InTucker Magazine

Nancy Pritchett

In September, the DeKalb County School District recognized District Family Engagement Liaison Nancy Pritchett as an Employee of the Year. Pritchett’s face is a familiar sight at community events, as her work takes her across the county encouraging parents, families and members of the community to participate in their children’s education.

“I didn’t expect it because we have so much talent in our division,” Pritchett said of her award, “so I was kind of in shock. I’m honored and grateful. My work means a lot to me, and being recognized was special, but I don’t do this by myself. I have my team to help me out, and without them, that wouldn’t be possible.”

Pritchett has worked with DCSD in various capacities for 25 years. In that time, she served as an interpreter and Pleasantdale Elementary liaison before becoming a liaison for the Department of Family and Community Engagement. She also manages DCSD’s Mobile IMPACT Hub, a mobile parent and student center that travels to various neighborhoods and community events. The Mobile IMPACT Hub offers activities and services like take-home books for students, parental portal training and annual verification assistance.

Pritchett also organizes Read Across DeKalb, the county’s annual reading initiative that takes place in March to coincide with Read Across America. To promote education and literacy, DCSD schedules visits to elementary schools in which guest readers read to classes. DeKalb’s reading mascot “Hootdini” the owl joins the Mobile IMPACT Hub for outreach during the event, and students visit the Hub’s bus to choose a free book to take home. Recruitment for guest reader opportunities begins in February, so those interested in participating should keep an eye on DCSD’s social accounts throughout the month.

Literacy is a passion for Pritchett, as one might gather from her work. “It’s
why I chose to be the lead for Read Across DeKalb,” Pritchett explains. “It’s very important for families to read with their children especially from kindergarten through third grade. That’s the age children should be learning to read because it makes it easier for them even when they get through to high school.” She recommends that families keep books at home and read to their students for at least 30 minutes every day.

My motto is, ‘family engagement equals family empowerment equals student success,” Pritchett said.

The Mobile IMPACT Hub and Read Across DeKalb are far from the only initiatives led by the department. Family and Community Engagement also offers training and resources for parents like Parent University to learn more about the workings of DeKalb Schools, a free GED Support program for parents preparing for the General Educational Development tests, English as a Second Language courses and other opportunities for professional growth and development.

Pritchett shared ideas for how the wider Tucker community can support our students and families. “Everyone in Tucker has something to contribute. Visit the school district website to explore opportunities to volunteer and support school events. Businesses and community organizations can partner with schools to provide resources and learning opportunities.”

To request a visit from the Mobile IMPACT Hub for your neighborhood or community event, email Nancy Pritchett at Nancy_pritchett@dekalbschoolsga.org. Visit DeKalb County School District’s website to learn more about the Department of Family and Community Engagement, other methods to support local schools, and community resources available to families. You can also follow DCSD Family Engagement on Facebook for updates, volunteer opportunities and reminders about resources available to you.