Catholic School Educator and Senior Philanthropy Fellow Emily Fairbanks Reflects on Catholic Schools and Family Engagement
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Guest post by Emily Fairbanks
One year ago, I was setting up my classroom for my first year of teaching after graduating from the Catholic University of America. This summer, I returned to the Crimsonbridge Foundation as a Senior Philanthropy Fellow to support the Foundation’s Bridges for Schools program for a third summer.
My experience as a 4th grade teacher in the Diocese of Arlington has given me a deeper appreciation of the Catholic education work that Crimsonbridge supports. As a teacher, I know the immeasurable value of a school community where students, families, and educators belong, grow, and thrive. Strong family engagement is a cornerstone of school and student success, and I witness firsthand its enormous impact every day in my own classroom. Engaged and empowered families are invaluable partners in their children’s education, strengthening both student learning and the school community.
Bridges for Schools supports initiatives that help build those meaningful partnerships with families, creating opportunities for them to actively participate in their children’s education. One school in the Archdiocese of Washington created a parent volunteer group called the “St. Rose of Lima Society” to foster a supportive school culture for engaging new families. The St. Rose of Lima Society invites families to the school on religious feast days, which provides an opportunity for family members to meet members of the school community and learn about how to get involved throughout the year. Another school created a Hispanic Heritage Committee, which met every other week and came up with ideas for how to celebrate and integrate the many cultures of students and families attending the school.
In my work this summer, I have been so encouraged by the work of our partner schools. Assisting in the grant application and reporting process for Bridges for Schools, I’ve had the privilege to see the tremendous work of schools as they cultivate welcoming and inclusive environments for every student and family. Their joy, creativity, and generosity in serving their communities inspire me to work hard to be a dynamic and understanding teacher.
As I look forward to the school year ahead, I leave this summer with renewed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this work and continue to learn about the needs and mission of Catholic schools.
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Emily is a 4th Grade teacher at St. John the Beloved Academy in McLean, Virginia. She is a recent graduate of the Catholic University of America. Emily has worked as a Philanthropy Fellow in 2024, 2025, and now 2026. A Washington native, she is proud to work with the Crimsonbridge Foundation to positively impact communities in the place she calls home. Emily is passionate about the transformative power of Catholic education for whole communities, including parents, students, and teachers alike.
