Schools

Crofton Parent Wins Involvement Award

Ambareen Jafri, a volunteer at Nantucket Elementary, received the Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award on Friday.

UPDATE (12:15 p.m.)—Crofton parent Ambareen Jafri, described as "Nantucket Elementary School's great communicator," received the 2012 Parent Involvement Matters Award for the state on Friday.

Jafri was selected from among 24 semifinalists recognized for their exceptional support of public education. An awards ceremony was held Friday night at Eastern Technical High School in Baltimore County. According to a news release, parents are nominated for demonstrating significant, positive impact in their education communities.

Here is an excerpt from Jafri's bio as listed on the Maryland State Department of Education's website:

Find out what's happening in Croftonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Answering a "call for help," she sprung into action for ESOL students to serve on the Diversity Committee as an Urdu interpreter. Ms. Jafri's communication and liaison skills with parents, teachers, and students; her ability to engage the English Language Learners community; and her positive attitude make her indispensable at Nantucket Elementary School.

The Baltimore Sun reported that Jafri started working with the school four years ago to be a translator for Indian and Pakistani families and gradually took on more responsibilities as she saw the need to assist with communication.

Find out what's happening in Croftonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The following information is from an Anne Arundel County Public Schools news release:

“As our school system continues to become more diverse, we look to our parents to help us with cultural proficiency that can't be found in textbooks,” Nantucket Elementary Principal Diana Strohecker said. “Mrs. Jafri is one such parent who helps Nantucket and our school system to understand how to embrace the beauties of our increasing number of families from Central Asia. Her tireless efforts have helped to bridge communication between schools and families. Through her work we are not only better able to respect and embrace various cultures but to celebrate what they bring to American life for children.”

Jafri said the award is not one for her, but one that symbolizes the hard work that many put in to make great things happen for children.

“I am so humbled to receive such a high honor,” she told the crowd Friday night. “I would like to thank Dr. Strohecker and (Nantucket ESOL teacher) Sarah Daniels for all of their encouragement over the years. I feel truly blessed to get the opportunity to work with central office staff, other parents, and the wonderful staff, parents, and students at Nantucket Elementary School.”

Nominees were judged on their contributions and impact in five areas: communication, volunteering, learning, decision-making, and community collaboration. In addition to her work at Nantucket, Jafri has been a member of the AACPS Parent Involvement Advisory Council for three years and the chair for the past two years. She also represents PIAC on the Countywide CAC.

“We are simply blessed to have her in our school system,” Superintendent Kevin Maxwell said.

Along with the award, Jafri will receive a $500 gift card to Target. The Maryland Parent Involvement Matters Award is the only one of its kind in the nation. This is the fifth year the award has been handed out.

Do you know Ambareen Jafri? Tell us in the comments.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here