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Education

Family Support Specialist Helps Students Succeed

by Sharon Wozny August 1, 2013
written by Sharon Wozny August 1, 2013

Mesa Public Schools value their children, and always want what is best for them.

A total of 34 schools in the district are of lower economic status, and have a family support specialist. This is a way to give every child a fighting chance to succeed in school.

Lianne Merrill is that person for Taft Elementary School. She is no stranger to Taft, as her children are alumni, and she has been a volunteer there for 24 years. Lianne describes herself as a server personality, whether in church, school, cub scouts or her job. It is her calling to be a community liaison.

As a family support specialist, Lianne’s main role is to be a go-between for families and school, so they can all be on the same page, and parents can help the students. The programs are individual at each school with a family support specialist. They are tailored for each school’s population.

Her job description varies from week to week. Lianne plans family nights, works with the Title 1 specialist on workshops about the common core, literacy, math and other school needs. She handles the volunteers and donations, which come her way.

Lianne has the support of Skyline Fellowship, Calvary Free Lutheran Church, Viewpoint Retirement Resort, Red Mountain Christian Center, Church of the Master, Kiwanis Club and Las Palmas RV Resort. She also has received a grant from Virginia Piper and money from School Sense. Lianne couldn’t do for Taft Elementary School’s families without all this support.

In total, 63 families and 158 students were recipients of donations this past year. They received Thanksgiving dinner boxes, back-to-school backpacks filled with supplies, and during the holidays, families were adopted and given gifts and food to make the season special.

Talking with Lianne, her passion and love for her job are evident. “This is my life,” she said. “I love helping people. I love to see families together and interacting with each other.”

Taft Elementary School is fortunate to have Lianne. Her dedication to helping the families attending Taft is what the school needs. She is excited for the future and for new programs to be starting under her direction. One of those programs is a family literacy program for children 5 years old and younger. Thank you, Lianne, for helping the Taft community.

If you are interested in donating to Lianne Merrill’s programs or volunteering, you may contact her at (480) 472-9145, or at lxmerrill@mpsaz.org.

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