Cumberland County Schools

Free workshops and family resources

Cumberland Family Academy is back!

Explore the 2026–27 schedule

More ways to connect, learn and support your child’s success!

Connecting schools, families and the community — one stop at a time.

Cumberland Family Academy returns with free workshops and educational events for Cumberland County Schools (CCS) families.

Explore Virtual Lunch and Learn sessions, evening virtual workshops and in-person events designed to help you support your child’s success.

Visit a Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop in your community for helpful resources, face-to-face support and gift card giveaways.

All times are Eastern. Check each event for its location, online link or registration details.

October 2026

In person Parent Welcome Night

Thursday, Oct. 15 Jueves, 15 de octubre de 2026
6–7:15 p.m.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Parent Welcome Night Noche de Bienvenida para Padres ESL

Location / Lugar 1307 Hillsboro Street, Fayetteville, NC 28301

What to expect / Qué puede esperar

Learn how the ESL program helps your child succeed. Aprenda cómo el programa de ESL ayuda al éxito de su hijo. Aprann kijan pwogram ESL la ede pitit ou a reyisi.
Connect with teachers and staff. Conéctese con los maestros y el personal. Konekte ak pwofesè yo ak anplwaye yo.
Access resources available in your home language. Acceda a recursos disponibles en su idioma materno. Jwenn aksè nan resous ki disponib nan lang ou pale lakay ou.

For more information:
ESL Department
Elisa Luna, ESL Community Liaison
910-484-1176

Online Virtual Session

Thursday, Oct. 15 6:30 p.m.

Creating a Home Environment That Supports Learning

Learning doesn’t stop when the school day ends! Discover simple, practical ways to create a home environment that encourages learning, builds positive routines and helps your child stay focused and motivated. Join us for strategies families can use every day to support academic success.

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Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, Oct. 21 Noon–1 p.m.

All Things Family Engagement: Resources to Help Your Child Succeed

Join the Communications and Community Engagement Department to meet Family Ambassadors, discover helpful resources and explore ways to support your child’s success in the classroom and beyond.

Join online

Online Virtual Session

Wednesday, Oct. 21 7:30 p.m.

Every Day Counts: How Attendance Affects Achievement and Future Success

Every school day is an opportunity to learn, grow and succeed! Join us to learn how regular attendance impacts academic achievement, relationships, confidence and your child’s future success. Families will also receive helpful tips for building strong attendance habits and addressing common attendance challenges.

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, Oct. 22 4:30–6:30 p.m.

FAFSA Information and Infinite Campus Support

Westover Recreation Center 267 Bonanza Drive, Fayetteville

Get help understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Infinite Campus, explore college and career resources and learn about the upcoming CCS Choice Fair.

In person Military-Connected College Fair

Wednesday, Oct. 28 6–7:30 p.m.

Operation: College Bound

Jack Britt High School

This informational session is intended to provide military-connected families with resources and information on admissions, financial aid and scholarships specific to military families.

Gain the information and resources you need to take the next step toward college!

Online Family Engagement On Demand

Thursday, Oct. 29 6:30 p.m.

Every Minute Matters: Understanding Chronic Absenteeism

Missing a few days here and there can add up quickly. Join this Family Engagement On Demand session to learn what chronic absenteeism means, how missed instructional time can affect student progress and what families can do to help their children stay connected, engaged and on track for success.

Connect with us

November 2026

In person Transition Fair

Thursday, Nov. 5 4:30–7 p.m.

Cumberland County Schools Exceptional Children’s Department Transition Fair

Fayetteville Technical Community College (FTCC) Tony Rand Student Center
2201 Hull Road, Fayetteville, NC 28303

The Future Is Within Reach: The Sprint Toward Success

Cumberland County Schools’ Exceptional Children’s Department invites students, families and community members to the 2026–27 Transition Fair, a night dedicated to helping students take the next step toward a bright future.

Explore education options, build career skills, make community connections and discover paths to achieve more. Resources, support and opportunities will be on hand to help every student explore, connect, plan and thrive.

Empowering today’s students for tomorrow’s opportunities. Educate. Empower. Elevate.

In person Parent Café

Friday, Nov. 13 9–11 a.m.

Be Strong Families Parent Café

Pre-K Center 1307 Hillsboro Street, Fayetteville

Parent Cafés are physically and emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk and listen to one another about topics that matter to them. These highly structured small group conversations promote peer-to-peer learning and deep self-reflection.

Parents and caregivers of children of all ages are welcome to attend. Agencies are also welcome to have their staff participate to learn more about this resource.

Reserve a seat:
Contact Wanda Wesley at 910-483-7370 or email wandawesley@ccs.k12.nc.us.

