen y acuerdan que la educación es una prioridad, los estudiantes tendrán éxito. Los Coordinadores de Participación de  Padres son empleados de FCPS que ayudan a construir relaciones cooperativas entre las familias, la escuela y la comunidad. Ayudan a empoderar y alentar a las familias a asociarse con la escuela y convertirse en participantes activos en la educación de sus hijos. Con el objetivo de mantenerse en contacto con usted con respecto a su(s) hijo(s), un Coordinador de Padres puede contactarlo con actividades escolares importantes, recordatorios y avisos.

Esa soy yo, María Nogales. Soy de Bolivia (América del Sur) y hablo español. Soy madre de dos niños de 2 y 10 años y Fairfax es mi hogar. Tengo experiencia en el campo de contabilidad/finanzas, sin embargo, hace más de 11 años que cambié de carrera para trabajar en el campo de Servicios Humanos porque disfruto trabajar y ayudar a las personas. Tengo una licenciatura en Psicología y una Maestría en Investigación en Ciencias Sociales. Salí de los EE. UU. en 2010 y regresé en 2019 para tener a mi segundo bebé y me quedé en casa con mis hijos. Me encanta estar al aire libre, hacer caminatas, jugar tenis y andar en bicicleta, y pasar tiempo con mi familia. Soy nueva en FCPS y me encanta el personal y las familias muy diversas e internacionales. Le invito a visitarme en la escuela o ponerse en contacto conmigo como un recurso para cualquiera de sus necesidades. Espero conocerte pronto.

Mrs. Nogales is at Columbia on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:30 - 4:15 p.m.

Who Are Family Liaisons?

Family Liaisons are special staff members who work in your child's school. They help you get the information and assistance you need to support your child at home and to ensure your child's academic success.

Why Do Schools Have Family Liaisons?

Family Liaisons serve as a communication link between home and school. They welcome and orient families to the school and familiarize the families with the school's culture, policies, procedures, and practices.

What Can Family Liaisons Do?

Because family liaisons know a great deal about your child's school and community, they are a valuable resource for you. They can connect you with the appropriate people within the school or community who can help you meet your child's needs.

Family liaisons establish and build successful working relationships with the families of all children in the school. They appreciate the school's cultural diversity and work to foster unity, cohesiveness, and cooperation among all families.

How Do Family Liaisons Help Parents?

• Family liaisons provide services such as the following to assist you and your child.
• Encourage open communication between you and school personnel.
• Explain the purpose and process of conferences and school meetings.
• Attend conferences and school meetings with you to clarify procedures and processes.
• Arrange meetings between your family and school staff members.
• When needed, make arrangements to have language interpreters or translators at school meetings.
• Explain school policies, practices, and programs.
• Provide information about school goals, resources, and activities.
• Give school tours.
• Offer suggestions about how you can become involved in your child's education and your school community.
• Help you connect with any special help or service you child may need.