Call to confirm the schedule, as dates and locations may be added or changed.

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Thursday, Nov. 19 Noon–1 p.m.

AIG 101: Understanding Academically or Intellectually Gifted Services

Learn about referrals, eligibility and Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) services, plus ways to encourage advanced learning at home.

Join online

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, Nov. 19 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Choosing Success: CCS School Choice Information and Resources for Families

Cliffdale Recreation Center 6404 Cliffdale Road, Fayetteville

Explore CCS Choice Programs, connect with community partners and enjoy gift card giveaways. In partnership with Balm in Gilead Family Counseling Ministries, we’ll also provide food giveaways while supplies last ahead of Thanksgiving.

December 2026

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, Dec. 16 Noon–1 p.m.

Helping Students Finish the Semester Strong

Help your child stay organized, complete assignments, prepare for exams and manage stress for a confident finish to the semester.

Join online

January 2027

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, Jan. 14 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Discover CCS’ ICON Program

Kiwanis Recreation Center 352 Devers Street, Fayetteville

Explore how internships and work-based learning help students gain skills, discover careers and prepare for their futures.

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, Jan. 20 Noon–1 p.m.

CCS College and Career Readiness: Preparing Students for Success

Explore college admissions, scholarships, financial aid, dual enrollment and career opportunities that support your child’s goals and may help reduce college costs.

Join online

February 2027

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, Feb. 17 Noon–1 p.m.

Discover CCS’ ICON Program

Learn how students can gain career experience through internships and work-based learning, with support from families, community organizations and local businesses.

Join online

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, Feb. 18 4:30–6:30 p.m.

CCS Career and Technical Education Showcase

Kiwanis Recreation Center 352 Devers Street, Fayetteville

Discover how Career and Technical Education (CTE) connects classroom learning with career pathways and prepares students for college and the workforce.

March 2027

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, March 17 Noon–1 p.m.

Explore simple ways to help your child manage feelings, build healthy relationships, handle stress and make responsible decisions.

Join online

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, March 18 4:30–6:30 p.m.

CCS Family Literacy Event: Celebrating Read Across America

Spring Lake Public Library 101 Laketree Boulevard, Spring Lake

Celebrate reading, connect with pre-K and elementary staff and discover ways to support literacy at home. Visit the Cruiser for a book giveaway!

April 2027

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, April 21 Noon–1 p.m.

Preparing for End-of-Grade and End-of-Course Assessments

Learn what to expect on assessments and get tips for studying, reinforcing learning at home and helping your child manage test anxiety.

Join online

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, April 29 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Healthy Minds, Strong Families: Connect, Learn and Grow

North Regional Public Library 855 McArthur Road, Fayetteville

Connect with CCS social workers and district staff for resources that support your child’s confidence, relationships and emotional well-being.

May 2027

Online Virtual Lunch and Learn

Wednesday, May 19 Noon–1 p.m.

Celebrating Success and Preparing for Summer

Discover ways to celebrate your child’s progress, keep learning fun and maintain healthy routines during summer break.

Join online

In person Family and Community Engagement Cruiser Bus Stop

Thursday, May 20 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Summer Resource Connections

Location to be announced

Explore summer programs, activities and family services with CCS staff and community partners. Ask questions about pre-K and kindergarten enrollment and enjoy resource giveaways.

October 2026

English as a Second Language (ESL) Parent Welcome Night Noche de Bienvenida para Padres ESL

Creating a Home Environment That Supports Learning

All Things Family Engagement: Resources to Help Your Child Succeed

Every Day Counts: How Attendance Affects Achievement and Future Success

FAFSA Information and Infinite Campus Support

Operation: College Bound

Every Minute Matters: Understanding Chronic Absenteeism

November 2026

Cumberland County Schools Exceptional Children’s Department Transition Fair

Be Strong Families Parent Café

AIG 101: Understanding Academically or Intellectually Gifted Services

Choosing Success: CCS School Choice Information and Resources for Families

December 2026

Helping Students Finish the Semester Strong

January 2027

Discover CCS’ ICON Program

CCS College and Career Readiness: Preparing Students for Success

February 2027

Discover CCS’ ICON Program

CCS Career and Technical Education Showcase

March 2027

Social-Emotional Learning Resources for CCS Families

CCS Family Literacy Event: Celebrating Read Across America

April 2027

Preparing for End-of-Grade and End-of-Course Assessments

Healthy Minds, Strong Families: Connect, Learn and Grow

May 2027

Celebrating Success and Preparing for Summer

Summer Resource Connections

Cumberland Family Academy

CFA Umbrella Items

Resource Links

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